What are the lyrics to South Korea’s national anthem and what do they mean in English?

SOUTH KOREA travel to Qatar for their tenth consecutive World Cup, more than any other Asian country.

Fans will have fond memories of 2002, where the Taeguk Warriors reached the semi-finals in their home tournament, accompanied by their famous national anthem.

The Aegukga, translated as 'The Patriotic Song', was adopted in 1948, the year the country was founded. However, its lyrics date back to the 1890s.

The anthem was originally set to the popular Scottish song 'Auld Lang Syne', before composer Ahn Eak-tai created its own melody.

What are the lyrics to South Korea's national anthem?

Aegukga is thought to mean 'the song to wake up the mind to love the country'. You can't say it's not patriotic!

It's lyrics reference the country's nature, mentioning South Korea's famous Namsan Mountain in Seoul.

Here's how it goes:

Verse 1

Until the East Sea's waves are dry, Mt. Paekdu worn away,
God watch over our land forever, our Korea manse.

Verse 2

Rose of Sharon, thousand miles of range and river land;
Guarded by her people, ever may Korea stand.

Verse 3

Like that Mt. Namsan armoured pine, standing on duty still,
wind or frost, unchanging ever, be our resolute will.

Verse 4

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

Verse 5

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