True Korean Beat
-by Stephanie Maing
Having grown up in Korea I vaguely remember witnessing SamulNori as a youth. It was usually during some sort of a festival time or history-related event. So what exactly is it? SamulNori is a group of dynamic musicians dedicated to performing and preserving traditional Korean music and dance. It is a modern incarnation of traditional farmer’s music called “Nongak,” once performed during harvest season to ensure a bountiful harvest. It is also deeply rooted and influenced by Korean Animism and Shamanism. Celebrating togetherness and living in harmony, it was the Korean way of life for many years, particularly in the countryside.
Why the name? Samul means “four things” and Nori means “play.” And indeed it is a quartet musical ensemble composed of four Korean percussion instruments. Each instrument represents an element of nature. Janggo, the hourglass drum, imitates rain. The barrel drum, Buk, represents clouds and provides the bass sound. Jing is a large Gong and stands for wind due to its long reverberations. And the fourth, Kkwenggwari, or small Gong represents lightning and creates the fastest and highest pitched sound.
My personal SamulNori revival occurred long after my journey West. When I first moved to North America, I began studying Classical music and spent high school days listening to Nirvana and The Notorious B.I G. Yes, I was a girl of the Nineties -- and SamulNori became buried in the past, among many other childhood memories. That is, until one day when I was randomly surfing Youtube, trying to quench this strange ongoing appetite for true Korean culture. That’s when I discovered the beats of SamulNori, and I was immediately and tremendously moved. Its powerful and passionate yet raw, earthy beat resonated so deeply in my heart it was like a coup d'etat erupted in my soul.
Sure, KPop is trendy and fun. But SamulNori rings deep and original - deeply human, and distinctly Korean.
Watch SamulNori here.