Five Versions of "Arirang"—Korea's Main Song—Will Be Performed in Turkmen in Gwangju
In the lead-up to the historic Republic of Korea-Central Asia summit, scheduled for September 2026, a unique cultural event is being prepared in the Korean city of Gwangju. On July 16, a special concert, "Arirang Meets the Silk Road," will take place at the National Asian Cultural Center (ACC).
The highlight of the evening will be a new interpretation of "Arirang," a legendary folk song inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List and considered the unofficial anthem of Korea. Traditional music masters from five Central Asian countries will present their own unique interpretations of this masterpiece.
Each country will present its own historically developed regional version of the song:
Turkmenistan - will present the lively and rhythmic "Miryang Arirang";
Kazakhstan - will perform the dramatic "Jindo Arirang";
Uzbekistan - will perform the graceful "Haeju Arirang";
Kyrgyzstan - will perform the classical "Gyeonggi Arirang";
Tajikistan - will perform the profound "Jeonseon Arirang."
The participation of Central Asian musicians in this project is imbued with profound historical significance. Nearly a century ago, it was "Arirang" that helped Koreans (Koryosar) deported to Central Asia maintain ties to their distant homeland while settling into their new lands, where they were warmly welcomed by the local peoples. Today, generations later, this song is returning to Korea, enriched with the richness of Central Asian instruments and traditional singing styles.
As ACC Director Kim Sang-wook noted, this once-sad song of the migrants has now become "the music of peace and coexistence," linking Korea and Central Asia with strong bonds of friendship.
