Kouh
Kouh is a traditional Korean percussion instrument that belongs to the family of drums. It is commonly used in various types of Korean music, including court music (*gagok*), folk music (*minyo*), and modern Korean classical compositions. The name "kouh" is derived from the Korean word for "drum," though it is often referred to by its Chinese character, 口胡, which translates to "mouth drum" due to its distinctive playing technique.
The instrument consists of a small, cylindrical drum made from wood, typically with a diameter of about
In traditional Korean music, the kouh is frequently paired with other percussion instruments like the *janggu*
The kouh is not only a musical instrument but also holds cultural significance in Korea, reflecting the