The Myth of Dangun: The Beginning of Korean History

 

The Myth of Dangun: The Beginning of Korean History

The Dangun Myth is one of the most important and foundational stories in Korean history and culture. It tells the story of the creation of the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon, and its mythical founder, Dangun Wanggeom. This myth serves not only as a historical narrative but also as a cultural and spiritual symbol for the Korean people, representing their origins, identity, and national spirit. Let’s explore the story, its elements, and its significance in Korean history.

The Story of Dangun

According to the myth, the story begins with Hwanin, the "Lord of Heaven," who had a son named Hwanung. Hwanung was said to have a strong desire to live on Earth and help humanity. Seeing his son's wish, Hwanin granted him permission and sent him down to Earth, giving him the responsibility to rule over the human world. Hwanung descended from the heavens to Mount Taebaek (believed to be present-day Baekdu Mountain or a nearby area) along with 3,000 followers. This place became known as Shindansu, the "Sacred Tree of Divine Beings."

Hwanung established a sacred city beneath the sacred tree, called Sinsi ("City of the Gods"). From here, he ruled over the people and taught them various essential aspects of civilization such as laws, morality, medicine, and agriculture. He also controlled the elements, including the wind, rain, and clouds, to create a harmonious and prosperous environment for humanity.

The Birth of Dangun

The next part of the story introduces two animals: a bear and a tiger, who both wished to become human. They prayed to Hwanung, asking him to grant their wish. Hwanung gave them a challenge: they must remain in a dark cave for 100 days, only eating a sacred diet of mugwort and garlic. If they could endure this trial, they would become human. The tiger, unable to bear the hardship, gave up and fled the cave, but the bear persisted. After 21 days, the bear was transformed into a woman.

Now a woman, the bear (known as Ungnyeo) still longed for companionship, so she prayed once again. In response, Hwanung took her as his wife, and together they had a son, Dangun Wanggeom. Dangun grew up to become the first ruler of Gojoseon, which is considered the first Korean kingdom. In 2333 BCE, Dangun founded Gojoseon, and this is recognized as the beginning of Korean history.

The Significance of the Dangun Myth

The Dangun myth is more than just a creation story. It holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning for Koreans, symbolizing the divine origin of their nation and people. Dangun is often regarded as a god-like figure, and his story emphasizes the unity between heaven, earth, and humanity. The myth also underscores the importance of perseverance, as shown by Ungnyeo, the bear, who endured hardships to achieve her transformation into a human.

Furthermore, the story reflects values that are central to Korean culture, such as the importance of family, the pursuit of civilization and order, and the connection between the human and spiritual worlds. By tracing their origins back to Dangun, Koreans see their nation as divinely ordained, with a history that spans thousands of years.

Historical Interpretations of the Dangun Myth

While the Dangun myth is considered a founding legend, historians and scholars have long debated its historical authenticity. The date 2333 BCE, which marks the foundation of Gojoseon, is often seen as symbolic rather than literal. Some historians argue that the story of Dangun may have been created to legitimize the authority of ancient Korean rulers or to unify various tribes under a common ancestral figure.

In ancient Korea, shamanistic beliefs were prevalent, and the idea of a ruler being descended from divine beings like Hwanin and Hwanung may have been used to support the king’s sacred role. Over time, the Dangun myth became intertwined with Korean identity, especially during periods of foreign invasion or occupation, as it served as a reminder of Korea’s ancient and divine origins.

Modern-Day Legacy

Even today, the Dangun myth plays a significant role in Korean national consciousness. Every year on October 3rd, Korea celebrates National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol), which commemorates the day when Dangun is believed to have founded Gojoseon. This holiday reflects the continued importance of the myth in Korean culture, serving as a celebration of the nation’s ancient heritage and unity.

The story of Dangun also serves as a source of pride for Koreans around the world. Statues and monuments dedicated to Dangun can be found throughout the country, and schools teach the myth as part of Korea’s foundational history. It is not only seen as a myth but also as a key part of understanding the spirit and resilience of the Korean people.

Conclusion

The Dangun myth remains one of the most enduring and significant stories in Korean history. It symbolizes the origins of the Korean nation, embodying themes of perseverance, divine intervention, and the pursuit of order and civilization. Whether viewed as a historical legend or a spiritual tale, the story of Dangun continues to inspire and shape Korean identity, connecting modern Koreans with their ancient past.