Puk

The word puk in Korean is the generic term for the word “drum,” and there are several kinds of puks in Korean music. However, the most common are the p’ungmul puk used in farmer’s band music, and the sori puk used to accompany p’ansori singing (Korean traditional narrative storytelling). The puk is a shallow, double-headed barrel drum with a wooden body made of paulownia or poplar, and heads made of deer hide, horsehide, or cowhide, although cowhide is most common. The size of the puk varies from region to region and according to purpose (sori puks may by larger than the puks used in farmer’s band music), but the heads generally range from 35-40 cm in diameter (13½ to 15½ in). They are approximately 20-25 cm deep (7½ to 9½ in). The skins of p’ansori puks are permanently nailed around the body of the drum, while the skins of the p’ungmul puks are attached to each other by lacing leather strings across the body of the drum.

The puk does not play complex rhythms like the changgo, but rather provides a strong, consistent pulse throughout a performance. It is one of the four basic percussion instruments in Korea.

The puk is played with a bare stick made of birch wood. In p’ansori accompaniment, the puk is situated vertically on the floor while the player (known as the gosu) is in a seated position striking one head with the bare palm and the other with the drumstick. Ornamental patterns and accentuated beats are played out on the top, over the rim of the drum. In p’ansori performances, the gosu customarily shouts out cries of encouragement know as chuimsae, to complement and support the singer as the tale unfolds.

In p’ungmul nori, the puk is usually tied to the body of the player with a sash slung across the shoulder, and like the changgo, is carried around to facilitate walking and dancing. The puk in p’ungmul music is played with the stick in one hand while the other hand braces the drum against the body. Though it is rare, there are regions in Korea where the puk is sometimes played like the changgo, with two sticks.