Arirang is an ancient form of lyrical singing that is transmitted and recreated orally. It exists in traditional, classical, and modern forms in Korea. There are 60 different versions of the folk song, with 3,600 variations, all of which end with the refrain, "Arirang, arirang, arariyo."
It’s believed that the word "Arirang" originated from the region of Jeongseon, Gangwon Province and is more than 600 years old. The term "Arirang" is ambiguous in meaning, but some linguists speculate that "Ari" meant "beautiful" and "rang" meant "beloved one" or "bridegroom" in ancient Korean. When these two words were used together, the term Arirang meant "My beloved.”
From 1910 to 1945, when the Japanese occupied Korea, singing was heavily censored, including the national anthem. As a result, Arirang became an unofficial anthem. In 1919, the March 1 Movement was an international Korean demonstration against the Japanese Empire. Protesters sang "Arirang" during the demonstration. During the occupation, "Arirang" was written with themes of injustice, the plight of laborers, and mountain guerrillas fighting against the fascists.
A craze for Korean culture developed in Japan when the Japanese occupied Korea. Arirang folk songs enable many people to express their feelings and help them overcome grief. They also contribute to mutual respect and peaceful social development. In the performing arts, cinema, literature, and other works of contemporary art, they serve as a symbol of unity.
A popular form of Arirang is transmitted formally, at first: children listen to their parents and neighbors sing the folk song to them at home, on holidays, and in daily life. Students are also trained in performing it at school. Middle school and university curricula include Arirang as a must in all courses, and students like it very much. Professional practitioners are often the ones who teach them, who make regular contributions to the regular school curriculum. Government-sponsored cultural events allow the people to learn and sing folk songs. The Pyongyang Kim Won Gyun Conservatory sponsors Arirang-related cultural events regularly.
Today, many institutions and organizations in the country disseminate knowledge and skills related to the element for the benefit of dedicated students. These institutions and organizations include the National Authority for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, the Korean National Heritage Preservation Agency, the Korean Musicians Union, the Korean Traditional Music Research Institute, the Pyongyang Kim Won Gyun Conservatory, and local Arirang safeguarding societies.