단군왕검 (Dangun Wanggeom) is a legendary figure in Korean history and mythology, regarded as the founder of 고조선 (Gojoseon), the first Korean kingdom. According to Korean mythology, Dangun was the grandson of 환인 (Hwanin), the “Lord of Heaven,” and the son of 환웅 (Hwanung), who descended to rule over the Earth.
The legend states that Dangun was born after Hwanung married a bear who had transformed into a woman after enduring a test of consuming only garlic and mugwort for 100 days. Dangun is said to have founded Gojoseon in 2333 BCE, establishing the first Korean nation in what is now modern-day North Korea and parts of Northeast China. This date is celebrated annually in South Korea as 개천절(Gaecheonjeol), or National Foundation Day, on October 3rd.
Dangun Wanggeom’s story is deeply rooted in Korean culture and serves as a symbol of Korean identity and the divine origin of the Korean people.
