Ganggangsullae
Artist: Unknown (Women of Haenam & Jindo)
Region
Haenam & Jindo, Jeollanam-do
Genre
Southern Folk Song
Usage
Play Song (Yuhuio)
Ganggangsullae is a traditional song and dance performed by women in the coastal areas of Jeollanam-do, who hold hands in a circle under the Chuseok full moon. Led by a soloist and answered by the group, it unites song, dance, and play. This archival record preserves its representative lyrics and cultural context for future generations.
Detailed Annotations
Ganggangsullae: Its etymology is debated, but an 1896 record by Jeong Man-jo mentions it as 'Ganggangsurae,' suggesting a link to 'Sullae' rather than 'Suwollae.'
Loom: A weaving tool, symbolizing how the arduous daily labor of women was woven into the playful lyrics of their songs.
The performance begins slowly with Nijeun-Ganggangsullae, accelerating through Jung and Jajeun versions, interspersed with folk games like tile-stepping and herring-weaving.
Cultural Context
For women with limited social freedom, Ganggangsullae offered a rare moment of liberation during holiday nights. Designated a National Intangible Heritage in 1966 and UNESCO Heritage in 2009, it is also famously associated with Admiral Yi Sun-sin's wartime deceptive tactics against invaders.
Lyrics
해는 지고 달 떠온다
강강술래
하늘에다 베틀 놓고
강강술래
강강술래 강강술래
강강술래 강강술래
The sun goes down, the moon comes up
Ganggangsullae
We set our loom up in the sky
Ganggangsullae
Ganggangsullae, ganggangsullae
Ganggangsullae, ganggangsullae
