The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of Spoon University.
On October 3rd, South Koreans celebrate Gaecheonjeol. Known in English as National Foundation Day, this public holiday celebrates the legendary creation of the state of Gojoseon and the Korean race in 2333 BC. Involving gods, a bear, a tiger, and mugwort, the Korean creation myth is a tale of perseverance and transformation, with food playing an invaluable role.
Hwanin, ruler of the Heavens, had a song named Hwanung. After receiving his father’s permission, Hwanung descended to the earth with three thousand followers and various nature gods. They established the holy city of Sinsi and ruled humanity while educating the people.
Long after these events, there was a bear and a tiger who both wished to become humans. They prayed to Hwanung and, after hearing their pleas, instructed them to avoid sunlight for one hundred days while only eating garlic and mugwort. Both eagerly agreed and retreated to a cave to begin their task.
At first, the bear and the tiger made good progress. But after the twenty-first day, the tiger couldn’t stand the conditions any longer and left the cave; nonetheless, the bear was determined to become a human and fulfilled Hwanung’s task. Hwanung kept his promise and transformed the bear into a human woman and she took the name of Ungnyeo (which translates to Bear Woman).
Ungnyeo, however, felt desolate because she wasn’t wed and didn’t have a child. She prayed to Hwanung for a son and the god, moved by her request, transformed himself into a human and married Ungnyeo. Their son, Dangun, was considered the first earthly human prince and eventually established his own kingdom: Gojoseon.
These are the fabled origins of Korea as we know it today, and how garlic and mugwort helped establish this legendary kingdom.