Singosan Taryeong
Artist: Unknown (Hamgyeong Oral Tradition)
Region
Hamgyeongnam-do (Singosan)
Genre
Hamgyeong Folk Song
Usage
Recreational Song
Singosan Taryeong is a folk song deeply imbued with the emotions of the mountainous regions of Hamgyeong-do, originally known as 'Eorang Taryeong.' It expressively sings of Singosan Station, established during the construction of the Gyeongwon Railway line, and the image of a mountain village maiden whose heart is fluttered by the sound of the train. This record is archive material collected to organize and preserve the representative lyrics and the transmission context of Singosan Taryeong.
Commentary & Notes
Singosan & Gugosan: This refers to Singosan Station, newly built with the railway, and the original village of Gosan, which became 'Old Gosan' (Gugosan) as a result.
Bambotjim: A bundle packed secretly at night, portraying a mountain girl whose heart is shaken by the train’s sound as she prepares to leave for the city.
The refrain 'Eorang eorang eo-heoya / eo-eoya de-heya, my love' is sung before the main lyrics. 'Eorang' is said to originate from the Eorangcheon Stream in Hamgyeongbuk-do.
Cultural Background
Originally the 'Eorang Taryeong' of the mountainous Menari-jo style, it became widely known as 'Singosan Taryeong' as lyrics were added to capture modern scenery after the railway was laid and the restless spirit of a rural maiden. A 3:2 cross-rhythm leads the entire song, and its sorrowful yet spirited melody continues to convey the sentiments of the northern mountain villages today.
Lyrics
신고산이 우르릉
함흥차 가는 소리에
구고산 큰애기
밤봇짐만 싸누나
삼수갑산 머루다래는
얼크러설크러졌는데
나는 언제 임을 만나
얼크러설크러지느냐
Singosan rumbles and shakes
As the train to Hamheung roars by
And the young maiden of old Gosan
Packs her bundle in the night
In the far hills of Samsu and Gapsan
The wild grapes and vines are all entwined
When will I meet my love
And be entwined like them?
