South Korean National Foundation Day
What Is South Korean National Foundation Day?
It’s basically exactly what it sounds like. It is the day that is regarded as the founding of the Korean nation. In Korea, it’s called “Gaecheonjeol,” which basically means “Opening of Heaven Celebration.”
The “Opening of Heaven” refers to a Korean legend where a man was thought to have been born from a god and a woman (who was previously a bear). This man (really a demi-god) would become the first leader of the Korean people. It is said that he created a rule of law and gave them skills in crafts and agriculture. (Apparently, he was quite the renaissance man.) Thus the founding of the first organized kingdom of Korea (Gojoseon Kingdom or Ancient Joseon) is attributed to Dangun, which is why this day may also be referred to as Dangun Day.
As such, National Foundation Day is a day of national pride in the traditions and achievements of the Korean people.
When Is It?
It’s observed every year on October 3rd ever since 1949. But it used to be on the 10th month of the lunar calendar. It was changed for the sake of convenience but it kind of makes you wonder why they changed this specific holiday, doesn’t it?
What Do People Do On National Foundation Day?
Every year, a ceremony is held to honor Dangun at the summit of Mt. Manisan on Ganghwa Island in South Korea. The altar at the summit if a legendary place of worship that is said to have been built by Dangun himself.
In practicality, South Korean National Foundation Day is a national holiday so most businesses are closed and not having to go to work is usually a reason in itself to celebrate. But if people aren’t lounging at home catching up on the latest k-drama or doing laundry, they could be going to a festival or parade celebrating National Foundation Day. Think impressive firework displays and massive consumption of japchae (a delicious Korean glass noodle dish).
So there you have it, a little bit about Korean National Foundation Day (yes North Koreans have it too but it’s not a national holiday, not surprisingly). To be honest, as a Korean-American, I don’t think I’ve ever celebrated this day. But having learned about it, I think I’ll start. After all, it’s thanks to the traditions and achievements of my parents and ancestors that I’m here today, right? And in that sense, I hope my kid will too.
How about you? What does this day mean to you, if anything at all?