Every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the sounds of drums and gongs fill the 4^th floor of the Bupyeong 4-dong Community Center. This is where the Daejeong Samulnori Troupe, a traditional percussion group from Bupyeong 4-dong, practices.

Reporter: Lee Sung-jin

The Daejeong Samulnori Troupe was officially formed in 2007, when leader Kim Young-ae, who was attending the community center for yoga classes, decided to reorganize an existing percussion group and begin new activities. The troupe currently has 22 members, including four married couples.

Among the couples, Seo Cheol-gyo and Kim Ok-sik joined three years ago—with Kim joining first, followed by her husband, who joined at her encouragement. Seo said with a laugh, “Practicing and meeting the members always lifts my spirits and improves my health. And whenever we’ve had a small argument at home, we end up reconciling naturally while practicing together here.”

Another couple, Lee Chang-ho and Kim Jung-hee, joined under similar circumstances. Kim said, “Through these activities, we’ve built greater trust in each other and strengthened our relationship.”

The eldest member, 84-year-old Kim Jung-soon, applied to join two years ago after moving from Seoul. “I was worried about feeling lonely after moving here at my age,” she said. “But thanks to this group, I’ve made many friends, and my life has become brighter and healthier.”

Choi Jong-rak, who has been with the troupe for 12 years, said, “Memorizing rhythms and performing seems to help my memory and may even help prevent the onset of dementia.”

Meanwhile, the Daejeong Samulnori Troupe recruits new members every March, June, September, and December. Those interested can apply at the Bupyeong 4-dong Community Center.