The Cultural Heritage Administration has named the Korean traditional song "Arirang" as state-designated important intangible cultural property No. 129.
 
Arirang has been a representative song of Korea since the 19th century and is continuously passed down to this day.
 
The fact that the song incorporates common Korean musical traits with the characteristics of local regions in the melody and singing has also been accredited in the designation.
 
The designation applies to all folk tunes called Arirang that have been handed down in local provinces across the country.
 
The Cultural Heritage Administration said that as the song has been passed down by different parties in many regions, it does not recognize exclusive ownership of the songs by certain individuals or organizations.
 
This marks the first case of not recognizing ownership for a designated important intangible cultural property under the Cultural Properties Protection Act newly revised last year.