Aegukga

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 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.

Korean Words

1. 동해물과 백두산이 마르고 닳도록 하느님이 보우-하사 우리 나라만세 무-궁화 삼-천리 화려강-산 대한사람 대한-으로 길이 보전하세.

2. 남산위에 저 소나무 철갑을 두른 듯 바람서리 불변-함은 우리 기상일세. 무-궁화 삼-천리 화려강-산 대한사람 대한-으로 길이 보전하세.

3. 가을하늘 공활한데 높고 구름없이 밝은달은 우리-가슴 일편단심일세. 무-궁화 삼-천리 화려강-산 대한사람 대한-으로 길이 보전하세.

4. 이기상과 이맘으로 충성을 다하여 괴로우나 즐거-우나 나라 사랑하세. 무-궁화 삼-천리 화려강-산 대한사람 대한-으로 길이 보전하세.

English Translation (machine translation)

1. The frost damage water and Paek Tu Mt. to dry and in order to wear out, the God confronted protection - staff sargeant our country eternity nothing - palace anger three - the long distance gorgeous river - the mountain the person against, - with under length preserving tax.

2. It put around that pine tree armor piercing above the south mountain, tus wind frost unchangeability - the box our weather one three. Nothing - palace anger three - the long distance gorgeous river - the mountain the person against it confronted, - with under length preserving tax.

3. The autumn sky worker bow outdoors it is high and the cloud the month when it dawns without us - breast one side grade core one three. Nothing - palace anger three - the long distance gorgeous river - the mountain the person against it confronted, - with under length preserving tax.

4. It finishes a loyalty at and this Mam convenience and but cul well! - it cries but under country loving tax. Nothing - palace anger three - the long distance gorgeous river - the mountain the person against it confronted, - with under length preserving tax.

External link

MIDI File (http://www.pyc.pe.kr/midi/k00.mid)