[Culture Column] The Sound of Korea – Punggyeong and the Aesthetic of Silence

🔔 [Culture Column] The Sound of Korea – Punggyeong and the Aesthetic of Silence

Traditional Korean culture expresses delicate emotions not only through visuals but also through sound. One symbolic element of this is the punggyeong (風磬), a small metal wind chime traditionally hung from the eaves of Buddhist temples. Far from being a mere ornament, it carries deep cultural and spiritual meaning.

Punggyeong creates sound not by human hands but by the wind. Its gentle chime resonates through quiet spaces, calming the listener and creating moments of introspection. In Buddhism, it is said to awaken the mind and dispel delusion. In Korean folklore, it has been regarded as a talisman to ward off evil spirits. Today, it has also become a symbol of tranquility and rest.

This auditory culture reflects the Korean aesthetic of "the beauty of empty space". Rather than loud, commanding sounds, punggyeong offers soft tones that blend into the environment. Its charm lies not in being heard, but in being noticed when the moment is right — a sound that finds the listener, not the other way around.

In modern times, punggyeong is also being rediscovered as a popular interior item. It brings subtle beauty and serenity to places like cafes, hanok (traditional Korean houses), and even apartment balconies.

In a world where even sound is consumed rapidly, the punggyeong whispers gently:

“You don’t need to stop. Just listen, quietly.”
Korea’s sonic heritage lives on — deeper than words, closer than noise.