Geomundobaet Song

Geomundobaet Song is a labour song sung by fishermen of Geomundo Island, South Jeolla Province, while catching fish. It is accompanied by drum, gong and hourglass drum, and sung in call-and-response form, with a lead singer delivering a line and the other fishermen answering with the response. The songs differ according to the task at hand, so there are several kinds of boat song: Sulbi Sori, sung in semachi rhythm while twisting the ropes used on board; Gosa Sori, sung in jajinmori rhythm before setting out to sea to pray to the Dragon King for a bountiful catch; Not Sori, sung in a slow jajinmori rhythm while rowing; Wollae Sori, sung while hauling in the nets; Garae Sori, sung in semachi rhythm while scooping up the catch; and Sseol Sori, sung when returning with a full boat. These are songs that convey, just as they are, the simple yet vigorous character and sentiment of the fishermen. Geomundobaet Song retains the local dialect intact and is composed of its own distinctive melodies and language. It also displays clear regional character and, having been transmitted in its pure form without mixing with boat songs from other regions, it possesses features found nowhere else.

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Where it is

Region

Yeosu, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Provincial Intangible Heritage · 시도무형유산