Have you heard of the song, “Return to Busan Port” (“돌아와요 부산항에”)? This song was sung by Cho Yongpil back in the 1970s.

Now it is recognized as one of Busan’s most representative songs, so when you have the chance to walk along the Haeundae Beach, give it a listen!
There is even a sculpture near the beach that has the lyrics written on it! Listening to the lyrics can help you understand some of Korea’s modern history. So, here is the song!

꽃피는 동백섬에 봄이 왔건만
형제떠난 부산항에 갈매기만 슬피우네
오륙도 돌아가는 연락선마다
목메어 불러봐도 대답없는 내 형제여
돌아와요 부산항에 그리운 내 형제여

The spring has come on the Dongbaek Island where the flowers are blooming.

But seagulls whose brothers have gone are just here to cry at the Busan Port.

No matter how hard I call you, my bro, you can’t answer.

Return to Busan Port.

In the 1960s, many Koreans left Korea to search for better job opportunities. Around 8,000 Korean miners and more than 10,000 nurses went to Germany in hopes of finding work. Many were able to make enough money to provide for their families back in Korea. The money they earned was essential in supporting their loved ones in such a poverty-stricken country.

The movie, 국제시장 or Ode to my Father may help you understand that part of Korean history!

Those who left Korea were not guaranteed to ever see their families again. It became easy for many of them to feel lonely and homesick. With no cure for homesickness, songs like “돌아와요 부산항에” or “Return to Busan” helped ease their sorrow.