The earliest national instrument came into being in Ancient Korea (early 30th century B.C.-108 B.C.) which entered the civilized age first in the East in the early 3000 B.C., giving great influence to the development of musical instruments in neighboring countries.

Korean ancestors further developed the musical instruments and steadily increased their kinds. The number of their kinds reached over 50 in the period of Three Kingdoms (early 3rd century B.C.-middle 7th century A.D.), over 60 in Koryo period (918-1392) and at least 80 in the period of the Feudal Joson Dynasty (1392-1910).

The birth of such wind, stringed and percussion instruments as flute, kayagum and drum laid a material foundation for the organization of professional orchestra at that time.

A royal orchestra involving one hundred and tens of musicians was organized in the Koryo period and in the early period of the Feudal Joson Dynasty, and a new musical notation was created in the 15th century to be widely used in court music and folk music. Musical scores edited in the periods were recorded on the Chronicles of the Feudal Joson Dynasty and have been conveyed till now.

The development of national instruments, together with the national orchestra, was deterred due to the vandalistic policy the Japanese imperialists had enforced after occupying Korea militarily early in the 20th century.

It was after Korea's liberation from Japan's colonial rule (August 15, 1945) that the national instruments could greet the heyday of their development.

President Kim Il Sung wisely led the work to improve the traditional instruments in keeping with the requirements of the times and modern tastes.

In particular, Oungum and Okryugum, new national instruments, came into being and many other instruments were wonderfully improved under the energetic guidance of Chairman Kim Jong Il in the 1960s and 1970s.

The improved instruments able to render the national music and foreign music freely are playing a big role in the development of national music like the mixed orchestra of Juche type.

A comprehensive national instrument production base is in Thongil Street of Pyongyang, the capital city of the DPRK.