Dan-Gun

Dan-Gun is named after the Holy Dan-Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in the year 2333 BC.

The Legend of Dan-Gun

Every October 3 is “Gae-cheon-jeol” or the “Festival of the Opening of Heaven,” the Korean foundation day. “Dan-gun” is considered the founder of 1st Korean Kingdom.

The legend of Dan-Gun dates back to ancient times when world was ruled by Hwanin, “Lord of the Heaven.” His son, Hwangung along with 3,000 followers descended and lived in this world.

It was told that a tiger and a bear prayed to Hwangung wishing to become human. He had given both 20 cloves of garlic and a bundle of mugwort. They were told to eat this sacred food and remain in the cave for 100 days.

After 20 days the tiger gave up and left the cave but the bear remained in the cave and was transformed into a beautiful woman. She became known as Ungnyeo (Ung-Yo) which means bear-woman.

Ung-Yo was grateful and made offerings to Hwang-Ung but as she lacked a husband she became sad and prayed. Hwang-Ung was moved by her prayers and took her as his wife and she gave birth to a son whom they named Dan-Gun (Tangun).

Dan-Gun rose to the throne and built the city of Asadal, this given rise to the Korean Dynasty called Go-Joseon. He is regarded to have built the first altar on Kang-Wha island in 2265 BC which is also known as Dangun’s Altar.

Legend has it that Dan-Gun was a wise and powerful leader until his reign ended after being ousted by a Chinese descendant of the Shang Dynasty named Ki-Ja.

Dan-Gun was said to have reigned for 1,211 years or until the age of 1,908 when he returned to his spirit form.