Gyeongbokgung Taryeong
Artist: Unknown (Seonsori Tradition)
Area
Seoul/Gyeonggi
Type
Role
Gyeonggi Folk
Working
Gyeongbokgung Taryeong is a Gyeonggi folk song that emerged during the late Joseon Dynasty when Heungseon Daewongun reconstructed Gyeongbokgung Palace. It blends cheerful rhythms with satirical lyrics about the forced labor of workers drafted from across the country. This archive documents its representative verses and cultural context to ensure the preservation of this historical musical legacy.
Notes & Commentary
Paru: A bell rung at dawn to signal the end of the curfew and the start of a hard day's work. Eulchuk Saeol Gapjail: A satirical reversal of the traditional lunar order, subtly mocking the chaotic management of the palace reconstruction project to its core. These lyrics describing the clumsy movements of the master carpenter and stonemasons are humorous satires reflecting the grievances of laborers exhausted by forced duties.
Cultural Context
This folk song originated from satires regarding the suffering of laborers and the aggressive fundraising tactics used by the government. Popularized by professional vocal groups in Seoul, it spread nationwide and became a living historical record of the common people's voice against authority.
Lyrics
남문을 열고 파루를 치니
계명산천이 밝아 온다
에헤야 어허야
얼널널거리고 방아로다
을축 사월 갑자일에
경복궁을 이룩했네
도편수란 놈의 거동을 보소
먹통을 들고 갈팡질팡한다
Open the South Gate and strike the dawn bell
And the hills and streams grow bright at cockcrow
Eheya, eoheoya
Eolneolneol, let's pound away!
On the gapja day of the fourth month, in the eulchuk year,
We raised up Gyeongbokgung Palace
Just look at that master carpenter fellow,
Ink line in hand, rushing this way and that
