Every year on October 3rd, South Korea celebrates one of its most meaningful holidays: Gaecheonjeol (개천절), or National Foundation Day. For Koreans, this day is more than a simple commemoration of the past — it is a living reminder of where the nation began, who they are, and what unites them as a people.
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| Korea's National Foundation Day (개천절) |
This date symbolizes the genesis of the Korean people and highlights the deep roots of national identity. During the Joseon Dynasty, Gaecheonjeol was observed as an official royal ceremony. Later, after Korea’s liberation in 1945, the day was formally declared a national holiday in 1949, cementing its role as a cornerstone of Korean cultural pride.
A Day When “Heaven Opened”
The name Gaecheonjeol literally means “the day the heavens opened.” According to Korean mythology, it marks the moment when Dangun Wanggeom, the legendary son of a heavenly prince, founded the kingdom of Gojoseon in 2333 BCE.
This founding myth is not just an old tale. For Koreans, it represents the origin of their identity — a story of divine guidance, endurance, and the beginning of a cultural heritage that has lasted for thousands of years.
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| On Gaecheonjeol, Korea’s national flags are displayed on streets and houses. |
The Legendary Dangun Myth
The heart of Gaecheonjeol is tied to one of Korea’s most famous legends — the Dangun myth, a story passed down for generations.
Hwanung Descends to Earth
Long ago, the heavenly god Hwanin had a son, Hwanung, who wished to live among humans. Hwanin granted his request, giving him three treasures of kingship. Hwanung descended to Taebaek Mountain with 3,000 followers and began to rule over the earth.
The Bear and the Tiger
One day, a bear and a tiger approached Hwanung, asking to become human. Hwanung instructed them to eat mugwort and garlic and avoid sunlight for 100 days. The tiger gave up, but the bear endured, transforming into a woman named Ungnyeo (웅녀, Bear Woman).
The Birth of Dangun
Ungnyeo prayed for a child, and eventually, she married Hwanung. Together, they had a son named Dangun Wanggeom, who founded Joseon in 2333 BCE.
Over time, the kingdom became known as Gojoseon (Old Joseon) to distinguish it from the later Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). The myth of Dangun remains central to Korean identity, symbolizing endurance, transformation, and divine origin.
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| Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul |
How Korea Celebrates Today
While the myth belongs to the ancient past, Gaecheonjeol is vibrantly alive in modern Korea.
In Seoul, official ceremonies are held at shrines such as Jongmyo Shrine and Dangunjeon Shrine, where offerings are made to honor the legendary founder. The rituals are deeply solemn, connecting modern-day Koreans with their ancestral roots.
The day then blossoms into celebration. Parades, traditional music, and dance performances fill the streets, blending history with festivity. Across the nation, the Taegeukgi (Korean flag) waves proudly, while families enjoy outings under the brilliant autumn foliage.
For visitors, it is a rare opportunity to see how myth, tradition, and patriotism merge into one unforgettable cultural experience.
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| Dangunjeon Shrine |
Why Gaecheonjeol Matters
Gaecheonjeol is not simply about the past — it’s about the present and the future. It reminds Koreans of their deep cultural roots, instills a sense of unity, and encourages reflection on the nation’s journey.
For many, the day also carries hopes for peace and reunification of the Korean Peninsula, symbolizing not only where Korea came from but also where it aspires to go.
A Living Tradition
Walking through Seoul on October 3rd, you can feel the spirit of Gaecheonjeol in every flag, every performance, and every gathering of families. It is a day when legend becomes life and when history is celebrated not as something distant, but as something that continues to shape Korean identity.
If you are ever in Korea during autumn, make sure to experience Gaecheonjeol for yourself. It is more than a holiday — it is the story of a nation written in the hearts of its people.
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