Pungmul

Pungmul (p'ungmul) is a traditional Korean music style. Each performance includes tens of dancers, drummers and singers. In the beginning pungmul was performed by farmers during everyday events or in shamanistic rites. Nowadays it can be seen at various public events like for example Incheon Bupyeong Pungmul Festival. Pungmul is usually done outdoors.

Drummers performing pungmul music are led by kkwaenggwari (small handheld gong) player. Other musicians in the group play buk (barrel drum), gong and janggu (hourglas drum). It is not uncommon that several wind instruments (t'aepyongso, nabal) are also used.

Dancers participating in the Pungmul music often play a small drum known as sogo. There is an interaction between performers and the audience. Establishing this connection is the duty of japsaek (actors). They wear funny clothes.

Singing in pungmul includes various folk songs (minyo) and chants. Persons performing the pungmul music wear traditional Korean clothes. On their heads they have a hat called kkokkal. The hat has a long ribbon attached to it.