Aegukga - South Korea National Anthem

Aegukga is the national anthem of South Korea. The title literally means "The Song of Love for the Country," or "The Patriotic Song."

It is believed that the lyrics were written for the cornerstone-laying ceremony of the Independence Gate in Seoul in 1896 by Yun Chiho, a politician, or by An Chang-ho, a pro-independence leader and educator. Initially, Aegukga was sung to the tune of the Scottish folk song "Auld Lang Syne", introduced to Korea by Western missionaries. The Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea (1919-1945) in Shanghai, China adopted it as their national anthem. At a ceremony celebrating the founding of South Korea on 15 August 1948, exactly three years after liberation from Japanese rule, the Scottish tune was finally replaced by the Finale of Korea Fantasia that Ahn Eak-tae had composed in 1935. The new "Aegukga" was later adopted by the Presidential Decree of 1948 by then-President Syngman Rhee (or Lee Seungman).

South Korea National Anthem Lyrics

South Korea

Aegug-ga
(Patriotic Hymn)

Latin Transliteration

Tonghai Moolkwa Paiktusani
Marugo Taltorok
Hananimi Pohohasa Uri nara Mansei

CHORUS

Moogungwha Sanchulri Hwaryu Kangsan
Taehan Saram Taehan euro Kiri Pochun Hasae
Namsan Uye Chusonamu
Chulkapeul Turultut
Paramisul Pulbyunhamum Uri kisang Ilsae

CHORUS

English Translation:

Tong Hai Sea and Pakdoo Mountain, so long as they endure,
May God bless Korea our land for endless ages to come!

CHORUS

North to south bedecked with flowers, land of beauty rare,
May God keep our country united and preserve our land.
Eternally Naamsaan's pine trees stand like an armour sure,
Through whatever tempest or danger, as our symbol of strength.

CHORUS

YouTube Music Video Description
MUSIC, VIDEO & PHOTO

FLAG & NATIONAL ANTHEM
Yun Chiho
Photo