Woonsun Lee is a South Korean classical guitar maker in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. Trained through a long apprenticeship and the study of Torres and Bouchet, he has built only concert guitars in his own workshop since 2009. GSI is his exclusive dealer in the USA.
At a Glance
- Workshop: Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
- Own workshop since: 2009
- Trained: Apprenticeship in Paju, Gyeonggi Province
- Influences: Antonio de Torres and Robert Bouchet
- Known for: Origami-lotus rosettes and "Limited" guitars from limited-stock woods
- At GSI: Exclusive US dealer
A Eureka Moment
Woonsun Lee has been drawn to the classical guitar his entire life, yet he still had his "Eureka" moment: as a teenager he heard Kazuhito Yamashita play Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez" in concert and decided to devote his life and energy to the guitar. For years he studied the instrument with the best teachers in his area, but after much exploration, personal setbacks and family advice it became clear that his calling was as a luthier.
He took up an apprenticeship in Paju, in Gyeonggi Province, where he built hundreds of student and concert guitars – often working seven days a week on about five hours' sleep a night. There he studied the structures of the Torres and Bouchet models and let them shape his own work, and he restored many historical instruments, adding to his knowledge. In 2009 he set up on his own as an independent maker.
Understated Elegance
Woonsun's style is understated, yet elegant and perfectly executed; his carpentry reveals a craftsman who understands wood at a very intimate level. The central band of his rosette is an origami-lotus motif made entirely of long-grain wood, which gives it more sparkle in changing light, and his subtle use of maple in the tie block, center strip of the head and purfling frames each guitar beautifully. For tone, he seeks as natural a sound as possible, letting the woods vibrate freely.
The Workshop
Woonsun Lee Guitars at GSI
We are thrilled to represent Woonsun Lee exclusively in the USA.
Many Woonsun Lee guitars have passed through our doors since 2012. You'll find guitars currently in stock by clicking the "Guitars In Stock" button in the header of this page as well as earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the "Guitars In Museum" button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Woonsun Lee?
A South Korean classical guitar maker in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, with his own workshop since 2009; GSI is his exclusive US dealer.
What is a Woonsun Lee "Limited" guitar?
A guitar built from woods of his limited stock, marked "Limited" on the label.
