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태산이 높다 한들 (Climbing the Mountain Beneath the Sky)

1/17/2025

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Korean Poetry and Sijo


Discover the beauty of Korean poetic forms and their timeless messages.


Korean Text

태산이 높다 하되 하늘 아래 뫼이로다.

오르고 또 오르면 못 오를 리 없건마는

사람이 제 아니 오르고 뫼만 높다 하더라.


English Translation

Though the Taesan is said to be high, it is still a mountain under the sky.

If you climb and climb, there's no reason you can't reach the top.

People say the mountain is high without trying to climb it themselves.


About Sijo

Sijo is a traditional Korean poetic form consisting of three lines. Each line presents a theme, elaborates on it, and concludes with a philosophical insight or twist. This particular sijo uses the metaphor of a mountain to explore perseverance and human effort.


Analysis of Yang Sa-eon's Poem

Understanding the values of perseverance and humility in Korean poetry.


Analysis and Significance

Yang Sa-eon (1517–1584), a distinguished civil official and master calligrapher of the Joseon Dynasty, uses the mountain as a metaphor for life's challenges. This poem beautifully encapsulates the values of perseverance, humility, and action.


Poem Breakdown:

  1. "Though the Taesan is said to be high, it is still a mountain under the sky."
    This line highlights the perspective that no challenge is insurmountable when viewed within the grander context of life.
  2. "If you climb and climb, there's no reason you can't reach the top."
    Effort and persistence are key to overcoming difficulties. The message encourages action rather than hesitation.
  3. "People say the mountain is high without trying to climb it themselves."
    A critique of those who pass judgment or complain about obstacles without attempting to overcome them.

Relevance in Joseon Society:


This poem reflects Confucian ideals of diligence, humility, and self-discipline—key principles of Joseon-era governance and education. The mountain symbolizes challenges, and the poem emphasizes that they are manageable with effort and the right mindset.


Modern Relevance:


The poem remains timeless, serving as a motivational reminder that challenges, no matter how daunting, are surmountable with effort. It inspires resilience and purpose, making it a cherished piece of Korean literary heritage.

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Round and round song

1/16/2025

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둥글게 둥글게 (Round and Round)


Original Korean Lyrics


둥글게 둥글게 둥글게 둥글게 빙글빙글 돌아가며 춤을 춥시다.

손뼉을 치면서 노래를 부르며 랄랄랄라 즐거웁게 춤추자.

링가링가링가 링가링가링 링가링가링가 링가링가링.

손에 손을 잡고 모두 다함께 즐거웁게 춤을 춥시다.


Romanization

Dunggeulge Dunggeulge Dunggeulge Dunggeulge Binggeulbinggeul doragamyeo chumeul chupsida.

Sonppyeogeul chimyeonseo noraereul bureumyeo Rallallalla jeulgeoubge chumchuja.

Ringgaringgaringga Ringgaringgaring Ringgaringgaringga Ringgaringgaring.

Sone soneul japgo modu dahamkke Jeulgeoubge chumeul chupsida.


English Translation

Round and round, round and round, let’s spin around in a circle and dance!

Clap your hands while singing along, Ra la la la, let’s dance with joy!

Ring-a-ring-a-ring-a, ring-a-ring-a-ring, Ring-a-ring-a-ring-a, ring-a-ring-a-ring.

Holding hands together, all of us as one, Let’s dance together happily!


Song Summary

The Korean children's song "둥글게 둥글게" (Round and Round) is a lively and engaging song that fosters teamwork and joy. It’s perfect for group activities, encouraging unity and fun through simple lyrics and playful motions.

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가나다 (GANADA) Choreography by AIKI & HOOK

1/9/2025

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GANADA


Produced by HYBE EDU | Choreography by AIKI and HOOK


About the Song


"GANADA" is a special song produced by HYBE EDU in 2021 to celebrate Hangeul Day. The song uses Korean onomatopoeia and mimetic words to beautifully express the uniqueness of Hangeul. The choreography, performed by AIKI and HOOK, enhances these expressions with unique facial expressions and dance moves, highlighting the charm of Hangeul.


This project creatively showcases the diverse shapes and sounds of Hangeul through music and dance. Watch the full video on YouTube to experience the captivating performance and the beauty of Hangeul.


GANADA Lyrics

(가) ooh 이 거리가
(ga) ooh-i geoliga

(나) 난리 난리 나
(na) nanli nanli na

(다) 다 같이 달린다
(da) da gatc-i dallinda

(라) 노래 불러 라랄라
(ra) norae bulleo lalalla

(마) 모르면 말을 마
(ma) moleumyeon mareul ma

(바) 다 나만 바라 봐
(ba) da naman bara bwa

(사) one two 일이 삼사
(sa) one two il-i samsa

(아) 기분 좋아
(a) gibun joh-a

(자) 놀아 보자
(ja) nora boja

(차) 습-하 숨이차
(cha) seub-ha sumnicha

(카) call me a 슈퍼카
(ka) call me a syupeoka

(타) everybody 올라 타
(ta) everybody olla ta

(파) 즐겨봐 도레미파
(pa) jeulgyeobwa doremipa

(하) 웃어 봐 하하하
(ha) us-eo bwa hahaha

Explore more about Hangeul and Korean culture at KoreanValley.com.

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