Perhaps the most significant origin story in Korea starts right here at Dangun Mountain Villa. This is where we delve into the legend of Dangun, the founder of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom.
Dangun, also known as Dangun Wanggeom, is more than just a myth. He is the legendary figure credited with establishing the first kingdom around the northern part of the Korean Peninsula in 2333 BC. He is said to be the grandson of heaven and son of a bear.
The earliest recorded version of the Dangun legend appears in the 13th-century Samguk yusa. This text cites Korea’s lost historical record, Gogi. It also references China’s Book of Wei.
The story begins with Hwanin, the Lord of Heaven. Hwanin had a son named Hwanung. Hwanung yearned to live on earth among the valleys and mountains. Hwanin permitted Hwanung and 3,000 followers to descend onto Taebaeksan, now believed to be Paektu Mountain. There, Hwanung founded Sinsi, the City of God.
Hwanung instituted laws and moral codes. He taught humans various arts, medicine, and agriculture. Legend attributes the development of acupuncture and moxibustion to Dangun.
A tiger and a bear prayed to Hwanung. They wanted to become human. Hwanung gave them twenty cloves of garlic and a bundle of mugwort. He ordered them to eat only this sacred food. They also had to remain out of the sunlight for 100 days. The tiger gave up after about twenty days. However, the bear persevered and transformed into a woman named Ungnyeo. The bear and the tiger represent two tribes seeking the heavenly prince’s favor.
Ungnyeo was grateful. She made offerings to Hwanung. She lacked a husband. She became sad and prayed beneath a divine birch tree to be blessed with a child. Hwanung, moved by her prayers, took her as his wife. Soon, she gave birth to a son named Dangun Wanggeom.
Dangun ascended to the throne. He built the walled city of Asadal near Pyongyang. He called the kingdom Joseon, now referred to as Gojoseon. This is to avoid confusion with the later kingdom of Joseon. He then moved his capital to Asadal on Mount Paegak or Mount Gunghol.
Dangun’s biography reflects the interest in establishing the legitimacy of Gojoseon’s kingship. It also highlights the dignity of the country. The king of Gojoseon conducted a ritual in honor of his ancestral god every year. Soon, the myth of Dangun was the political ideology of the Gojoseon period. The ritual served as a political assembly.
Emperor Dangun’s rule is calculated to begin in 2333 BCE. Until 1961, the official South Korean era was called the Dangi. It began in 2333 BC. Followers of Daejongism considered 3 October in the Korean calendar as Gaecheonjeol. This day is now a public holiday in South Korea called National Foundation Day.
Dangun began to attract attention during the late Goryeo dynasty. During the Joseon period, he was worshiped as the ancestor of the nation. In Korea at the end of the 19th century, Dangun was greatly emphasized. It highlighted the resistance against Imperialist invasion. It developed into a religion, Dangunkyo. Dangun played a large role in the spiritual foundation of the independence movement during the Japanese colonial period.
Here at Dangun Mountain Villa, we remember the founder of Gojoseon. We celebrate the story that shaped Korea. The tale of Dangun is a reminder of the rich history. It connects Koreans to their ancient past. It continues to resonate in the present.