From a 9-year-old child to adults in their 40s, 40 residents of the United Arab Emirates took to Korean traditional music this month, learning to play the traditional "janggu" drum and culminating their lessons with a live performance in Abu Dhabi. The Korean Cultural Center UAE held its 2026 Overseas Korean Traditional Music School in partnership with the National Gugak Center from Oct. 5 to Thursday at Arirang Hall inside the center. The program introduced participants to the fundamentals of Korean traditional music, including basic rhythms and ensemble playing, before they demonstrated their skills at a showcase on Thursday. Kwon Oh-sung, an instructor affiliated with the National Gugak Center and a certified practitioner of "Namsadang Nori," a traditional Korean performing art designated as an intangible cultural heritage, led practical lessons for two classes. Participants learned the janggu's basic structure, playing posture and stick techniques before practicing traditional rhythms and coordinating their performances with one another. Organizers said bringing together participants