Samulnori: Korean traditional percussion

Having had the chance to watch some Korean traditional performances in the past,  I think I am most familiar with the Samulnori.

Samulnori is a type of percussion music from Korea. A combination of the Korean words “samul” which means four objects and “nori” meaning to play; samulnori is always played with four instruments, namely the kkwaenggwari, ching, changgo, and buk, the same instruments used in pungmulnori. Each of the instruments represents different elements in nature: kkwaenggwari is thunder; ching is wind; changgo is rain; and buk is the clouds. Samulnori performances more often than not are done indoors and are tailored as a stage art. Because of the extremely complex and technically difficult patterns,  it does not call for audience participation in the dancing unlike the pungmulnori.  

Samulnori can be considered as a derivative of pungmulnori. In the late 70s, a group of pungmul players headed by Kim Duk Soo formed a group called SamulNori. The group is credited not only for reviving this art form in Korea but in garnering worldwide acclaim and acceptance for this Korean art, music and dance . The fusion music created by the combination of Samulnori with western music has added to the mass appeal of Samulnori.

Pungmulnori: Korean folk music

One of the representative dances of Korea is the Pungmulnori. Not only is it considered as one of the oldest and most popular folk arts of Korea but this is one art which is deeply rooted in its farming lifestyle and culture. Pungmulnori is a type of art which includes drumming, dancing and singing and was originally played to wish for a good harvest of the year and other collective farming operations of the community as well as in various occasions, celebrations, festivities, and during planting and harvesting seasons.

Pungmulnori is traditionally performed outdoors and drumming is the fundamental element. The basic instruments used are the kkwaenggawari (small gong), changgo (two-headed hourglass drum), ching (large gong), and puk (barrel shaped drum). In some instances, wind instruments are included such as the nabal (long trumpet), or the taepyongso (conical oboe). Aside from the drummers the dancers often play the sogo (tiny drum) and perform acrobatic movements. All the performers are dressed in colorful costumes. Some would even wear hats with a long ribbon attached to it that would create elaborate patterns whenever the performers move their head while spinning and flipping.

While court music faded with the dynasties, Pungmulnori to this day, still lives on in Korea.