What is Pungmul?

Pungmul is one of the oldest Korean folk arts tradition, where various artistic components (music, dance, drame, etc.) come together as one. Sometimes, it refers only to the musical part, played with a number of percussive instruments, namely Kwaenggari, Janggo, Buk, Jing, and Sogo

 

(From left to right, Kwaenggari, Jing, and Taepyungso)

Pungmul is often classified as farmers' music, as it is believed that rhythms of Pungmul were originated from the repetitive motion of the agricultural labor. However, one can easily find influences on Pungmul from the native religion (Shamanistic culture), Buddhism, and military music.

Pungmul has a very special place in the rich cultural heritage of Korea, since the history of Pungmul reflects the history and lives of the whole Korean people. The basic rhythms and instruments of Pungmul are not very difficult to play, so it inherently is a participatory music. During big festivals such as the New Years Day, everyone in the village would play the drums and dance to the rhythms, expressing communal solidarity and relieving the hardship of the daily lives. Pungmul has the power of bringing the whole community together, and in the old days it was played and enjoyed in every villages and towns in Korea on many different occasions. The fundamental philosophy of Pungmul, thus, is the unity of people and the community.

Pungmul also possesses musical sophistication and power. Drums are the most fundamental and natural instruments of humankind; thus, Pungmul speaks to the hearts of people. Some compare the music of Pungmul to the sound of heartbeats, and it is said that rhythms of Pungmul take both the listeners and players into musical ecstasy. Recently (since 1978), extracting the musical essence of Pungmul and modernizing it, a new genre called Samulnori has won various awards in world percussion music festivals and surprised the international music community.

Most importantly, Pungmul is a living tradition. Unlike the court music tradition that died with the old dynasties, Pungmul has succeeded in adapting itself to the modern culture. On one hand, it is still played in its original/traditional forms. On the other hand, different aspects of Pungmul are modified and updated with the changing times. A new style of Pungmul called Samulnori, which has brought traditional, outdoor Pungmul into concert halls, is a good example. A number of musicians are even experimenting Pungmul with jazz, rock, or classical music in an effort to create a new music.