Master Craftsman Continues Legacy of Korean Drum Making

In a quiet workshop on the outskirts of Goyang, Lee Jeong-gi, a master craftsman and human cultural asset for "instrument making," continues a legacy of traditional Korean drum artistry. For 52 years, Lee has dedicated himself to the intricate craft, a journey that began after he was captivated by the "Gukak Gwebeom," a comprehensive treatise on Korean music, in his youth.

Lee inherited the tradition from his mentor, Park Gyeun-seok, a renowned drum maker known for the "Yeongcheon drum." Park, who became a human cultural asset for "drum filling" in 1980, instilled in Lee the importance of sound and meticulous craftsmanship. Now, Lee works alongside his son, Lee Seon-yong, continuing the family tradition. Their collaboration exemplifies "bu-ja-yu-chin" (father-son intimacy), with synchronized movements as they shape drum bodies from carefully selected wood.

The process is described as "super-precision handicraft," where thin wooden pieces are fitted together to form a perfect circle. The resonant sound of the hammer, likened to a "moktak" (temple block), echoes the dedication poured into each instrument. Lee's journey was not always smooth; he worked various odd jobs before finding his calling, often reading late into the night, his fingers stained with ink and sometimes blood from the demanding work.

Lee's dedication extends to preserving the soul of the drum – its sound. He emphasizes that a drum is only complete when it resonates with a "deep vibration felt in the chest, not just the ears." This pursuit of sonic perfection, a principle inherited from his mentor, guides his work, ensuring that each drum he creates is not merely an object but a vessel of profound cultural heritage and artistic expression.