Detail

`One of the special postage stamps that have been issued is a music series featuring Korean people`s favorite songs expressive of our national sentiments. As the fifth of the series, the Ministry of Communications issues two kinds of postage stamps, one depicting Arirang, the other Doraji-taryong, two of the most popular national ballads. Arirang, the basic time of which is semachi, a form of Korea music rhythm most suitable for our traditional sentiments, is sung with affection by all Koreans, old and young, and rightfully represents the Korean ballad songs. The song served as a vent for our suppressed national anger and sorrow during the dark period of Japanese rule of our country. Doraji-taryong, originated in the Kyeonggi region during the last days of the Chosum Dynasty, is composed of the pentatonic scale in semachi time. The song is clearer and more refreshing than the ballads of other regions and has features that combine to bring about cheerful, soft and sentimental emotion both in singer and hearer.`