Samulnori Drum Class

Each month there are Korean culture classes organized by Dalma Busanbuddhism. These classes are available for free to any foreigner. I attended last month's class with Anne, Renee, and Anne's couch-surfer friend Shady. We learned how to play traditional Korean Salmunori drums at Hongbeospa Temple.

Samulnori consist of playing four traditional instruments symbolizing nature. The kkwaenggari (hand gong meaning thunder), changgu (hourglass drum meaning rain), buk (fold drum meaning cloud), and ching (a large gong meaning wind). The instruments are played in various arrangements of beats. It rocked my world.

First we gathered in a big field to watch a performance demonstration. The air was chilly, but the beats were smokin'. They then passed out drums to all the participants and taught us some basic rhythm patterns.

Watching the performance

Passing out drums at the temple.

Big circle, with everybody in it.

Here are some videos of us playing the drums after our lesson. I got to play the rain drum.

Afterwards, we played a traditional game and frolicked in the field like kids at recess. This was ridiculously fun. Dancing and running in big open spaces needs to be a part of my life more often.

Anne, Renee, Myself, Shady, and a friend as we left the temple.

If you are in Busan and interested in the culture classes, just visit Dalma Busanbuddhism page on facebook here. Then "friend" them to receive information on future events.

It is so wonderful to have these opportunities to learn and to play and to share. I'm so looking forward to the next one: lantern making!


Directions to Hongbeopsa
From Nopo station, take Exit 1.  It is easiest to take a taxi from there.

There is however, a temple shuttle bus that leaves from Nopo station during the culture class events.  But more information can be found at the website: https://www.facebook.com/busanbuddhism.  You can subscribe to their facebook page to receive information about future events as well.