A person playing a bamboo flute was depicted in a mural of a Koguryo tomb dating back to the mid-4th century. This shows that Thungso has been made and used before that time.

Thungso was also called Thongso as it is a wood wind-instrument held out vertically.

Thungso with peculiar timbre had been rapidly disseminated to the people as it was a major instrument of civilian band in the period of the feudal Joson dynasty (1392-1910). It was widely used in accompanying folk song and solo in Hamgyong Province and other regions.

It is characterized by tuneful and soft timbre.

The typical music played by it is a national instrumental heritage "Sinau".

Today, "Sinau", rearranged in various forms including chorus and national orchestra, is recognized as the piece depicting well the people's sentiments and emotions with the peculiar sound of national instruments such as the charming timbre of Thungso.