Saturday: noon Penobscot, 9:15 p.m. Penobscot; Sunday: 1:15 p.m. Penobscot

Sounds of Korea presents a rich array of Korea’s diverse, ritual-based dances and percussion. The group is part of the Korean Traditional Performing Arts Association, a New York-based community organization that works to preserve, cultivate and disseminate Korean culture. Its members consist of individuals from the New York Korean-American community who are dedicated to promoting intercultural understanding and appreciation of Korea’s artistic heritage and history. Their repertoire showcases both court and folk traditions.

Under the direction of folk dancer Sue Yeon Park, the association has instituted several weekly classes in Korean folk music and dance. Folk singing is taught in weekly sessions by others in the association, as are kayagum (12-stringed zither) and poongmul (percussion ensemble). The newest additions to the weekly calendar are classes for daegum (transverse bamboo flute) and danso (small flute).

Sounds of Korea’s performances include the buchae-ch’um (fan dance), which developed in the 18th century. The grace of the music, the traditional attire and shifting designs created by the dancers and their fans represent flower gardens. The fan is an important element in Korean shamanistic rituals. Apart from its everyday function, it is thought to expel evil and encourage prosperity.

Another of the ensemble’s performance pieces is the s’am-g’o-m’oo, or Buddhist drum dance. In Korea, the puk (drum) is traditionally an earthly symbol of heaven. The Korean origin myth tells that the puk was brought to Earth by the gods of wind, cloud and rain. The s’am-g’o-m’oo dancers’ beating of the drum is meant to instruct the evil-minded on the ways of heaven and to save creatures from suffering.

The fruits of the association’s endeavors are seen in its participation in cultural festivals and presentations around the country.

Members of the KTPAA have performed for the inauguration of the New Jersey governor; at the Guggenheim Museum; at Boston, Yale and Columbia universities; and at the Salute to Israel Parade. The KTPAA also presents annual performances at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall.