When I’m not counting beans or chasing kangaroos, I teach Taekwondo using the Chang Hon school system and a part of learning forms is to also share information on the forms the students. Tan Gun (pronounced Don Goon) is the second form we learn. I was discussing the ledgend of Tan Gun with a student and decided to refresh my memory on the subject and thought I’d share it here. Turns out, my research was timely since tomorrow (Oct 3rd) is the National Foundation Day in South Korea. Below is the ledgend of Tan Gun per Microsoft Co-Pilot.

The legend of Tan’gun (also spelled Dangun) is one of Korea’s most cherished origin myths, blending divine ancestry, transformation, and the founding of a nation.

🌄 The Mythical Origins of Korea

• Heavenly Descent: The story begins with Hwanin, the “Lord of Heaven,” whose son Hwanung longed to live among humans. Hwanin granted his wish, and Hwanung descended to Earth with 3,000 followers, settling on Mount Taebaek (often associated with Paektu Mountain) A.
• City of God: Hwanung founded Sinsi (“City of God”) and taught humans essential skills—law, agriculture, medicine, and morality A.


🐯🐻 The Bear and the Tiger

• A bear and a tiger prayed to Hwanung to become human. He gave them 20 cloves of garlic and a bundle of mugwort, instructing them to eat only that and stay out of sunlight for 100 days.
• The tiger gave up, but the bear endured and was transformed into a woman named Ungnyeo A B.


👑 Birth of Tan’gun

• Ungnyeo, now human, longed for a child. Hwanung married her, and their son Tan’gun Wanggeom was born.
• Tan’gun became the first king of Gojoseon, Korea’s earliest kingdom, in 2333 BCE A B.


🏞 Cultural Significance

• Tan’gun is celebrated as the founder of Korea, and his birthday—October 3rd—is honored as National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol) in South Korea A C.
• The myth symbolizes Korea’s divine origins and is tied to values like Hongik Ingan (“To broadly benefit humanity”) B.