Aegukga is the national anthem of South Korea. The title literally means "The Song of Love for the Country," or "The Patriotic Song." It is believed that the lyrics were written for the cornerstone-laying ceremony of the Independence Gate in Seoul in 1896 by Yun Chiho, a politician, or by An Chang-ho, a pro-independence leader and educator. Initially, Aegukga was sung to the tune of the Scottish folk song "Auld Lang Syne", introduced to Korea by Western missionaries. The Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea (1919-1945) in Shanghai, China adopted it as their national anthem. At a ceremony celebrating the founding of South Korea on 15 August 1948, exactly three years after liberation from Japanese rule, the Scottish tune was finally replaced by the Finale of Korea Fantasia that Ahn Eak-tae had composed in 1935. The new "Aegukga" was later adopted by the Presidential Decree of 1948 by then-President Syngman Rhee (or Lee Seungman). South Korea National Anthem Lyrics South Korea Aegug-ga (Patriotic Hymn) Latin Transliteration Tonghai Moolkwa Paiktusani Marugo Taltorok Hananimi Pohohasa Uri nara Mansei CHORUS Moogungwha Sanchulri Hwaryu Kangsan Taehan Saram Taehan euro Kiri Pochun Hasae Namsan Uye Chusonamu Chulkapeul Turultut Paramisul Pulbyunhamum Uri kisang Ilsae CHORUS English Translation: Tong Hai Sea and Pakdoo Mountain, so long as they endure, May God bless Korea our land for endless ages to come! CHORUS North to south bedecked with flowers, land of beauty rare, May God keep our country united and preserve our land. Eternally Naamsaan's pine trees stand like an armour sure, Through whatever tempest or danger, as our symbol of strength. CHORUS

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