Korean song “Scent of Burning Incense of India (인도의 향불)” – Indians must listen
The song was written, composed and sung by Korean nationals and released in the year 1952, and it became very popular in Korean then. The song was revived in Dec 2019 youtube when it hit millions of views.
NEW DELHI/SEOUL: The people of South Korea have always been curious about knowing about India, its art, deep-rooted culture, eternal life, religion, diversity, and many other aspects.
Not many people in this world know that a song titled ‘The Scent of Burning Incense of India (인도의 향불; Indoeui hyangbul)’ was written, composed and sung by Korean nationals and released in the year 1952, and it became very popular in Korean then.
It was at that time when South Korean was a poor country and was also caught in a war with North Korea between 1950 and 1953.
Off late in December last year, the same song was revived, shot and posted on youtube channel by CHO, Myung-Sup, and it received millions of views since. The song is about a Korean young man fantasizing about India. It is two minutes and 11 seconds song with beautiful background music and lyrics.
According to the Koreans privy to the developments related to this song ‘The Scent of Burning Incense of India’ was written by ‘SON, Ro Won’, composed by ‘JUN, Oh Seung’ and sung by the late ‘HYUN, In’. Back then, Koreans were not able to travel abroad. Songs like these helped quench their curiosity.
It was a big hit during the war-torn and poverty-stricken Korea. The song inspired young Koreans to look beyond the ruins and dream about the bigger world and opportunities.
Interestingly, the song was composed by someone who never visited India or heard Indian music in their lifetime.
Following is the set of lyrics of the song and its translation in the English language.
The Scent of Burning Incense of India (인도의 향불; Indoeui hyangbul)
공작새 날개를 휘감는 염불 소리
Gongjaksae Nalgaerul Hwigamnun Yumbul sori
간디스 강 푸른 물에 찰랑거린다
Gandis gang purun moolae chalangeorinda
무릎 꿇고 하늘에다 두손 비는 인디아 처녀
Moorup kulko haneuleda dooson binun India chonyo
파고다의 사랑이냐 향불의 노래냐
Pagodauei saranginya hyangbuleui noranya
아—– 깊어가는 인도의 밤이여
Ah, gipoganun Indouei bamiyo
The wings of the peacock gently embrace the chants of evening meditation.
The mantra is shouted only to softly bounce back by the peaceful waves of the emerald Ganga River.
Behold, an Indian virgin kneels gathering her hands toward heavens.
Is it about the secret lover whom she met at the temples or is she simply intoxicated by the scent of burning incense?
Ah, the romantic evenings of India.
야자수 잎사귀 무더운 저녁바람
Yajasu ipsagwi moodeun jonyokbaram
뱅갈사의 풍경소리가 애달퍼진다
Bengalsaeui poongyung sori aedalpojinda
풍각소리 자르메라의 춤을추는 인디아 소녀
Poongaksori Jaimeraeui choomul chunun India sonyo
파고다의 사랑이냐 향불의 노래냐
Pagodauei saranginya hyangbuleui noranya
아—– 깊어가는 인도의 밤이여
Ah, gipoganun Indouei bamiyo
The evening breeze is just as thick and moist as the coconut tree leaf.
A Bengali temple gives off magical lullabies of a sitar.
Behold, far away Jaisalmer, a virgin dances to the rhythm of the Ravanhatta.
Is it about the secret lover whom she met at the temples or is she simply intoxicated by the scent of burning incense?
Ah, the romantic evenings of India.
You can watch the song on youtube at https://youtu.be/U0FcOLhQggk
