Doraji-taryeong
Vocals: Lee Chun-hui
Region
Genre
Usage
Gyeonggi
Gyeonggi Minyo
Amusement Song
Doraji-taryeong is a beloved Gyeonggi folk song that captures the scene of gathering bellflower roots in deep mountains through a bright and cheerful melody. Originally a slow tune from the Eunyul region of Hwanghae Province, it evolved into a lively Semachi-rhythm song through the influence of Seoul and Gyeonggi singers. This record is an archival resource curated to preserve the song's primary lyrics and its historical transmission context.
Commentary & Notes
Simsim-sancheon: A term referring to deep, secluded mountains and valleys where few people travel.
Baek-doraji: Refers to white-flowered bellroots, which have been highly valued as traditional medicine for their healing properties.
This song originated in Eunyul, Hwanghae Province, and was refined into a rhythmic Gyeonggi folk song as it traveled to Seoul and the Gyeonggi region.
Cultural Context
Since Korea's liberation, this folk song has been performed worldwide as a representative national anthem alongside 'Arirang.' It persists as a North Korean gayageum piece and a folk song for ethnic Koreans in China, serving as a vital cultural heritage that unites the Korean people beyond division and migration.
LYRICS
도라지 도라지 백도라지
심심산천에 백도라지
한두 뿌리만 캐어도
대바구니로 반실만 되노나
에헤요 에헤요 에헤애야
어여라 난다 지화자 좋다
저기 저 산 밑에 도라지가 한들한들
도라지 도라지 도라지
은율 금산포 백도라지
한 뿌리 두 뿌리 받으니
산골에 도라지 풍년일세
(후렴)
도라지 도라지 도라지
강원도 금강산 백도라지
도라지 캐는 아가씨들
손맵시도 멋들어졌네
(후렴)
Doraji, doraji, white doraji
White doraji deep in the mountain valleys
Dig up just a root or two
And the bamboo basket is already half full
Eheyo, eheyo, eheaeya
Eoyeora nanda, jihwaja, how fine!
There at the foot of that mountain, the doraji sway in the breeze
Doraji, doraji, doraji
White doraji of Geumsanpo in Eunyul
One root, then two, I gather in
A bumper crop of doraji in the hills
(Refrain)
Doraji, doraji, doraji
White doraji of Mount Geumgang in Gangwon
The young women digging doraji
How graceful their hands are at work
(Refrain)
