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Experience the Joy of Music and Play

Incorporating fun activities into our lives is essential for self-expression, rejuvenation, and fostering creativity. Music, one of the oldest and most significant aspects of human life, serves as a powerful means of expression, connection, and healing. With this in mind, we are creating a vibrant community in the Boston area centered around Korean traditional folk music, specifically pungmulnori (풍물놀이), where "pungmul" refers to both the instruments and the music itself, and "nori" means "play." This lively art form embodies rich cultural heritage while encouraging collaboration and joy, making it an ideal avenue for connecting diverse individuals.

Join Us to Connect the Community Through Pungmul-Play

Pungmulnori is a dynamic Korean tradition that seamlessly integrates drumming, dancing, and singing in various group formations. Historically, it has played a vital role in fostering harmony among community members and strengthening bonds during activities such as farming, celebrations, rituals, military training, and overcoming challenges. In modern times, pungmulnori continues to connect people, promote cultural understanding, and celebrate shared experiences. This vibrant tradition also serves as the foundation for the staged performance known as “Samulnori” (사물놀이).

While each region of Korea has its own style of pungmulnori, the core ensemble typically includes four percussion instruments and one melodic instrument. The two leather percussion instruments, the buk and the janggu, along with the two metal instruments, the kkwaenggwari and the jing, create a beautiful harmony that reflects the balance of yin and yang. The basic beat of the buk, reminiscent of distant clouds, resonates with the heart, elevating emotions, while the dynamic rhythms of the janggu evoke the lively patter of rain, adding excitement. The kkwaenggwari, a small gong, leads the music with its thunderous, vibrant sound, enhancing the exhilarating spirit, while the large gong, jing, provides a soothing backdrop that envelops the performance like a soft breeze.

Complementing the drumming, the taepyeongso elevates the mood with melodies that convey a rich array of emotions, often tinged with melancholy. Finally, the dance and singing, accompanied by colorful costumes representing the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), invite joy and facilitate self-expression, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the music.

Let’s Play, Dance, and Connect!

Our goal is to foster a welcoming environment where individuals of all skill levels can immerse themselves in the beauty of Pungmul. We aspire to enrich Boston’s cultural diversity through this Korean traditional art form while creating unique opportunities for people to connect through music.

신명나는 가락으로 삶에 활력을!

보스턴의 문화 다양성을 확장하고 사람들을 연결해 더 나은 지역 사회를 만들어갑니다.

Energize your life with the vibrant rhythms of Korea!

Expand Boston's cultural diversity and connect people to build a better community.