Doo-Doong Samulnori is a passionate Korean percussion ensemble based in Dublin, Ireland, dedicated to sharing the vibrant energy and cultural spirit of samulnori with local and international audiences. Founded to bridge Korean traditional music with Irish cultural communities, our ensemble brings together musicians who share a deep appreciation for Korean heritage and a commitment to cultural exchange.
Through dynamic performances, educational workshops, and community engagement, Doo-Doong Samulnori creates meaningful connections between Korean and Irish cultures, celebrating the universal language of rhythm and music. Our performances showcase the powerful, energetic nature of samulnori while honoring its roots in Korean agricultural and folk traditions.
Samulnori (literally "playing four things") is a vibrant genre of traditional Korean music performed with four core instruments, each contributing unique sounds and textures to create a complete musical experience:
The Four Instruments
Kkwaenggwari
The kkwaenggwari is a small hand-held gong, typically measuring around 20 centimeters in diameter, that produces a piercing, commanding sound. Made of brass with a thin metal rim, it serves as the lead instrument in the ensemble, often playing complex rhythmic patterns and signaling changes in tempo and dynamics. The player holds it with one hand and strikes it with a small mallet, creating sharp, bright tones that cut through the ensemble's sound and guide the performance.
Jing
The jing is a large suspended gong, usually measuring 30 to 40 centimeters in diameter, that produces deep, resonant tones. Traditionally made of brass, it provides the foundational rhythm and acts as the "breathing" of the ensemble. The jing creates long, sustained sounds that represent the wind, and its deep vibrations add weight and gravity to the music. Played with a padded mallet, the jing marks important transitions and creates atmospheric depth, symbolizing the natural world in Korean cosmology.
Janggu
The janggu is an hourglass-shaped drum with two heads of different sizes, offering remarkable rhythmic versatility. The larger head (played with a padded stick) produces low, resonant tones representing earth, while the smaller head (played with a thin stick) creates higher, sharper sounds representing heaven. This dual-tone capability allows the janggu to play complex rhythmic patterns and serves as the backbone of the ensemble, connecting the other instruments with its versatile beats.
Buk
The buk is a barrel-shaped drum with two heads, traditionally made from a hollowed-out log with animal skin stretched across both ends. This powerful drum drives the ensemble's rhythm with its strong, steady beats. Played with a thick stick, the buk provides the foundational pulse and represents thunder in Korean symbolism. Its deep, percussive sound adds power and intensity to the performance, creating the driving force that propels the ensemble forward.
History and Evolution of Samulnori
Samulnori traces its roots to nongak (farmer's music) and pungmul (traditional Korean folk percussion music), which were integral to Korean rural communities for centuries. These musical forms were traditionally performed during agricultural festivals, village ceremonies, and shamanic rituals, serving both as entertainment and as a means of bringing communities together.
In 1978, the modern art form of samulnori was created by Kim Duk-soo and three other master musicians, who adapted the traditional farmer's music for the concert stage. They refined the dynamic rhythms, developed new compositions, and transformed it into a celebrated contemporary performance art. Since then, samulnori has gained international recognition and is now performed on stages worldwide, while maintaining its connection to Korean cultural identity.
The Philosophy of Samulnori
Each of the four instruments in samulnori represents different elements of nature and Korean cosmology. The kkwaenggwari symbolizes lightning, cutting through with its sharp sound; the janggu represents rain, with its dual-toned versatility; the buk embodies thunder, with its powerful, driving beats; and the jing signifies wind, with its deep, sustained tones. Together, they create a musical representation of the natural world and the harmony between heaven and earth.
The music itself reflects the cycles of life—seasons, agricultural rhythms, and human experiences. From moments of intense, driving energy to playful, lighthearted passages, samulnori captures the full spectrum of human emotion and the interconnectedness of community and nature.
Doo-Doong Samulnori's Mission
Through our performances, Doo-Doong Samulnori brings this rich cultural heritage to Ireland, offering audiences an unforgettable glimpse into one of Korea's most dynamic and iconic musical traditions. We perform at cultural festivals, community events, educational institutions, and concert venues throughout Dublin and beyond.
Our mission extends beyond performance—we are committed to cultural exchange and education. Through workshops and interactive sessions, we introduce audiences to the instruments, rhythms, and cultural significance of samulnori, fostering understanding and appreciation of Korean culture while building bridges between diverse communities in Ireland.
Whether performing for large festivals or intimate gatherings, Doo-Doong Samulnori brings the same energy, precision, and passion that has made samulnori a celebrated art form worldwide. We invite you to experience the powerful rhythms, dynamic textures, and moments of both intensity and playfulness that make samulnori a truly unique and captivating musical tradition.
Performance Videos
Experience the energy and spirit of Doo-Doong Samulnori through our performances. Each video showcases the dynamic rhythms, powerful beats, and captivating energy that make samulnori a truly unique musical tradition.