Ieodosana
Artist: Unknown (Haenyeo Tradition)
Region
Jeju Island
Genre
Jeju Folk Song
Usage
Work Song (Fishing)
Ieodosana is a fishing work song sung by Jeju haenyeo while rowing their boats out to sea for harvesting. Named after the repetitive refrain 'Ieodosana' or 'Iyeossana', it is also known as the 'Haenyeo Song' or 'Haenyeo Rowing Song'. This record is an archival collection curated to preserve the representative lyrics and the traditional transmission context of the Ieodosana heritage.
Commentary & Notes
'Meyeok joeun yeogotdillo' is a Jeju dialect phrase meaning 'to the place where the sea mustard grows well on the rocks', describing the journey to find rich harvesting grounds. 'Nomi baerang ganeun gillang' means 'as for the path other boats take', expressing a wish for everyone's success. The haenyeo synchronize their strength by rowing or tapping tools to the rhythm of the repeated 'Ieodosana' response.
Cultural Background
This song highlights the characteristics of Jeju folk music, which focuses on labor rather than play, specifically female-led songs. It is designated as a Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Intangible Cultural Property. Along with Jeju Haenyeo Culture, which was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List in 2016, it conveys the spirit of the haenyeo community who encouraged one another in the rough seas.
Lyrics
이어사나 이어도사나
우리 배랑 가는 길로
메역 좋은 여곳딜로
이어도사나
이어사나 이어도사나
놈이 배랑 가는 길랑
감태 좋은 여곳딜로
이어도사나
Ieosana, ieodosana
May our boat find its way
To the rocks where the seaweed grows thick
Ieodosana
Ieosana, ieodosana
May the other boats find their way
To the rocks where the kelp grows thick
Ieodosana
