Harmony in the Forest: A Magical Musical Journey with Dung Dda Koong

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, in collaboration with the Namwon National Gugak Center, recently hosted "The Forest Music Band, Dung Dda Koong," a two-day cultural event that brought the enchanting world of traditional Korean music to life.

A Musical Journey at Tanghalang Ignacio Jimenez (CCP Black Box Theater)

On August 18, the Tanghalang Ignacio Jimenez came alive with the sounds of traditional Korean instruments as "The Forest Music Band, Dung Dda Koong" took the stage. The event attracted a diverse audience of around 200 attendees, including parents, children, and solo goers, all eager to immerse themselves in the unique musical experience.

The performance, presented by the Namwon National Gugak Center, was a delightful blend of interaction and education. Children were given the opportunity to experience traditional Korean instruments such as the haegeum, gayageum, geomungo, and ajaeng. The highlight of the show was the heartwarming narrative of the musicians preparing for their Tiger-friend’s birthday party, a story that captivated the audience and provided a perfect backdrop for showcasing the beauty and intricacies of Korean traditional music.

A Day of Cultural Exchange at the Korean Cultural Center

The following day, August 19, the event continued with a two-part workshop at the Korean Cultural Center, focusing on Pansori, Janggu, and the instruments featured during the performance. Selected members of NARA, KCC's all-female Filipino Korean traditional performance team, as well as participants from the Center's language and culture classes, were invited to deepen their understanding of these art forms.

The morning session introduced participants to the fundamentals of Pansori and Janggu, offering a rare chance to learn from experts from the Namwon National Gugak Center. In the afternoon, the focus shifted to hands-on learning, allowing the participants to explore the instruments they had seen performed the day before.

A Lasting Melody

The success of "The Forest Music Band, Dung Dda Koong" is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the unifying spirit of music. The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines remains dedicated to creating more opportunities for Filipinos to experience the richness of Korean culture. As the sounds of the haegeum, gayageum, and Janggu continue to resonate in the hearts of those who attended, we look forward to many more shared moments of harmony and creativity in the future.