Sorrowful Taedong River (1958)

한 많은 대동강




Sorrowful Taedong River, are you well as before?
Moranbong*, Eulmildae,** I miss that scenery.
The way blocked by barbed wire, 'til we meet again,
Is there news? Oh, sorrowful Taedong River

Taedong River, Pubyeokru,* I miss that boat song.
Once more I try to sing the familiar nostaglic tune.
Is there still no way to send a single letter?
Oh, I ask for news, sorrowful Taedong River

One of the songs sung by singer Son In-ho . Lyrics by Han Bok-nam , music by Yain-cho (Kim Bong-cheol). Incidentally, all three are from displaced families. Son In-ho is from Changseong, North Pyongan Province, Han Bok-nam is from Anju, South Pyongan Province, and Yain-cho is from Hwanghae Province.

https://namu.wiki/w/%ED%95%9C%20%EB%A7%8E%EC%9D%80%20%EB%8C%80%EB%8F%99%EA%B0%95

Pubyok Pavilion

*Reference to the pavillion (Pubyeokru) built on Moranbong (Peony hill) on the bank of the Tadeong River in Pyongyang. Regarded as a historical and scenic treasure. This a South Korean source with photos: https://namu.wiki/w/%EC%9D%84%EB%B0%80%EB%8C%80

Eulmildae

**Eulmildae was basically a watchtower topped by a pavilion built for military purposes, in Pyongyang, but as the legend of the fairy Eulmil falling in love with the scenery suggests, it also serves as a pavilion for viewing the beautiful scenery around Eulmildae, especially the Daedong River flowing under Eulmildae and Neungra Island, which is a lower island.

The two historical sites are near the Kim Il-sung stadium and the area in Pyongyang where the dictatorship's monumental style architecture is found.

Pulitzer prize winning photo of Taedong River Bridge-

Flight of Refugees across wrecked bridge in Korea.


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