Aegukga

애국가

English: Patriotic Song
Aegukga
South Korean emblem
National anthem of the  Republic of Korea
Also known as	Song of Love for the Country
Lyrics	1896 probably Yun Chi-ho or Ahn Changho
Music	Ahn Eak-tai, 1935
Adopted	1948
Music sample
"The Patriotic Song" (instrumental)

"Aegukga" (English: Patriotic Song, literally "loving country song") is the national anthem of the Republic of Korea (commonly known as South Korea).

The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture defines "Aegukga" as "the song to wake up the mind to love the country". "Aegukga" in itself is differentiated from a national anthem. While a national anthem is the official symbol of the country, Aegukga refers to any song, official or unofficial, that contains love towards its country, such as Hungary's Szózat. However, the nationally designated "Aegukga" plays the role of symbolizing the country. In general, the term Aegukga refers to the national anthem of South Korea. Nevertheless, there are still more than ten other extant "Aegukgas" in South Korea.

In the 1890s, the previously established Joseon dynasty began to contact other countries for the first time, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Russia. The meeting with foreign countries gave rise to patriotism, which then created several "Aegugkas". For instance, works in 1896 includes "Aeguka" created by Na Pil-gun, Han Myung-one, and Lee Yong-mu. On November 21, 1896, scholars from the Pai Chai school sang a version of "Aegukga" in the independence door ceremony. However, this song differs from the song sung by the Military Academy in 1898 and from the songs sung on the birthday of the former emperor.

However, a book from the Korean Empire in 1900 has a record of a national anthem. It was called the "Korean Empire Aegukga", or literally the "Anthem of the Greater Korean Empire". The anthem is commonly believed to be written by Franz Eckert. Some people contend that records documenting Franz Eckert's actions show that it was physically impossible for him to write the anthem. It is guessed that the song sung by the Paejae school was the Scottish song "Auld Lang Syne" and that the song sung by the Military Academy is a version of the British song "God Save the Queen".