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This paper focuses and develops its discussion on the formative process of <Seodong-yo>, one of the Hyang-ga(鄕歌, folk songs, mainly songs of Shilla dynasty). The record concerning this song is narrative literature. It is a story about Seo-dong who dug up and sold yams as a means of living, and how he came up with a plan to marry the princess and eventually raised his social status. In the story, <Seodong-yo> functions as a turning point. The following is a conclusion regarding the formative process of <Seodong-yo> after examination of the record concerning this song. Based on the records of Samguk-Yusa(三國遺事, Remnants of the Three Kingdoms), <Seodong-yo> is presumed to be the earliest song created amongst the existing Hyang-ga. <Seodong-yo> is a song which altered the 'who' and 'what' from a pre-existing nursery rhyme. Nursery rhymes and folk songs can constantly be modified depending on the situation, and this process occurs even to the present. It is quite possible to presume that the alteration of this song took place around the period of Mu Wang(武王, king Mu) of Baek-Je dynasty as mentioned in the records. This can be sought out from the background when the alteration took place, a violently tensed period between two dynasties, Silla and Baek-je. As it seems to be Seo-dong who changed the lyrics of this song, it is possible to say that the formation of the present <Seodong-yo> is the period of Mu Wang of Baek-je dynasty. 'Ga'(歌) is a song which has a melody and is accompanied by musical instruments, and 'Yo'(謠) is a song that is simply sung. It is rather impossible to confirm the writer of a ‘Yo'(謠) as they are usually the work of many people. Altering the lyrics is quite common. So, it can be presumed that such types of nursery songs were originated a remarkably long time ago. In addition, what Il-yeon, the editor of Samguk-yusa, wanted to impart in the ‘Mu Wang’ section was not about the forming of <Seodong-yo> but the details about the establishment of a temple known as Mireuksa. While he was recording the establishment of Mireuksa and stories related to Mu Wang, he added <Seodong-yo>, a song that was spread by word of mouth, as it had relevance with Mu Wang.

Seodong-yo, formative process, Hyang-ga, altering the lyrics, Mu Wang