Dec. 26, 2024 Thursday  
Rodong Sinmun
Folk Song "Arirang"

History 2024.8.9.


Among the intangible cultural heritages created by Korean ancestors is the folk song "Arirang".

"Arirang" was widely sung in the northwestern part of Korea at the end of the 14th century and had been called a folk song for hundreds of years since then, producing different varieties and forms.

"Arirang" has been most popular among the people as it truthfully reflects sorrow and joy at the parting and reunion between men and women, optimism and joy at the working life and desire and aspiration to live happily in a bright world.

According to regional characteristics, there are "Sodo Arirang", "Jonchon Arirang", "Kangwon Province Arirang", "Haeju Arirang", "Onsong Arirang", "Tanchon Arirang", "Musan Arirang" and "Kosan Arirang".

"Arirang" is a legacy inherited and developed generation after generation as it implants the soul and patriotism of the nation.

In the era of the Workers’ Party when the popular masses’ independence is realized, new songs were produced like "Arirang for Prosperity" and "Arirang for Army-People Unity".

Folk song "Arirang", an intangible cultural heritage of the DPRK, was registered in the "typical list of intangible cultural heritages of mankind" in Juche 103 (2014).

Rodong Sinmun