About Us

Hansori at UCI is a student run organization located at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), which strives to preserve traditional Korean culture through the practice of traditional Korean drumming known as 풍물 (Pungmul) and
사물놀이 (Samulnori). The group is open to anyone interested in learning about Korean heritage and traditional culture, providing a space for people to celebrate their Korean identities and to spread cultural awareness.

Hansori at UCI was formed in 2002 by 5 UCI students inspired by a 김덕수 (Kim Duk Soo) 사물놀이 (Samulnori) performance at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. 

Using their prior experiences and with the support of local Samulnori groups, Hansori would learn and play pieces such as 영남 (Yeongnam) and various marching rhythms during the early years.

Over time as more members with Samulnori experience would rotate through the club, Hansori would refine their techniques and learn more pieces such as: 북노리 (Buknori), 웃다리 (Utdari), 상모판굿 (Sangmo Pangut), and 설장구 (Seoljanggu).

The group would also have some name changes, originally being known as "Hansori: Korean Cultural Awareness Group," later becoming "UCI Hansori," and now as "Hansori at UCI." However, most people know us simply as "Hansori" – meaning "One Sound," referring to the four drums playing together.

Hansori has also participated in many on- and off- campus events:

• Since 2003, Hansori has collaborated with their sister club, UCLA 한울림 (Hanoolim), in their annual 지신밟기 (Ji Shin Balp Ki) celebration in Koreatown, Los Angeles. To this day, Hansori continues this annual tradition, marching around Koreatown to bless the store owners and community during the Lunar New Year.

• In 2019, Hansori hosted its first "Spring Showcase," beginning an annual tradition where members displayed all the performance pieces they learned during the year and providing a final send off to our graduating members.

• Other significant performances include: UCI's Lunar New Year Festivals (LNYF), Irvine Korean Cultural Festival (IKCF), Disney's LNYF, Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF), and many other cultural events and festivals.

Hansori is a fully student run organization, however we only exist and are able to grow and continue on because of the support of our many friends and alumni throughout the years, our sister groups that have come and gone, and the many campus and local resources. Those that have helped us – whether providing resources, donating, or offering performance opportunities – we thank you for helping us keep this tradition alive.