Comparative Analysis of Melodic, Rhythmic, and Emotional Codes in Regional Arirang: Musicological Structuring of Korean Traditional Music Han and Its Potential for Hallyu Expansion

This study aims to structure the uniquely Korean sentiment of Han within Korean traditional music through a comparative analysis of regional variations of Arirang and to explore its potential for expansion within the Korean Wave (Hallyu). Focusing on Gyeonggi Arirang, Jeongseon Arirang, and Miryang Arirang, the research employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative analysis included statistical visualization of pitch range, melodic contour, and rhythmic patterns. The qualitative analysis applied morphological and semantic network analysis of lyrics to classify emotional codes, interpreted in connection with historical and sociocultural contexts. The findings reveal that while all three versions share the sentiment of Han, Gyeonggi Arirang is characterized by bright and flexible flows, Jeongseon Arirang by slow and solemn progressions, and Miryang Arirang by lively rhythms and communal vitality. By conceptualizing Han as a musicological code translatable to global audiences, this study contributes to the globalization of Korean traditional music and to the theoretical development of Hallyu musicology.