#1 What is Arirang?

Arirang is a famous Korean traditional song where some even described it as an unofficial anthem for Korea where it was said to come from late 19^th century. There are many versions of Arirang by region. However, Jeongseong Arirang is known to be the original representing all of Arirangs as it’s the oldest version of Arirang in Korea, sung for at least 600 years. It’s been said that Jeongseon Arirang has been a tradition for loyalists of Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) where people sing their deep resentment and concealment when Goryeo Dynasty perished and Joseon Dynasty is being established.

#2 Why is Arirang important to Koreans?

History said that during the sorrowful moments of the colonial period and Korean war, people of Korea sang Arirang as a source of comfort. The song also brought people together as they share and get through happiness, sadness, or even heartbrokenness during these times. These days, loads of parents would sing Arirang to their kids. Thus, most Koreans generally picked up the song since birth.

#3 How did Jeongseon Arirang became known nationwide?

It seem that it has something to do with the Gyeongbokgung Palace Reconstruction era. In 1867, during the regency of Daewongun (Prince Lee Ha Eung), father of Gojong (last emperor in Joseon Dynasty), Gyeongbokgung palace buildings were reconstructed. It took them 7 years to form a massive complex with 330 buildings and 5,792 rooms. At 4,657,576 square feet of land, it became an iconic symbol for both Korean nation and the Korean royal family.

During the reconstruction, workers throughout the country were called in to Hanyang (now known as Seoul) to work on site. Workers sang many work traditional songs together to relieve stress and to comfort themselves and among many songs, Jeongseon Arirang was one of the most popularly sang by the workers as it has a nice chorus part (Arari-Arirang) to sing along.

After the palace was completed, workers went back to their hometown and with that, Arirang song was spread all over the regions in Korea. It is said to have made Jeongseon Arirang, Miryang Arirang, and Gyeohggi Arirang to be widely popular and learnt by many nationwide.

Jeongseong Arirang Festival is an annual festival that’s usually held in October in efforts to preserve and develop “Jeongseong Arirang”, and intangible cultural heritage acknowledged by UNESCO in December 2012. Details as below:

Date: 29 September – 2 October 2017

Location: 112, Bongyang-ri, Jeongseon-uep, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do

Addmission: Free

How to get there: From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Jeongseon. From Jeongseon Terminal, 
take a taxi to the festival grounds. (5-10min)