A South Korean instrument maker has won a gold medal for the first time at an international string instrument making competition in Italy.

A cello made by Jung Ga-wang earned the top prize in the category at the 15th International Triennale Violin Making Competition Antonio Stradivari that wrapped up on Wednesday.

The Museo del Violino, the organizer of the contest, will purchase Jung's cello, called "L'insostenibile leggerezza dell'essere," at 24-thousand euros or 31 million won and display it along with other prize-winning instruments.

The International Triennale is the world’s premier string instrument making competition and includes categories for violin, viola, cello and double base.