Guitarra Portuguesa & Gayageum: Traditional Strings That Reveal a Korea–Portugal Connection

Rosa Gulliver of TINYGMUSIC | November 17, 2025

Two nations on opposite sides of Eurasia share a surprising musical bond through instruments that express the emotional beating heart of their cultures.

When most people think about what Korea and Portugal have in common, they might picture shared maritime traditions, strong food cultures, or parallel paths of modern development. Yet one of the most unexpected and meaningful connections between the two countries comes from the world of traditional music.

In Portugal, the shimmering sound of the guitarra Portuguesa instantly evokes the mood of fado. In Korea, the gentle, resonant tones of the gayageum (가야금) carry centuries of court music, folk melodies, and poetic expression. Though these instruments evolved independently, their purpose, symbolism, and emotional impact are remarkably alike.

Portugal’s guitarra Portuguesa, “The Voice of Fado,” is a 12-string, teardrop-shaped instrument central to fado, Portugal’s most iconic urban folk genre. With its bright, metallic sound, it accompanies singers who explore themes of love, longing, and the passage of time.

Guitarra Portuguesa - Photo Credit: Rosa Gulliver

Characterised by the use of fingerpicks to create a clear, crisp, expressive sound, distinctive tremolo techniques evocative of the human voice, and a close association with Lisbon's cultural heritage, the guitarra Portuguesa symbolically represents “saudade,” a Portuguese sentiment encompassing nostalgia and yearning.When a ‘guitarra’ player begins a fado introduction, listeners often describe the sensation as “hearing the soul of Portugal.”

Korea’s gayageum, a timeless sound across court and folk traditions, dates back to the ancient Gaya Confederacy and remains one of Korea’s most beloved traditional instruments. Originally used in royal court music, it later spread through folk traditions and is now played in genres ranging from pansori to modern fusion.

The Gayageum is distinguished by its soft, warm, and vibrational tone, achieved through plucking and string bending. It is used in court music, folk songs, and contemporary compositions, symbolising artistry, refinement, and Korean cultural identity.Its sound is often associated with “Han,” a deep emotional sentiment of endurance, sorrow, and quiet resilience.

Korea’s Gayageum - Photo Credit: Rosa Gulliver

Saudade & Han, two cultures, one emotional language. Despite emerging from entirely different cultural backgrounds, the guitarra Portuguesa and gayageum share a common artistic mission: to express emotions too complex for ordinary words. In Portugal, “Saudade” is a bittersweet blend of longing, memory, and affection. In Korea, “Han” is an enduring feeling of sorrow, hope, and emotional strength.

Both concepts are reflected in the musical styles each instrument supports, making them powerful tools for storytelling and cultural expression.

The similarity continues with both instruments using parallel expressive techniques that imitate the human voice. The guitarra Portuguesa uses ornaments and tremolo to echo the fado singer’s phrasing. The gayageum uses vibrato and sliding gestures to create lyrical, voice-like lines.

Both instruments are used in traditions where storytelling plays a major role. In Portugal, fado is a type of sung poetry. The gayageum plays a vital role in deeply ingrained traditional storytelling in Korea's pansori and folk narratives, where it frequently enhances vocal performance or dance.

Each instrument also serves as a cultural ambassador for its country, representing its national history, emotion, and artistic identity. Both instruments have symbolic status acknowledgement.

In recent years, artists from Portugal and Korea have found that their traditions work well together, connecting the past with the present. The gayageum is incorporated into K-pop collaborations, jazz, and movie compositions. Portuguese musicians perform on international music stages using the guitarra Portuguesa.

Both instruments are a cultural connection worth celebrating. The relationship between the guitarra Portuguesa and the gayageum highlights a broader truth: Korea and Portugal, though distant, share a deep appreciation for music that captures the human heart. Both instruments remind us that cultural heritage is not only preserved through history but also felt through sound, in notes that vibrate, linger, and carry meaning across generations.

Through these strings, the two nations find common ground, showing that emotional expression is a universal language.