2024 Korean Cultural Festival
The 10th Hansamo Showcase & Award Night
Hansamo hosted the "2024 Korean Culture Festival: The 10th Hansamo Showcase & Award Night" on April 20th at the San Ramon Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center. Established in 2011 to support the inclusion of a Korean language class in the San Ramon School District, Hansamo has grown into a key promoter of Korean language and traditional culture in the Bay Area. The event featured a variety of performances, including Pungmul (traditional Korean drumming), Nanta (drumming performance), Samgomu (three-drum dance), Gayageum (traditional Korean string instrument) solo and ensembles, Buchaechum (fan dance), Cheongsachorong (traditional lantern dance), Sa-sin-gi-chang (traditional four-god spear dance), and Sogeum (small flute) performances, showcasing the dedication and hard work of the students.
Special guest performers included Ms. Hong Joo-hyun, and Ms. Park Sun-hee, who performed Gayageum solo and ensembles, respectively. The finale, a vibrant Pungmul performance, Pangut brought together the sounds of traditional Korean instruments and dynamic visual elements, creating a festive atmosphere that both students and the audience enjoyed. Additionally, the event was enriched by performances from Park's Pinnacle Taekwondo team and traditional dances by Dougherty Valley High School's Filipino-American Club and Vietnamese Student Association, highlighting the multicultural aspect of the festival.
An award ceremony recognized students for their dedication and community contributions, with awards presented by various local dignitaries, including Hansamo President Younsu Oh, Korean Education Center Director Wan Hee Kang, Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen, San Ramon Mayor Dave Hudson, and representatives from the offices of California State Senator Steve Glazer and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. Supervisor Andersen praised the Hansamo performances as her favorite, and other representatives expressed admiration for the students' high-quality performances and community involvement. One of the audience, who introduced herself as a new immigrant, shared her emotional connections to the performances, underscoring the cultural significance of Hansamo's efforts. Mayor Hudson and his wife, Barbara, expressed their ongoing support and appreciation for Hansamo's impactful performances, highlighting the group's role in fostering cultural pride and community spirit.