Story Summary
Discover the legend of Park Hyeokgeose and the Egg, the foundation myth of Silla where a boy born from a mystical egg rose to become Korea's legendary first king.
Long ago, in the valleys of southern Korea, six village chieftains gathered to seek a virtuous king who could unite their people. During their meeting, they witnessed a brilliant, celestial light shining near the Na-jeong well at the foot of Mount Yangsan. Upon investigating, they discovered a majestic white horse bowing deeply toward a large, iridescent purple egg. As the chieftains approached, the horse let out a long neigh and ascended into the heavens on a streak of light. The egg soon cracked open, and out stepped a radiant young boy whose body shimmered with the glow of the sun. The villagers bathed the child in the nearby Dong-cheon stream, and the heavens celebrated; the sun and moon grew brighter, and wild animals danced in joy. The chiefs named him Park, because the egg resembled a gourd, and Hyeokgeose, meaning 'ruling with a bright light.' At age thirteen, the boy was crowned the first king of Silla, beginning a legendary dynasty that would endure for nearly a thousand years.
The Moral
True leadership is a divine responsibility meant to bring light, unity, and harmony to a divided society.
“He was born of light and the heavens to bring peace to the six lands.”
Fun Fact
Almost all people with the surname 'Park' in Korea today trace their ancestral lineage back to Park Hyeokgeose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Park Hyeokgeose?
Park Hyeokgeose was the legendary founder and first king of the Silla Kingdom, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. He is said to have been born from a purple egg and ruled for over sixty years.
What does the name Park Hyeokgeose mean?
The surname 'Park' comes from the Korean word for gourd, referring to the shape of the egg he was born from. 'Hyeokgeose' translates to 'ruling with a bright light' or 'bright world.'
What is the significance of the egg in Korean mythology?
In Korean foundation myths, birth from an egg symbolizes divine origin and the arrival of a transcendent leader. It marks the transition from tribal society to a centralized kingdom.
Where did the birth of Park Hyeokgeose take place?
The legend takes place near Gyeongju, specifically at the Na-jeong well. This site is still commemorated today as a significant historical landmark in South Korea.
How did the six chieftains react to the child?
The chieftains viewed the child as a gift from heaven. They raised him with great care and unanimously chose him to be their king because of his extraordinary radiance and wisdom.
What happened to the horse that guarded the egg?
According to the myth, the white horse was a celestial messenger. Once it had delivered the egg and the chieftains found it, the horse neighed and ascended back into the sky.