Arirang

Arirang, traditional Korean folk song closely associated with Korean cultural identity in both North and South Korea. In the modern era, particularly following the division of Korea in the mid-20th century, “Arirang” has come to be understood as a symbol of shared cultural identity on the Korean Peninsula despite political division. “Arirang” is also associated with the concept of han, a culturally specific term referring to a deep sense of sorrow and endurance shaped by Korea’s 20th-century experiences of colonial rule and civil conflict. The song has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by both South Korea (in 2012) and North Korea (in 2014).

Thousands of regional variants exist, but most share a refrain resembling “arirang, arirang, arariyo” and are sung to closely related melodies. The lyrics commonly express themes of separation, longing, endurance, and love. Although no single version of “Arirang” is authoritative, a widely recognized version known as “Bonjo Arirang” (“Standard Arirang”), associated with Seoul, was popularized through the 1926 film Arirang and is frequently cited as a representative example of the song.

Origins and history

“Arirang” is not a word in modern Korean, and the origin of the term is unknown. It may have no meaning, or it may derive from an archaic Korean word whose meaning has been lost. Numerous speculative etymologies have been proposed. Some scholars have suggested that ari may once have meant “beautiful” and rang “beloved one.” Others have proposed connections to a Jurchen word meaning “hometown,” to a corruption of the name Alyeong (the first queen of Silla), or to the name of an Indian deity, reflecting the historical influence of Indian religion on East Asia. None of these explanations is definitive.

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The origins of the song itself are also unclear, though many scholars trace it to the mountainous Jeongseon region of present-day Gangwon province. The earliest known reference to “Arirang” appears in a manuscript dated to 1756, though local tradition in the Jeongseon area holds that the song is much older and may date to the Goryeo period (935–1392).

Cultural significance

It was during the 19th century that “Arirang” evolved from a regional folk song into a widely recognized symbol of Korean identity. During the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910–45), when Korean language and culture were systematically suppressed, “Arirang” came to function as a symbol of cultural resistance and an expression of Korean identity.

Following Japan’s defeat in World War II in 1945, Korea was divided into a communist state in the north, led by Kim Il-Sung, and a U.S.-backed state in the south, led by Syngman Rhee. The outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, initiated by the North’s invasion of the South and involving U.S. and Chinese forces on opposing sides, resulted in an enduring political and cultural division between North Korea and South Korea. Despite this division, “Arirang” retained cultural significance in both countries and continued to serve as a symbol of shared heritage transcending ideological boundaries.

In North Korea, the song later lent its name to large-scale performances known as the Arirang Mass Games, combining music, gymnastics, and political spectacle. In South Korea, which also experienced periods of authoritarian rule during the 20th century, “Arirang” continued to be sung at pro-democracy demonstrations as an expression of popular resistance. Over time it also came to be used as a song of national pride, particularly at international sporting events.

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