Originating in Central Asia, it was introduced to the Korean peninsula from China, and has been used there as early as the Three Kingdoms period in the states of Goguryeo and Baekje.

[1] The instrument consists of a tube of bamboo, which is perforated with finger holes, and has a large double reed.

Additionally, the North Korean daepiri is a modernized piri with keys and a bell, looking much more like a western oboe.

[2] In general, the method of playing the piri is to sit upright, pull the chin slightly, straighten the back to make it easier to breathe, hold the flute in both hands, and bite it in mouth.

[4] The piri is believed to have been introduced to Korea from Kucha, a Buddhist oasis state of Central Asia (modern-day Xinjiang) before the Goguryeo period.