UAE residents take Korean traditional music from classroom to stage

In a unique cultural exchange, 40 residents from the United Arab Emirates engaged in Korean traditional music this month, mastering the art of playing the janggu drum. The initiative, hosted by the Korean Cultural Center UAE in collaboration with the National Gugak Center, ran from October 5 to Thursday at Arirang Hall in Abu Dhabi.

The program, which spanned two classes, provided participants with an introduction to the basics of Korean traditional music. This included teaching them fundamental rhythms and ensemble playing techniques. Under the guidance of Kwon Oh-sung, an instructor from the National Gugak Center and a certified practitioner of Namsadang Nori, a traditional Korean performing art recognized as an intangible cultural heritage, the learners delved into the janggu's structure, proper playing posture, and stick techniques.

The highlight of the program was a showcase on Thursday, where the participants demonstrated their newly acquired skills. Organizers expressed their satisfaction with the collaboration, noting that it brought together a diverse group of individuals, ranging from a 9-year-old child to adults in their 40s, to share in the rich tradition of Korean music.