Celebrating unity, heritage, and national pride

On October 03, 2024, South Koreans will come together to celebrate National Foundation Day, known locally as “Gaecheonjeol”. This annual holiday is reminder of the nation’s origins, history, and cultural heritage. For centuries, Gaecheonjeol has commemorated the legendary founding of the Korean nation by Dangun, the mythological progenitor of the Korean people.

As one of the most significant days in the South Korean calendar, National Foundation Day fosters a sense of unity and continuity for a people whose history spans millennia.

The story of Gaecheonjeol is deeply rooted in the mythological origins of Korea, dating back to 2333 BCE. According to Korean legend, Dangun, the son of Hwanung (the son of heaven) and a bear-woman, founded the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon. The term “Gaecheon” translates to “Opening of Heaven,” symbolizing the moment when Dangun descended from heaven to establish the Korean nation. This tale has permeated Korean culture, influencing the country’s historical narratives and serving as a symbol of the Korean people’s enduring spirit.

The mythological foundations of Gaecheonjeol

To fully appreciate the significance of Gaecheonjeol, one must first understand the myth surrounding the birth of Dangun, a story passed down through generations in Korean folklore. According to the myth, the deity Hwanung, son of Hwanin (the “Lord of Heaven”), expressed a desire to live among humans and contribute to their well-being. Moved by his son’s wish, Hwanin allowed Hwanung to descend to Earth, where he established a sacred city called Shinshi at the base of Mount Baekdu, one of Korea’s most revered mountains, located on the present-day border of North Korea and China.

In this sacred city, Hwanung governed earthly matters, administering laws, agriculture, and medicine, among other things. According to the legend, a bear and a tiger both prayed to Hwanung, expressing their desire to become human. Hwanung gave them a challenge: they were to stay in a cave for 100 days, consuming only garlic and mugwort. The tiger gave up halfway, but the bear succeeded and was transformed into a woman. This bear-woman, named Ungnyeo, later became the mother of Dangun after she bore Hwanung’s child.

Dangun, according to tradition, went on to establish the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon (Old Joseon), on October 3rd, 2333 BCE. This kingdom is considered the foundation of Korea’s national identity, and Dangun himself is revered as both a historical and spiritual figure. The story of Dangun is central to Korean culture, providing a sense of shared origin and continuity that bridges the ancient and modern histories of Korea. The observance of Gaecheonjeol is therefore a celebration not just of a myth but of the enduring legacy of Korea as a unified and independent nation.

Historical and cultural significance

The story of Dangun and the founding of Gojoseon holds deep meaning in Korean society, far beyond its mythological origins. Gaecheonjeol is a celebration of the Korean people’s perseverance and unity. The holiday serves as a reminder of Korea’s long-standing national identity, which has survived numerous invasions, colonisation, and division.

Throughout Korea’s tumultuous history, the legend of Dangun has remained a constant source of inspiration. During the Japanese occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1945, Gaecheonjeol took on an even more profound significance as a symbol of resistance and hope for Korean independence. The holiday allowed Koreans to assert their national identity in the face of Japanese efforts to suppress their culture and history. The Dangun myth was particularly important in maintaining a sense of unity and continuity during this dark period.

After Korea gained independence in 1945, Gaecheonjeol continued to be celebrated as a public holiday, recognised by both North and South Korea. In South Korea, Gaecheonjeol is a time for national reflection, patriotism, and celebration of the Korean people’s resilience and achievements. It also serves as a reminder of Korea’s deep cultural and historical roots, extending back thousands of years.

In modern-day South Korea, National Foundation Day is marked by a variety of festivities, including traditional ceremonies, cultural performances, and public events. The holiday offers a unique opportunity for South Koreans to connect with their heritage and history while celebrating the progress and achievements of their nation.

Modern celebrations and traditions

Gaecheonjeol is observed with both solemnity and festivity across South Korea. The day typically begins with official ceremonies led by government leaders, often attended by the President of South Korea. These ceremonies are held at significant historical and cultural sites, including Seoul’s Dangun Shrine, which was built to honour the mythical founder of Korea. This solemn event serves as a tribute to Korea’s long history and the sacrifices made by previous generations to preserve the nation’s sovereignty and independence.

In addition to the official ceremonies, various cultural festivals and performances are organized throughout the country. Traditional music and dance performances, reenactments of historical events, and exhibitions showcasing Korean history and culture are common features of the day. These celebrations provide an opportunity for South Koreans, especially younger generations, to learn more about their cultural heritage and to feel a sense of pride in their country’s rich history.

One of the most important symbols of Gaecheonjeol is the South Korean flag, known as the “Taegeukgi.” The flag’s design, with its red and blue yin-yang symbol and four black trigrams representing harmony and balance, is a potent symbol of Korea’s philosophical and cultural traditions. On National Foundation Day, the Taegeukgi is proudly displayed on homes, businesses, and public buildings throughout South Korea, further reinforcing the sense of national pride and unity.

While the holiday is an important time for reflection on Korea’s past, it also serves as a moment to look forward to the future. In recent years, Gaecheonjeol has become an occasion for discussions on national unity, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions between North and South Korea. Many South Koreans see the holiday as a time to reflect on the possibility of reunification, which remains a complex and deeply emotional issue for the Korean people.

The future of Gaecheonjeol in a changing Korea

As South Korea continues to evolve as a global economic and cultural powerhouse, Gaecheonjeol retains its significance as a moment of national reflection. The holiday has adapted to the changing social and political landscape of South Korea, while maintaining its core message of unity and pride in the country’s ancient heritage.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to reinterpret the meaning of Gaecheonjeol in the context of contemporary Korean society. While the holiday remains rooted in the ancient myth of Dangun, many South Koreans are using the day to reflect on broader themes of national identity, democracy, and human rights. The challenges faced by South Korea in the modern era, from economic inequality to political polarization, have led some to see Gaecheonjeol as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of social cohesion and unity.

Moreover, the celebration of Gaecheonjeol offers a platform for South Koreans to assert their distinct cultural identity in a globalized world. As South Korea’s influence continues to grow on the international stage, particularly through its contributions to technology, entertainment, and culture (such as the global phenomenon of K-pop and Korean cinema), Gaecheonjeol serves as a reminder of the nation’s deep historical roots and its enduring cultural values.

In addition, the holiday has become an occasion for Koreans in the diaspora to connect with their homeland. Around the world, Korean communities celebrate Gaecheonjeol with events that highlight Korean culture and history, helping to foster a sense of belonging and national pride among those living abroad.

Gaecheonjeol: A day of reflection, celebration, and hope

As South Korea prepares to celebrate National Foundation Day on October 3rd, 2024, it is an opportunity for the nation to reflect on its remarkable journey from the ancient kingdom of Gojoseon to the vibrant, modern democracy it is today. The story of Dangun, while rooted in mythology, serves as a powerful symbol of the Korean people’s enduring spirit and resilience. Gaecheonjeol is a time to honour the sacrifices of past generations, to celebrate the achievements of the present, and to look forward to the possibilities of the future.

In a world that is constantly changing, the celebration of Gaecheonjeol reminds South Koreans of the importance of unity, cultural heritage, and national pride. As the nation continues to navigate the complexities of the modern world, Gaecheonjeol offers a moment of reflection on the values that have sustained Korea for millennia and a renewed sense of hope for what lies ahead.