Korean National Anthem

Students become familiar with the Korean national anthem, and make comparisons with other similar expressions of identity in Asia and Australia.

National Symbols of Identity: Korea

National anthems are an expression of national identity as they celebrate a country's uniqueness.

Korean National Anthem

Until the East Sea’s waves are dry, (and)
Mount Paektusan worn away, God watch o'er our land forever!
Our Korea manse!

Refrain: Rose of Sharon, thousand miles of range and river land!
Guarded by her people, ever may Korea stand!

Like Mount Namsan armored pine, standing on duty still,
wind or frost, unchanging ever,
be our resolute will.

In autumn's arching evening sky, crystal, and cloudless blue,
Be the radiant moon our spirit,
steadfast, single and true.

With such a will, (and) such a spirit, loyalty, heart and hand,
Let us love, come grief, come gladness,
this our beloved land!

Questions and Activities

1. What aspects of the physical landscape and climate of Korea are highlighted in the national song? Why might these have been selected?
2. What attitudes and feelings does the song expect people of Korea, as citizens of their nation, to have? What attitudes do you think Australians should have toward their country?
3. Compare the Korean national anthem with Australia’s Advance Australia Fair. In what ways are they similar? In what ways are they different?
4. Brainstorm the occasions on which the national anthem would be played or sung. List them in the following categories: school occasions, community occasions, national occasions. What do you think is the purpose of a national anthem?

5. Despite now being politically separate entities, both the South Korean and North Korean governments proclaim as a goal the eventual restoration of Korea as a single state. A unified Korea is a very important component of Korean national identity. Write a stanza to add to the anthem which expresses this desire.

6. In small groups, create additions to the Australian national anthem which acknowledge and celebrate the country as part of the Asia region. Present your adaptation to the class.
7. Look for national anthems from other countries in the Asia region. What aspects of their national identity do they highlight and celebrate?
8. Conduct an open forum in the class about whether or not the Australian national anthem should be changed. Discuss the reasons for and against.
9. Design a simple survey to investigate student and community attitudes to our national anthem. Test how well people know the national anthem and what their attitudes are about changing the anthem. Collate the results and forward these, with a persuasive covering letter, to the Prime Minister's Office.

Extension Activities

1. National identity and the symbols that nations use to express their ideals are explored on pp 16-19 in Voices & Values: Citizenship in Asia. The national flag and national flower of Korea are used as examples. Click here for more information about the national flower of Korea.
2. The Discovering Democracy section of the Civics and Citizenship webiste has activities designed for students in Social Education classes.
3. Go to My Place Asia Australia and explore the images created by Korean young people. Consider the images and the accompanying text. What do they value? Compare these with images created by Australian students.  Create a Venn diagram which shows both similarities and differences in attitudes.