Hwanin and Hwanung: The Epic Korean Tale of Gods And a City of Harmony

 Hwanin and Hwanung: 

The Epic Korean Tale of Gods And a City of Harmony

Korean myths are like stories that help people understand their history and beliefs. One of the most important Korean myths is about Hwanin and Hwanung. It tells us where Koreans come from and what they believe in.

Before we dive into the exciting story of Hwanin and Hwanung, we need to know what mythology is. Mythology is a collection of stories that teach people about their culture and history. In Korea, these stories are influenced by shamanism, animism, and Confucianism. They're not just tales; they're like the building blocks of Korean identity.

Meet the Gods: Hwanin and Hwanung (Dangun Myth)

Image Source: From Korea with love 

 

The story of Hwanin and Hwanung is a significant part of the Dangun myth, which is foundational in Korean history and identity. The Dangun myth explains the legendary founding of Korea and its first kingdom, Gojoseon.

The story begins with Hwanin, the most important god in Korean cosmogony. People call him the "Lord of Heaven" or the "Heavenly Sovereign." He lives in a perfect and peaceful place called the celestial realm, which is like heaven. But even in this heavenly world, Hwanin feels something is missing. He wants to create a perfect place on Earth where people can be as happy as the gods in the sky.

 

Hwanin Photo from Dr. Hyunjin Preston Moon 

So, Hwanin makes a big decision. He leaves the heavenly realm and comes down to Earth. He picks a place on a mountain called Mount Taebaek, in what we now call North Korea.

In response to this, Hwanin decides to send his son, Hwanung, down to Earth with a divine mission. He asks Hwanung to be in charge of the human world. Hwanung is a god too, and he's wise and kind.

Hwanin's decision to leave heaven and come to Earth is a big deal. It means the divine and human worlds are getting closer. This moment shows that the divine, which is like the power of the gods, isn't far away. It's right here with us, helping us in our lives.

 

Photo from Ancient Origins

Hwanung takes his father's request to heart. He's happy to help and lead people to a life of balance and happiness. To help him in his mission, Hwanin gives him the "Three Heavenly Sages." These three sages are likewise helpers who know a lot about important things.Hwanung descends to the sacred mountain, Mount Taebaek, which is the place where the divine realm connects with the human world. His purpose is to establish an earthly kingdom that mirrors the harmony and prosperity of the heavenly realm.

Creating the City of God: Sinsi

Hwanung, guided by his father's wisdom, sets up the new kingdom called "Sinsi," which means "City of God." In this utopian city, Hwanung and his three heavenly advisors, who possess great wisdom, govern with benevolence and justice. The people of Sinsi enjoy a life of balance and happiness, echoing the divine world above.

 

Photo From Korea.net

The story continues as Hwanung selects a bear and a tiger who had prayed to become human. He instructs them to stay in a cave and eat only garlic and mugwort for a hundred days. While the tiger gives up, the bear perseveres and is transformed into a woman. The bear-woman, named Ungnyeo, becomes the mother of Dangun, the legendary founder of Gojoseon.

Dangun's birth is a pivotal moment in the Dangun myth. He goes on to establish the Gojoseon kingdom, marking the beginning of Korea's history as a nation. Dangun is revered as a key figure in Korean history and is celebrated every year during Dangunjeol, the National Foundation Day of South Korea.

This myth highlights the interconnectedness of the divine and human realms, emphasising the benevolence of the divine, the significance of wise leadership, and the idea that Korea's origins are rooted in a unique blend of myth and history. It is a story that continues to shape Korean cultural identity and beliefs.

What We Learn from Hwanin and Hwanung

#1 Heaven and Earth are Connected: Hwanin coming down to Earth shows us that the divine and human worlds are not separate. They are connected, and the divine is not far away. It's close to us, helping us in our lives.

#2Good Leadership: Hwanung's leadership in Sinsi teaches us about being good leaders. He is kind, wise, and wants the best for his people. That's a good way to lead and help others.

#3 Wisdom Matters: The Three Heavenly Sages show us how important wisdom is. Wisdom helps people make good decisions and live a balanced life.

#4 A Perfect Society: Sinsi represents a perfect society where people are good, fair, and happy. It's like a dream world, and it reminds us to try and be good and fair too.

#5 National Foundation Day: South Korea celebrates the myth of Hwanin and Hwanung with a special day called "Gaecheonjeol" or "National Foundation Day." It reminds people that they are the descendants of a divine lineage.

Hwanin and Hwanung In Contemporary Korea

 

Images of Hwanung and Ungnyeo, Photo from San-Shin

The myth of Hwanin and Hwanung is deeply ingrained in Korean culture and holds a significant place in the nation's historical and cultural identity. It is celebrated annually on the holiday of "Gaecheonjeol" or "National Foundation Day" in South Korea, commemorating the founding of the Korean nation by Hwanung. This holiday not only honours the mythical origins of Korea but also reinforces the cultural belief that the Korean people are descendants of divine lineage.

The myth also has influenced various aspects of Korean society, from art and literature to religion and politics. It serves as a reminder of the nation's divine origins and continues to inspire a sense of cultural pride and unity.

Conclusion 

The myth of Hwanin and Hwanung, with its themes of divine descent, benevolent rule, and the harmonious coexistence of the heavenly and earthly realms, holds a special place in Korean mythology. It embodies the values and virtues that the Korean people have revered throughout their history, emphasising the importance of benevolence, justice, and balance in both individual and societal life. In doing so, the myth of Hwanin and Hwanung continues to shape and enrich the cultural identity of Korea, reinforcing the enduring belief that their heritage is intertwined with divine lineage.

References: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hwanung

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dangun

https://www.wattpad.com/588073051-korean-mythology-hwanin

https://www.wattpad.com/588072616-korean-mythology-hwanung