Dangun Myth and Korean Identity

Introduction

Every nation has a founding story that shapes the way its people understand themselves. For the Greeks, it is the myths of Zeus and Mount Olympus. For the Romans, it is the legend of Romulus and Remus, explaining the birth of Rome. For Korea, it is the myth of Dangun—a story that goes beyond legend to serve as a symbolic foundation of Korean identity, culture, and values.

The Story of Dangun

According to the myth, Hwanung, the son of the heavenly god Hwanin, descended from heaven to rule over the human world. He brought with him ministers of rain, wind, and clouds, symbolizing nature’s forces. Among the animals who longed to become human were a tiger and a bear. They were instructed to remain inside a cave for 100 days, surviving only on garlic and mugwort. The tiger gave up, but the bear endured and was transformed into a woman. She later married Hwanung and gave birth to Dangun Wanggeom, who went on to establish Gojoseon in 2333 BCE.

Symbolism in the Myth

The Dangun myth is rich with symbolism that continues to shape Korean identity and worldview:

1. Harmony between Heaven and Earth
The union of Hwanung, a heavenly being, and the bear-woman, a creature of the earth, represents the ideal balance between the spiritual and natural worlds. Traditional Korean thought has long emphasized harmony among heaven, earth, and humanity, a value still reflected in practices such as respect for nature, seasonal traditions, and the philosophy of pungsu (Korean geomancy).

2. Endurance and Perseverance
The bear’s transformation through patience symbolizes resilience in the face of hardship. This has become a metaphor for the Korean spirit—visible in the nation’s endurance during invasions, the struggle under colonial rule, and the determination to rebuild after the devastation of war.

3. A Shared Ancestry
By tracing their origin to a single ancestor, Koreans emphasize unity and solidarity. Even today, despite the political division of the Korean peninsula, the Dangun myth serves as a reminder of a shared root, reinforcing the belief that Koreans are one people.

Influence on Korean Identity

For Koreans, the Dangun myth is far more than an ancient legend. It is a cultural narrative that shapes identity, values, and pride.

1. A Common Beginning
The Dangun myth gives Koreans a unifying origin story, reminding them that they share the same root. This sense of a common beginning has long fostered solidarity and belonging. It highlights the idea that, beyond differences of region or background, Koreans are part of one community that has grown from the same cultural foundation.

2. Cultural Values
The virtues reflected in the myth—perseverance, patience, and harmony—have shaped Korean culture for centuries. These values appear in daily life, in family relationships, and in the way communities work together. They are also visible in how Koreans approach challenges, showing determination in the face of hardship and an emphasis on cooperation over conflict.

3. National Pride
The Dangun myth also instills pride by connecting Koreans to a continuous cultural tradition stretching back over four thousand years. It affirms Korea’s place among the world’s oldest civilizations, reinforcing confidence in its cultural endurance and legitimacy. For many Koreans, Dangun symbolizes not just an ancient founder but the strength, resilience, and unity of the Korean people throughout history.

Cultural and Historical Significance

For Koreans, Dangun is not just a mythical figure; he is considered as the “ancestor of the nation.” The phrase Hongik Ingan—often translated as “to broadly benefit humankind”—expresses the ideal of living not only for oneself but for the greater good of humanity. This philosophy remains embedded in Korean society today, appearing in national mottos, school curricula, and even in the preamble of South Korea’s constitution.

During times of hardship, such as the Japanese occupation in the early 20th century, Koreans looked to Dangun as a symbol of resilience and a reminder of their long, independent history. His figure represented a cultural continuity that no foreign rule could erase. Even today, the Dangun myth is commemorated every year on Gaecheonjeol (National Foundation Day), when Koreans reflect on their shared heritage and enduring values.

Conclusion

The Dangun myth is more than a legend about the founding of Korea. It is a cultural compass that has guided Koreans in how they see themselves, their history, and their place in the world. The harmony of heaven and earth, the endurance of the bear, and the shared ancestry of one people all come together to form a story that continues to shape Korean identity. For foreigners, learning about Dangun is not only an introduction to an ancient myth but also a window into the enduring spirit of the Korean people.

The Full Story of the Dangun Myth

Long ago, in the age when heaven and earth were not yet far apart, there lived Hwanin, the Lord of Heaven. His son, Hwanung, often looked down upon the human world and longed to bring order and guidance to it. Seeing his son’s desire, Hwanin allowed him to descend from heaven with three thousand followers to rule over the earth.

Hwanung came down to Mount Taebaek, beneath a sacred tree, and there he established a holy city called Sinsi, the “Divine City.” With him were ministers of rain, wind, and clouds, who governed the natural forces and taught people laws, morals, medicine, and the arts of agriculture.

At that time, a tiger and a bear lived near the sacred tree. They wished to become human and prayed earnestly to Hwanung. Moved by their devotion, Hwanung gave them a test. He handed them a bundle of garlic and mugwort and commanded:
“If you stay inside this cave for one hundred days, avoiding sunlight and eating only this food, you will become human.”

The tiger, impatient and restless, gave up after only a few days and ran out of the cave. The bear, however, endured the darkness and the strict diet with patience. After twenty-one days, she was transformed into a beautiful woman.

The bear-woman, now human, found herself alone. She longed for companionship and prayed under the sacred tree for a child. Hwanung, moved by her prayers, took her as his wife. In time, she gave birth to a son named Dangun Wanggeom.

Dangun grew strong and wise, and when he became a man, he founded the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon, in 2333 BCE. He ruled his people with justice and taught them the values of harmony between heaven, earth, and humankind. Under his reign, laws were established, fields were cultivated, and villages flourished.

Dangun lived for many centuries, guiding his people. Finally, he withdrew from the throne and became a mountain spirit, remembered forever as the founding ancestor of the Korean nation.