‘Pokarekare Ana’ and ‘Yeon-ga’
My old residence in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, is affectionately referred to as “Silla University,” thanks to my father’s pioneering work in the field of Korean archeology.
From the early 1960s until 1980, numerous foreign individuals, including scholars, students, researchers, diplomats and American Peace Corps volunteers, made pilgrimages to my old home in Gyeongju. There, they immersed themselves in Korean customs, culture and history, forging enduring bonds with the heritage of this remarkable place.
In particular, Peter Rule, New Zealand’s military liaison officer to the United Nations Command, a squadron leader, visited there in the summer of 1968, during my high school days. Although my old home was inconvenient for Westerners to stay at the time, he stayed there with my family for 10 days and explored numerous ancient Silla cultural sites. He was widely accepted as a diplomatic representative, carrying out a variety of functions that would later play a pivotal role in establishing the New Zealand Embassy in Seoul in 1971. He recommended Hunter Wade, New Zealand ambassador to Japan, who concurrently served as ambassador to Korea from 1969 to 1972, to visit my home in Gyeongju to meet my father in 1969.
Although my English was very limited then, Rule and Wade alluded to “Pokarekare Ana,” a Maori love song, fostering cultural exchanges that transcended linguistic barriers. The ambassador graciously presented my family with Maori-themed wooden artwork as a token of good friendship.
“Pokarekare Ana,” meaning “Rippling Waters,” tells the tale of a woman journeying across waters to reunite with her beloved. This romantic melody evolved into a Korean version called “Yeon-ga,” cherished among older adults, including my generation, who reminisced about their youths in the 1970s and 1980s. Its popularity also reached schoolgirls, who frequently sang its tunes and lyrics. Even today, “Yeon-ga” remains a favorite for social gatherings among older Koreans.
“Pokarekare Ana” and “Yeon-ga” still hold significance in the cultural heritage of New Zealand and Korea. The melodic resemblance between the two has captivated Koreans for over half a century, with “Yeon-ga” becoming a cherished part of Korean musical tradition. Originally introduced to Korea by New Zealand veterans during the Korean War (1950-53), the song reflects the essence of “Pokarekare Ana,” originating from New Zealand’s Maori people. The Maori people are the Indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, known for their rich culture and traditions, and this exchange underscores the power of music to transcend borders. This cultural exchange highlights how music can bridge diverse communities. During the Korean War, New Zealand deployed around 6,000 troops to Korea under the United Nations Command.