Story Summary
Explore the legend of Dangun Founder of Korea, the divine leader born of heaven and earth who established Gojoseon and shaped the cultural identity of Korea.
In the ancient days, Hwanin, the Lord of Heaven, had a son named Hwanung who yearned to live among the mortals. Seeing his son's desire to benefit humanity, Hwanin allowed him to descend to Mount Taebaek with three thousand followers and the spirits of wind, rain, and clouds. One day, a bear and a tiger came to Hwanung, praying to be turned into humans. Hwanung gave them a bundle of sacred mugwort and twenty cloves of garlic, instructing them to stay out of the sunlight and eat only these for one hundred days. The tiger, plagued by hunger and restlessness, gave up after twenty days. However, the bear remained patient and steadfast. On the twenty-first day, the bear was transformed into a beautiful woman named Ungnyeo. Ungnyeo later prayed for a child under a sacred sandalwood tree. Moved by her devotion, Hwanung took her as his wife. They had a son named Dangun Wanggeom, who eventually founded Gojoseon, the first kingdom of Korea, in 2333 BCE, establishing the principle of 'Hongik Ingan'—to broadly benefit the human world.
The Moral
True transformation and greatness are achieved through unwavering patience, discipline, and the endurance of hardship.
“From the union of heaven and earth, a nation was born under the principle of benefiting all humanity.”
Fun Fact
National Foundation Day, known as Gaecheonjeol, is celebrated every October 3rd in South Korea to honor the founding of the nation by Dangun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Dangun Founder of Korea?
The story emphasizes that patience and perseverance are essential virtues for achieving one's goals. While the tiger failed due to impatience, the bear's endurance led to a divine transformation and a royal legacy.
Who were the parents of Dangun?
Dangun was the son of Hwanung, the heavenly prince who descended to Earth, and Ungnyeo, a bear who successfully transformed into a human woman through a test of endurance.
What is the significance of the mugwort and garlic?
These represent the trials and purification process required for spiritual transformation. Eating only these bitter herbs in total darkness tested the physical and mental limits of the bear and the tiger.
What kingdom did Dangun found?
Dangun is credited with founding Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom, traditionally dated to 2333 BCE. This event is regarded as the beginning of Korean history and civilization.
Why did the tiger fail to become human?
The tiger failed because it lacked the patience to endure the 100-day trial. Driven by its wild nature and hunger, it left the cave early, unable to complete the required sacrifice.
What does 'Hongik Ingan' mean?
It is the founding philosophy of Dangun's kingdom, meaning 'to broadly benefit the human world.' It remains a core educational and national ideal in modern Korea.