The Korean folk song Arirang holds a special place in Korea’s cultural identity, but few people know that its first known recording was made far from Korea. More than a century before modern K pop reached global audiences, a group of Korean students helped introduce the song to the world from the United States.

History of ARIRANG

Arirang is believed to be several centuries old and is often described as Korea’s unofficial national anthem. The song exists in many regional versions and carries themes of longing, separation and perseverance. These emotional elements reflect the concept of “han,” a deep cultural feeling that blends sorrow, resilience and hope. Over time, Arirang has been sung in homes, fields and public gatherings and has become a powerful symbol of Korean heritage.