National Foundation Day in South Korea

National Foundation Day, known as Gaecheonjeol (개천절), is celebrated on October 3rd every year in South Korea. It is a public holiday commemorating the legendary formation of the first Korean state of Gojoseon by Dangun Wanggeom.

History:

• According to Korean mythology, Dangun, the son of the god Hwanung and a bear-turned-woman Ungnyeo, established Gojoseon on the third day of October in 2333 BCE.
• Gaecheonjeol literally means "the day the sky opened," reflecting the mythological beginnings where Hwanung descended from heaven to Earth.
• The holiday was officially designated in 1909 during Japanese colonial rule but has been observed with varying degrees of enthusiasm throughout different periods of Korean history.

Traditions:

• Official Ceremony: A government-led official ceremony is held at Mani-san, Ganghwa Island, where Dangun is said to have founded Gojoseon.
• Dangun Shrine Visits: Many people visit shrines dedicated to Dangun across South Korea to pay their respects.
• Cultural Events: Performances and reenactments of historical events related to Dangun and Gojoseon take place.
• National Flags: It is common for people to display the national flag (Taegukgi) outside their homes and public buildings.

Activities:

• People enjoy a day off from work and school, as it is a national holiday.
• Families may gather for meals or use the time for leisure activities.
• Some individuals use the holiday to reflect on Korean history and cultural identity.