Teaching East Asia: Korea Teaching East Asia: Korea | Page 207

Arirang – English Translations
Arirang expresses the strong national sentiment of the Korean people. With a
plaintive melody this beautiful song expresses sorrow over loss and the will to
endure in spite of every hardship.
English translations vary.
Version One:
Refrain: Arirang Arirang, Arariyo
Arirang Pass is the long road you go
If you leave and forsake me, my own,
Ere three miles you go, lame you’ll have grown.
Wondrous time, happy time let us delay
Till night is over, go not away
Arirang Mount if my Tear-Falling Hill,
So seeking my love, I cannot stay still.
Version Two:
Refrain: Arirang, arirang, arariyo.
Arirang, crossing over the hill,
My dear who has abandoned and left me
Has not even traveled ten miles before having feet pains.
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