Aegukga

Aegukga is the national anthem of Republic of Korea. The title literally means The Song of Love for the Country.

It is believed that the lyrics were written toward the end of the 19th Century either by Yun Ch'i-ho, a politician, or by An Ch'ang-ho, an pro-independence leader and educator. Initially, Aegukga was sung to the Scottish folk tune Auld Lang Syne. During Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945), the song was
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banned, but overseas Koreans continued to sing it, expressing their yearnings for national independence. In 1937, Ahn Eak-tae, an internationally noted Korean musician based in Spain, composed the music for Aegukga. His work was officially adopted by the Provisional Korean Government (1919-1945) in Shanghai, China. Aegukga was sung at a ceremony celebrating the founding of the Republic of Korea on August 15 1948. However, it had never been officially adopted by the government, and continues to serve as an unofficial anthem.


Roman Transliteration

1.

Donghae mulgwa Baekdusani mareugo daltorok
haneunimi bouhasa urinara manse

2.

Namsan wie jeo sonamu cheolgabeul dureundeut
baram seori bulbyeonhameun uri gisangilse

3.

gaeul haneul gonghwalhande nopgo gureum eopsi
balgeun dareun uri gaseum ilpyeondansimilse

4.

i gisanggwa i mameuro chungseongeul dahayeo
goerouna jeulgeouna nara saranghase

Refrain

mugunghwa samcheolli hwaryeogangsan
Daehan saram Daehaneuro giri bojeonhase

English Translation

Part 1: Until the East Sea's waves are dry, (and) Mt. Baekdusan worn away, God watch o'er our land forever, our country forever!

Part 2: Like a Mt. Namsan armored pine, standing on duty still, wind or frost, unchanging ever, be our resolute will.

Part 3: In autumn's, arching evening sky, crystal and cloudless blue, be the radiant moon our spirit, steadfast, single and true.

Part 4: With such a will, (and) such a spirit, loyalty, heart and hand, let us love, come grief, come gladness, this our beloved land!

Refrain: Rose of Sharon, thousand miles of range and river land! Guarded by her people, ever may Korea stand!