hyangga

Hyangga are a form of Korean poetry that originated in the Silla Kingdom, dating from the 6th to the 10th centuries. The term "hyangga" literally translates to "native songs" or "songs of the homeland," emphasizing their Korean origins and vernacular language. These poems were written using the idu script, a system that adapted Chinese characters to represent Korean sounds and grammar, allowing for the transcription of the Korean language before the widespread adoption of Hangul.

The content of hyangga often revolves around themes of Buddhism, nature, love, and daily life. Many extant hyangga are found in historical texts such as the Samguk Yusa, a collection of Korean legends and historical accounts. Notable examples include "Jae Wang Pang" (King's Departure) and "Cheonseoga" (Song of the Blue Moon). Hyangga poetry played a significant role in the development of Korean literature and linguistic scholarship, providing valuable insights into the cultural and artistic expressions of early Korea. They are considered an important precursor to later Korean poetic forms.