Dong, Dong, Dongdaemun facts for kids
Dong, Dong, Dongdaemun (동, 동, 동대문) is a fun nursery rhyme and game played by children in Korea. It's a bit like a game of "Red light, Green light" but with a song! The song's tune actually starts very much like an old German children's song called Lasst uns froh und munter sein, but then it changes to its own unique Korean ending.
The names "Dongdaemun" and "Namdaemun" in the song refer to real, famous gates in Seoul, the capital city of Korea. Dongdaemun is also known as Heunginjimun, the East Grand Gate. Namdaemun is also called Sungnyemun, the South Grand Gate. These gates were once important entrances to the old city.
Contents
Song Lyrics
(Sometimes, the words might be a little different depending on where you are in Korea.)
In Korean (Hangeul)
- 동, 동, 동대문을 열어라,
- 남, 남, 남대문을 열어라,
- 12시가 되면은, (or 지나면,)
- 문을 닫는다.
In English (Romanized)
- Dong, Dong, Dongdaemuneul yeoreora,
- Nam, Nam, Namdaemuneul yeoreora,
- Yeol dusiga doemyeoneun, (or Yeol dusiga jinamyeon,)
- Muneul danneunda.
What the Song Means
- Open the East, East, East Grand Gate,
- Open the South, South, South Grand Gate,
- When it's at twelve sharp,
- The Gates are closed.
Song Melody
This is how the music for "Dong, Dong, Dongdaemun" looks. It's a simple and catchy tune! <score %vorbis="1"%%T257066%> \relative c' { \key a \minor \time 4/4 g'4 g g8 a g f | e4 e e r4 | f4 f f8 g f e | d4 d d r |\break c4 d e f | g a g r | c g e d | c2 r2 \bar "|." } \addlyrics { 동 동 동 대 문 을 열 어 라 남 남 남 대 문 을 열 어 라 열 두 시 가 되 면 은 문 을 닫 는 다 } \addlyrics { Dong, Dong, Dong -- dae -- mun -- eul yeo -- reo -- ra, Nam, Nam, Nam -- dae -- mun -- eul yeo -- reo -- ra, Yeol -- du -- si -- ga doe -- myeon -- eun, Mun -- eul dan -- neun -- da. } </score>
How to Play the Game
The "Dong, Dong, Dongdaemun" game is easy and fun to play with friends!
Setting Up the Gate
First, two children are chosen to be the "gatekeepers." They stand facing each other and hold both of their hands up high. This creates an arch, just like a gate!
Passing Through the Gate
The other players form a line. They start to sing the "Dong, Dong, Dongdaemun" song. As they sing, they walk one by one, passing under the gate that the gatekeepers have made.
Closing the Gate
When the song finishes, the gatekeepers quickly lower their hands. They try to catch the child who is passing through the gate at that exact moment.
What Happens Next
The child who gets caught becomes the new gatekeeper! You can play another round to choose a second gatekeeper, or you can just keep replacing one gatekeeper at a time after each turn. It's a great way to make sure everyone gets a chance to be a gatekeeper!
