Most of the traditional folk songs of the Korean nation originated in all parts of the Korean peninsula where they lived in their previous lives. During the important Lee Dynasty in Korean history, the central part of the Korean Peninsula has always been the political, economic and cultural center of North Korea. Folk songs in that area have a lyrical, beautiful and lively style, and works such as Arirang and Dolaji, which are also well-known in China, all come from there.
Lyric folk songs account for the largest proportion in Korean folk songs, praising pure love or beautiful nature. Arirang, which is widely circulated, is an excellent Korean lyric ballad. Arirang means "leave my lang" in Korean, and the lining word "Alari Yo" means "I can't leave". Arirang has different tones in different places, and most of its contents show women's deep affection for lovers, bitterness towards ungrateful people and longing for the future.