Dangun facts for kids
Dangun is a very important figure in Korean history and mythology. He is believed to be the grandson of the gods. People say he founded the first Korean kingdom, called Gojoseon, about 4,340 years ago. Dangun is seen as the ancestor of the entire Korean nation. His kingdom is called "Go" Joseon (meaning "Ancient" Joseon) to tell it apart from a later kingdom also named Joseon.
The Story of Dangun's Birth
Long ago, Hwanung, the son of the god Hwanin, wished to live on Earth. Hwanin saw his son's desire. He allowed Hwanung to go down to the human world. Hwanung brought three special amulets with him.
Hwanung arrived at the Sindansu tree on Mount Taebaek. He was joined by 3,000 followers. He took charge of many things in the human world. This included farming, good behavior, and 363 other important tasks. Everything he managed went very well.
One day, two animals came to Hwanung. They were a tiger and a bear. Both animals begged Hwanung to turn them into human beings. Hwanung listened to their wish.
Hwanung gave them a special gift. It was an armful of divine wormwood and twenty cloves of divine garlic. He told them, "Eat these for 100 days. You must stay away from sunshine during this time. If you do this, you will become human."
The tiger and the bear went into a cave. They began to follow Hwanung's instructions. However, the tiger could not handle the difficult trial. It soon gave up and ran out of the cave.
The bear, on the other hand, was very patient. She endured the entire trial. After 100 days, she successfully became a woman. But she was lonely because no one would marry her. So, the bear-woman prayed at the Sindansu tree. She wished to have a baby.
Hwanung saw her prayers. He changed himself into a human for a short time. He then married the bear-woman. Soon after, the bear-woman gave birth to a baby. This baby was Dangun.
Dangun Founds Gojoseon
Dangun grew up and became a great leader. He founded the kingdom of Gojoseon. He ruled this kingdom for a very long time, about 1,500 years.
After his long rule, Giza took over the throne. Dangun decided to leave the human world. He then became a mountain god.
Images for kids
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Statue near Daecheong Dam in Daejeon, South Korea
See also
In Spanish: Dangun para niños
