We would like to thank Kowoon Lee for this article on the Korean song, Arirang. Interested in learning more about Arirang? Attend this session at The Piano Conference: NCKP 2025 on Thursday, July 24, 2025, 1:30-1:55pm CDT. Learn more and register for the conference here.
1. Cultural Understanding
As Korean culture continues to gain global influence through K-pop, Korean cinema, TV shows, and dramas, learning the quintessential Korean folk song Arirang can serve as a bridge to a deeper appreciation of Korean art, language, and traditions. Arirang is more than just a song; it embodies the culture, history, and spirit of Korea. It represents Korea––our emotional and cultural identity. In the Korean language, the word “we”—“우리” [Uri]—is commonly used in daily language. We say “our country” instead of “my country” and “our mom” instead of “my mom.” Arirang expresses Han, an internalized feeling of deep sorrow, resentment, grief, regret, and anger. We sing Arirang not only in moments of sadness, but also in moments of joy and longing. Do you have Korean piano students? Are you friends with Koreans? Learning about and connecting with this song offers a unique opportunity to appreciate Korean traditions and cultural heritage. It also shows your appreciation for Korean culture to those around you.
2. UNESCO Recognition
Arirang is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). ICH encompasses the practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as cultural heritage. This living cultural heritage includes oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, nature-related knowledge, and traditional craftsmanship. Preserving these traditions reinforces identity and fosters respect for cultural diversity.
3. Personal Growth
Learning about new cultures challenges your way of thinking, making you more adaptable, open-minded, and resourceful. It provides insight into how others think, feel, and experience the world, fostering empathy and respect. This deeper understanding helps you appreciate the perspectives of people from different backgrounds and supports your personal growth, enhancing problem-solving skills and cognitive abilities. By learning the iconic Korean folk song Arirang, you not only recognize and respect diversity, but also contribute to a more inclusive world.
4. Expand Your Repertoire
Whether for teaching, performance, or both, expanding your repertoire is always exciting. Arirang is an excellent starting point to explore Korean culture and to better understand the traditional musical language of Korea. In addition to learning about Arirang, you will also be introduced to works by three Korean women composers, opening up opportunities for further research. This will diversify your teaching and performing repertoire, setting you apart from others.
5. Endless Possibilities for Pianists
As pianists, we all know that it is impossible to learn every single piano piece in the world. Arirang, an oral traditional folk song, has around 3,600 variations across approximately sixty versions. Is it too much to learn at once? Perhaps. While learning them all might seem daunting, my presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of Arirang and the piano music inspired by it. Don’t miss the chance to broaden your musical horizons at The Piano Conference: NCKP 2025!
Sources
Article
Lee, Dong-Kyu. “A Study of ‘Jeongseon Arirang’ by Min-Hyeong Lee: Elements of Korean Traditional Folk Music.” The Choral Journal 61, no. 4 (2020): 63–74. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27034992.
Website
UNESCO. “Arirang, Lyrical Folk Song in the Republic of Korea.” Accessed February 25, 2025. https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/arirang-lyrical-folk-song-in-the-republic-of-korea-00445.
News Journal
Babe, Ann. “How the South Korean Language Was Designed to Unify.” BBC, December 18, 2017. https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20171217-why-south-koreans-rarely-use-the-word-me.
Media
Foundation for the Promotion of Traditional Performing Arts. “The Story of Arirang.” Posted May 28, 2014, by YouTube, 8:09. https://youtu.be/CxxpFegNLik?si=9o6CMLI2h0u1MZ8Y.
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