Long ago, Hwanin, the Lord of Heaven, looked down upon the world and saw humans struggling to live. His son, Hwanung, desired to descend to Earth to help humanity and bring wisdom to their lives. Understanding his son’s wish, Hwanin allowed Hwanung to come down to Mount Taebaek with 3,000 followers. Hwanung also brought three guardian deities: the God of Wind, the God of Rain, and the God of Clouds. There, he established a sacred city called Sinsi, the City of God, and taught humans over 360 skills and disciplines, including agriculture, medicine, law, ethics, and various arts.
Nearby, a bear and a tiger lived together in a cave. Both longed to become human and approached Hwanung with their request. To test their perseverance, Hwanung gave them a difficult challenge. They were to eat only twenty cloves of garlic and a bundle of sacred mugwort and remain inside a dark cave away from sunlight for 100 days.
The tiger grew impatient and could not endure the hunger and darkness, abandoning the challenge after only a short time. The bear, however, displayed extraordinary patience and perseverance, following the rules without complaint. After 21 days, the bear transformed into a beautiful woman named Ungnyeo, meaning “Bear Woman.”
Ungnyeo soon felt lonely, as there was no one to marry. She prayed beneath a sacred divine tree, and Hwanung, moved by her devotion, temporarily took human form and married her. Together, they had a son named Dangun Wanggeom. In 2333 BCE, Dangun established his capital at Asadal, in what is now the Pyongyang region, and founded the nation of Joseon, known today as Gojoseon to distinguish it from the later Joseon dynasty. Dangun ruled for 1,500 years, spreading the philosophy of Hongik Ingan, which means “to benefit all mankind,” a principle that remains a core ethical teaching in Korea today.
The legend of Dangun carries deep cultural and moral lessons. Perseverance is embodied in the bear’s ability to endure 100 days, teaching the value of patience and self-discipline. Harmony is reflected in the union of Hwanung, the son of Heaven, and Ungnyeo, the daughter of Earth, symbolizing the balance between nature and the divine. Finally, compassion and selflessness are highlighted in the philosophy of Hongik Ingan, reminding people to live not only for themselves but for the welfare of the entire community.