Questions & Answers
Category:Culture
There are a number of versions of this popular folk song, depending on the area of the country one hears it. The literal translation appears to be "beautiful dear". Some say the name comes from a mountain pass. The origins have been lost in history, but the song represent yearning, abandonment, aloneness such as that of a lover left behind.
A bit more fancifully, "Ari" could be from the Korean word 아리따운 meaning "beautiful" and "rang" could be from "sarang" - "love". The most commonly heard version is a comparatively recent (older versions date back 600 years) Seoul Arirang, and the popularity of that stems from a 1926 movie titled (you guessed it) "Arirang". This was a strong anti-Japanese occupation film with the Samil (3-1) movement at the center of the story. All things considered, it's remarkable that the film was allowed to be shown, let alone become as popular as it did.
Another version of Arirang that was popular with Peace Corps volunteers (who were in Korea from 1969 to 1981) while drinking mokkoli with friends is the Milyang Arirang. Somehow that song just goes with friends and mokkoli.
K4E Editor: Korea4Expats.com tries to ensure that the information we provide is accurate and complete, so should you notice any errors or omissions in the content above please contact us at info@korea4expats.com.- My students keep asking me if I've had lunch or breakfast. Are they inviting me to eat with them?
- I've received some gifts I can't use for Chuseok. What should I do?
- Why is there no 4th Floor button in many elevators?
- Why are we not supposed to write people's names in red ink?
- What does 'Arirang' mean?
- What is the main religion in Korea?
- Is Korean 'shamanism' similar to that of North American Indians?
- What is Chuseok?
- What is the rule of thumb about gift-giving for Chuseok?
- What kind of gift is appropriate at Chuseok?
- I've been told that I'm expected to give one month's salary each to my Korean driver and maid for Chuseok and Lunar New Year? Is that correct?
- Why is November 11th called Pepero Day in Korea?
- Is fortune telling popular in Korea?
- I've been asked, in a social conversation, what my blood type is. Why is that?
- I've seen Korea written as Corea in some documents. Which is the correct spelling?
- What is a cultural property? And what is the difference between a tangible and intagible cultural property?
- Why do some Koreans hang fish in homes, stores, etc? Is it related ot the wooden fish hanging in temples?
- I've read about people feeling insulted if a Korean uses 'nopinmal' with Koreans but 'banmal' with them. What's the difference between the two?
- I've heard that the 14th day of the month is a special 'love' day. What does that mean?
- Do Koreans celebrate Valentine's Day?
- Why do Korean talk about Korean age and Western age?
- Why does South Korea have such a high Christian population for a country that was not colonized by Western powers?
Children/Families
Food Eating
General Info
- Where can I get weather information?
- Is it true that everyone should have a business card in Korea? I'm not working, do I need to have one also?
- What is the difference between a 'gu' and a 'dong'?
- What is a yogwan?
- What is the difference between a 'hogwan' and a 'yogwan'?
- I hear people chanting Dae Han Min Guk a lot. What does it mean?
- Is it true that tattoos are illegal in Korea?
- We hear a lot about how much Koreans spend on education. How much is spent on public education in Korea?
Government Regs
Health
Networking/Socialising
Security
Teaching in Korea
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Dental Clinics incl. Dentists, Orthodontists
hus-hu Dental Clinic, English-Speaking Dentist in Bundang, Gyeonggi-do, Korea -
Dental Clinics incl. Dentists, Orthodontists
A Plus Dental Clinic, English-Speaking Dentists, Eun-Pyeong, Seoul -
Dental Clinics incl. Dentists, Orthodontists
A Plus Dental Clinic, English Dental Services, Bundang, Gyeonggi Province -
Accounting/Bookkeeping services
Yehsung Tax Accounting, Seocho-gu, Seoul -
Doctors, Hospitals, Intl Clinics
Chiro Song Clinic, Medical and Chiropractic Care, Gangnam, Seoul -
Entertainment
National Theater of Korea, Traditional Arts, Seoul -
Schools Nursery to University
Branksome Hall Asia, English International School JK-Grade 12, Jeju Island, Korea -
Business and Networking Associations
American Chamber of Commerce in Korea, AMCHAM, Seoul
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