2024 HASAMO KOREAN CULTURAL PERFORMANCE IN LIVERMORE

On the beautiful afternoon of Sunday, November 3rd, under the vibrant colors of fall, we gathered at the Livermore Public Library. For the third year in a row, Hansamo hosted a public event for community at the Livermore library to share and celebrate Korean culture. This year we invited a Taekwondo team to add a variety to the program.

Even during the rehearsals, local residents showed curiosity, gradually taking their seats. Many stayed through to the start of the performance, eagerly anticipating the show. Paul Sevilla, the library liaison, warmly introduced the event, thanking Hansamo for bringing such an engaging and exciting display of Korean traditional culture to the community.

The first performance was Samgomu by the dance team. The rhythmic beats—tatak-tatak, torororo, doong-doong-doong, doodoong-doodoong—captivated the audience, holding their attention with the performers’ precise coordination and powerful drumming. Despite the fast-paced rhythm, the performers’ movements were perfectly synchronized, showcasing their dedication and practice.

Next, the Nanta team took the stage. While Samgomu, Nanta, and Pungmulnori all center around percussion instruments, Nanta stands out for its majestic and dynamic energy. The performers struck large drums with rhythmic power, combining choreography and beats to create an intense and mesmerizing performance. Two friends, who have been performing together for four years, brought a relaxed yet joyful chemistry to their act.

Alpha Martial Arts Taekwondo Team followed with a stunning demonstration set to music. The team, made up of students of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, executed precise and disciplined movements with intense focus. The audience was visibly impressed, responding with enthusiastic applause.

Finally, it was time for the Pungmulnori team. The student representatives introduced traditional Korean instruments—buk (drum), kkwaenggwari (small gong), janggu (hourglass drum), jing (large gong), and taepyeongso (traditional oboe)—explaining the symbolic connection between each instrument and nature. The students gave a brief demonstration, making the Pungmul tradition feel more accessible and inviting.

The performance culminated in a pungmulnori (traditional farmers’ band performance), starting with the exhilarating, piercing sound of the taepyeongso. One of our senior students, Rayoon, had faced challenges with the taepyeongso during rehearsal but overcame them through diligent effort, repeatedly cleaning and fine-tuning the instrument. Hearing the clear and unbroken notes during the show made the struggle all the more worthwhile, and Rayoon’s dedication was deeply moving.

As the performance continued, the layered sounds of the buk, janggu, kkwaenggwari, and jing built up an infectious rhythm. The energy soared with beona (spinning dish tricks) and the mesmerizing movement of sangmo nori (long ribbon hat). Chris, Hyunhoo, and Noah performed the dish-spinning act with such focus and precision, and the crowd was thrilled when they had a chance to try it themselves. Andrew, a student who recently started practicing the 12-foot sangmo, even added a playful yawn mid-performance, winning over the audience with his charm and humor.

As the performance reached its peak, the kkwaenggwari and jing led a powerful crescendo with the buk and janggu, delivering the unforgettable climax of Pangut. The synchronized movements and vibrant sounds blended into a true celebration that felt like a joyful feast.

The event ended with thunderous applause from the audience. The crisp autumn weather, the smiles of the attendees, and the hard work of Hansamo students and parents made the day a truly memorable one.