아리랑 (Arirang)
Arirang is deeply ingrained in the tumultuous history of Korea from both a distant past and its modern state. It is a song about separation, lost love, tragedy, pain, yet perseverance and deep love for the nation. Arirang is one of the most popular folk songs in Korea, becoming almost an unofficial national anthem. Its actual origin is unknown.
There are 4 main kinds of Arirang based on lyrics, style and tune and rhythm:
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Gangwon Arirang
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Seoul or Geyonggi Arirang
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Miryaying Arirang
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Jindo Arirang
One of the best known variations of this song comes from Gangwon Province, memorializing King Danjong (1441-1457) from the Joseon Dynasty who lived a very short life after he was exiled to Gangwon Province by his uncle (https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20220728000506).
Many variations of this song exist with different situations, thus underlining the deep array of creativity on the part of the Korean people.
Foreign visitors to Korea from the 19th century made a similar remark, specifically Homer Bezaleel Hulbert (1863-1949). He noted that “Singing Arirang is like rice to Koreans. Koreans sing because they love to sing.” https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20220728000506
There are instances of this song being sung by Koreans in the military in foreign lands or those captured during the war. Arirang has become a part of the Korean experience for most soldiers fighting in wars.
Here is a vintage scarf made during the Korean War in 1951 with the Korean Arirang song on it:
Photo © Hyungwon Kang
In 2011 the Korean government has expressed interest to register the Arirang song and all its variations under the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
To quote the National Folk Museum of Korea “Arirang represents all the joys and sorrows in the history and lives of Koreans. It is deeply rooted in Koreans’ emotion as the cultural DNA.”
This song is sung by people in both North and South Korea alike as it continues to evoke deep feelings of patriotism and nostalgia about their nation and their culture alike. This is especially important as Arirang was prohibited during the 30+ years of Japanese occupation (1910-1945).
Modern day singers have created their own versions of Arirang or sang existing versions in their own genre.
Here are some examples:
IU:
BTS:
Song So Hee (송소희):
So Hyang (소향):
The meaning behind these lyrics is very poignant and elicits feelings of pain and loss even to those who have not experienced such tragic history.
Here are the main lyrics of the standard Arirang:
“Arirang, arirang, arariyo.
You are going over Arirang hill.
My love, you are leaving me
Your feet will be sore before you go ten ri.
Just as there are many stars in the clear sky,
There are also many dreams in our heart.
There, over there, that mountain is Baekdu Mountain,
Where, even in the middle of winter days, flowers bloom.”
I first heard this song a couple of years ago while watching KBS Immortal Song and I was moved to tears by the incredibly powerful voice of KIM, So Hyang (김소향). The emotion she felt while singing the song resonated with me so deeply and made me research the meaning behind such a heartfelt song.
Arirang is a truly beautiful song to sing and to listen to because no matter how treacherous the path ahead lies, hope never dies.
Thank you for reading.
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