Pungmul facts for kids
Pungmul is a lively Korean traditional music performance. It combines drumming, dancing, and singing. Most Pungmul shows happen outdoors. Many performers move constantly during the show.
Pungmul started from the farming culture in Korea. Farmers originally played it while working or during village celebrations. It was also part of shamanistic and Buddhistic rituals.
What Performers Wear
Pungmul performers wear very colorful costumes. A common hat is the kkokkal, which looks like a flowery version of a Buddhist hat. Skilled performers sometimes wear a sangmo. This is a special hat with long ribbons. They can spin and flip these ribbons in cool patterns by moving their heads.
Music and Instruments
Drumming is the most important part of Pungmul. Each group has a leader who plays the kkwaenggwari. This is a small handheld gong. The group also includes at least one person playing a janggu, which is an hourglass-shaped drum. There's also a buk, a barrel drum, and a jing, which is a larger gong. Sometimes, wind instruments like the t'aepyongso and nabal play along with the drums.
Dancing and Acting
After the drummers, dancers perform. They often play a sogo, a small drum that makes little sound. Their choreography (dance moves) can be quite fancy.
Finally, there are japsaek, who are actors. They dress up as funny caricatures of old village characters. They walk around and interact with the audience. This makes everyone feel like part of the show.
Singing Along
Sometimes, performers sing Minyo, which are traditional Korean chants. The audience often sings and dances along with great energy. Most Minyo songs follow special rhythmic patterns called jangdan. These patterns are also used in other Korean music styles like Sanjo and P'ansori.
