Learning To Be Asian

(The Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown)

I figure the best place to start my research is at the very beginning.  According to early Korean mythology, the history of the country began with a holy founder named Dangun.  The legend begins with his grandfather Hwanin or the "Lord of Heaven" and his son Hwanung.  Hwanung dreamed of a life nestled among the mountains.  With his father's blessing Hwanung took his friends up to the Baekdu Mountain and established Sinsi meaning the "City of God".

Hwanung had three ministers.  One of clouds, of rain, and of wind (which is pretty awesome if you ask me).  With them he developed laws, moral codes, the arts, medicine, and agriculture.

Later in the story there is a tiger and a bear.  Not wanting to miss out on all the fun, the animals prayed to Hwanung so that they could become human too.  Hwanung then gave them a test.  He gave them the sacred food of 20 cloves of garlic and a bundle of mugwort.  They had to eat only this and stay out of the sunlight for 100 days (which was kind of sadistic). The tiger gave up twenty days in, but the bear succeeded and was transformed into a woman.

The bear-woman was called Ungnyeo and was overjoyed.  She gave many offerings of thanks.  Yet soon after Ungnyeo became sad and prayed beneath Sindansu meaning a "Divine Betula tree" so she may be blessed with a child. Hwanung, so very moved by her wish, took her for his wife.  She gave birth to a son named Dangun Wanggeom (the guy I mention in the beginning who is the founder of Korea).

From there Dangun ascended to the throne.  He built the walled city of Asadal, which is later called the Ancient kingdom Gojoseon on Mount Gunghol.  This story dates back to 2333 BC and the worship of the sun, tiger, and bear have been found repeated in other tribal myths.

I think there's something very beautiful about how the legend was crafted and I love some particular details, such as the ministers of clouds, rain, and wind.  Not to mention the bear that transformed into a woman and her praying to the divine tree for a child.  I feel like there's something gentle, positive and prolific about it that would generate feelings of pride and fondness for Korea.  I honestly didn't know what to expect before I started reading, but I can say I'm very intrigued so far and look forward to learning more about the country's history.