▲ A child performer twirls his sangmo(long tailed hat). Photo by Kim Jinmi

‘What does it mean to be "natural’? Nature understands art and art comes naturally from nature," said Ko Eungyeong as she introduced a Korean traditional outdoor performance at the Halla Arboretum in Jeju City on Sunday, June 1.

It was in a quiet Sunday evening and we were with friends and family. There were Korean traditional rythms and music and we were surrounded by sweet-scented wild flowers and grasses. It was a delicious scene to enjoy!

HanaArt will be performing the "Pine tree forest gugak concert" every Sunday at 8 p.m. until August. They perform various Korean traditional rythms and music and this is the second time it has been held after its inaugural run last year when attendees cooled off with music in the hot summer.

▲ Hana Art members plays cheerful percussions. Photo by Kim Jinmi

Among the many upbeat performances on the night was "Wind Amusement," which was a small orchestra using various Korean percussion instruments, the daegeum (Korean pipe) and a synthesizer.

The performance started with a quiet bell ringing and this was followed by cheerful low-toned drumming. The sounds seemed to mimic light winds which became swirling and powerful through the use of the percussion instruments.

Finally, Bu Haemi burst into song and with her dashing voice the music was led into a big stream of wind. There were families, partners, friends, adults, children and tourists and all mingled and swayed to the music and songs with clapping and support.

▲ Various Korean traditional percussions. Photo by Kim Jinmi

Hana Art perfomes Korean traditional music and rythms at various places including talent donation events in wellfare centers and at conferences and hotels since 2002. All members majoyed in traditional music and instruments, and have a great deal of musical experience.

"Pine tree forest gugak concert"

Every Sunday, 8-9 p.m. until Aug. 31 (*May be called off in bad weather*)

Entry is free but boxes are set up around the event for donations.

Location:

Outdoor stage, Halla Arboterum entrance (to the right of the "Biwon" restaurant).

100 Nohyung-dong, Jeju city (New address system : 3-1 Sumokwon-gil, Jeju-si)

Transport:

Bus no. 9, 30, 46, 51, 90, 95, 200, 740

Get off at "Halla Sumokwon".