After occupying Korea in the early years of last century, the Japanese imperialists had persisted in eliminating this popular song which stirred the spirit of resistance to them, but failed to do so.

Thanks to the policy of the Workers' Party of Korea for protecting national heritage, the song has been widely sung century after century, preserving the national characteristics.

Grand gymnastic and artistic performance "Arirang" with the song as its seed took place in Pyongyang to show the wisdom and stamina of the Korean nation all over the world and was registered in the Guinness Book of World Records in August Juche 96 (2007).

UNESCO in its article on the registration of folk song "Arirang" as a typical intangible cultural heritage of humanity said that the song is a popular folk song which has been sung not only by families, friends and collective but also on different occasions like holiday. The article continued that the song was handed down verbally, but exists in such diverse forms as traditional, orchestral and modern musical ones through its recreation, and sings about parting and reunion and sorrow, joy and happiness with soft and lyric melodies.

"Arirang" is conducive to mutual respect and peaceful social development by fostering social relations, the article stressed.