The Voluntary Agency Network of Korea on April 29 announced the release of its Arirang Digital Map to promote Korean cultural heritage related to the iconic folk song "Arirang," which is attracting growing global interest. (Screen capture from map)

By Lee Jihae

The Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK), a cyber diplomatic mission, has launched a digital campaign to promote the country's cultural heritage to mark the Arirang World Tour of K-pop sensation BTS.

VANK on April 29 said, "We are producing and distributing the Arirang Digital Map (https://naver.me/5p0ODeZY) to link global interest in 'Arirang' with the promotion of Korean cultural heritage."

The map features information on "Arirang," major cultural heritage and tourist attractions in each region related to the song like Jeongseon-gun County and Gangneung, Gangwon-do Province; Miryang, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, and Jindo-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province.

As the nation's most representative folk song, "Arirang" in 2012 was included on the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Each region has its own version of the song with slightly different lyrics and melodies but the chorus is the same: "Arirang, Arirang, Arariyo."

VANK plans to create the map in QR code format and distribute it online, including via social media. The content is available in Korean and English but versions in other languages are planned.

jihlee08@korea.kr