Samulnori is a captivating form of Korean percussion music featuring four musicians playing traditional instruments: kkwaenggwari (small gong), jing (large gong), janggu (hourglass drum), and buk (barrel drum). It evolved from rural folk music and has become a celebrated symbol of Korean culture worldwide.

This year the Dublin Samulnori team has collaborated with Byun Sang-ah who is a traditional Korean dancer, active on stages in various countries as a holder of the UNESCO-listed Korean intangible cultural heritage dance, Cheoyongmu.

The first dance, which is performed by Byun Sang-ahin with Dublin Samulnori, will be a Buknori or “drum dance”. Buknori is a rhythmic traditional Korean folk dance that involves beating drums with both hands to wish for everyone’s health and well-being.

This is followed by Hanryangmu which is a dance that looks back to the times of Hanryang. These were gentlemen in olden times, wearing hats and robes. It’s an elegant and energetic dance.