Skip Navigation

Heritage Search

National Intangible Cultural Heritage

Seonsori Santaryeong (Folk Song of the Mountain Performed in a Standing Position)

선소리산타령 ( 선소리山打令 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification National Intangible Cultural Heritage
Name of Cultural Properties Seonsori Santaryeong (Folk Song of the Mountain Performed in a Standing Position)
Quantity
Designated Date 1968.04.19
Age
Address Seoul

When mogabi (leader of a group of singers) leads with his part of the song, the others follow him with their part of the song, playing the sogo (small drums) and making gestures with their hands and feet. The name Santaryeong (Folk Song of the Mountain) was attached, since the lyrics are associated with natural scenery. It starts with slow rhythms but becomes faster gradually. Today, the folk song is sung by males, but it originally stemmed from the female songs of sadangpae (itinerant performance troupe) composed of monks and Buddhist followers, who sang choruses of a prayer to Buddha and received contributions from people in return. With the decline of Buddhism during the Joseon Period, the members of the wandering troupes were replaced with males. Their prayer to Buddha was replaced with Seonsori Taryeong (songs performed in a standing position) sung by ordinary people. Seonsori Santaryeong was divided into a version of Seodo (referring to Hwanghae-do and Pyeongan-do) and a version of Gyeonggi. The latter portrays the natural scenery of places close to Seoul with singers playing sogo, whereas the former sings about the natural scenery of Pyeongyang joyfully with a fast tempo with singers making gestures and waving handkerchiefs. This piece of folk song is a precious material for those studying the music of sadangpae. It is the most joyful, gallant, and liveliest piece among the country’s traditional music pieces.