The Korean Cultural
Outreach Network (KCON) will host a daylong festival featuring
Korean drumming on Sept. 14, in Cypress Hills’ Highland Park
from noon to 5 pm.
The 2,000-year-old Korean tradition of poongmul, or drumming,
was begun by shamans to repel evil spirits and to celebrate the
planting of crops or harvesting, explains Jenny Kim of the KCON.
In the process, poongmul lifted the spirits of the villagers
and farmers and increased work productivity during arduous seasons.
Similarly, KCON hopes to both lift the spirits and unite the
Korean, black and Hispanic communities of East New York and Cypress
Hills with its music, dance and food, while encouraging young
Korean-Americans to take pride in their cultural heritage.
This event is free and open to the public. Highland Park is located
near Cemetery of the Evergreens, next to the playground, off
Jamaica Avenue at Linwood Street. For more information, call
(917) 834-6045 or visit the Web site at www.poongmul.com.
