Monggeumpo Taryeong
Artist: Unknown (Hwanghae Folk)
Region
Jangyeon, Hwanghae-do
Genre
Usage
Seodo Folk Song
Amusement Song
Monggeumpo Taryeong is a Seodo folk song depicting the scenery of Monggeumpo Port and the lives of fishing villagers in the Jangsangot area of Hwanghae Province. It is also known as 'Jangsangot Taryeong' because its first verse begins with Jangsangot, and it conveys the longing for a beloved who has gone out to sea for fishing. This record is archived material collected to organize and preserve the representative lyrics and traditional context of Monggeumpo Taryeong.
Commentary and Notes
Haengseon (行船): Refers to the act of rowing a boat or the sea route itself.
Seonghwang-nim: A tutelary deity believed to protect the village and sea routes, reflecting the sailors' earnest prayers for favorable winds.
This song is passed down in a strophic form of up to 8 verses in the Jungmori rhythm, with a refrain ending in 'I shall meet my love' following each verse.
Cultural Background
Monggeumpo was a famous scenic spot on the northeastern coast of Jangsangot, where sandy beaches with blooming sweet briars and old pine trees harmonized beautifully. This song was used as the theme for Kim Seong-tae's orchestral piece in 1944 and is widely sung in school music textbooks and choruses, conveying memories of the northern sea that is currently inaccessible.
Lyrics
장산곶 마루에 북소리 나더니
금일도 상봉에 임 만나 보겠네
에헤요 에헤요 에헤요
임 만나 보겠네
갈 길은 멀구요
행선은 더디니
늦바람 불라고
성황님 조른다
A drum rang out from the ridge of Jangsangot
Today, on the high peak, I'll see my love again
Eheyo, eheyo, eheyo
I'll see my love again
The way ahead is long
And the boat sails slow
So I plead with the guardian spirit
To send an evening wind
