Hwanung descended from the heaven to live with mankind and make us comfortable
There are some explanations on the date of the Foundation Day. Some explain that it is decided as October 3rd, because October means harvest month in lunar calendar and 3 is lucky number in Korea. At the same time, others say that October 3rd is the day when Hwanung descended from the heaven, because Korean people believe that Hwanung had descended from heaven to live with mankind and make us comfortable.
In any case, October 3rd is special day for Korean people. People used to have festivals to celebrate the harvest, and it was inherited from other countries in Korean peninsula such as Yeonggo of Buyeo, Mucheon of Yemaek, Gyeeum of Mahan and Byeonhan, Dongmaeng of Goguryeo, Palgwanheoi of Silla. Then it was enacted as a national holiday in 1990 by Daejongkyo which is a religion of Korea founded in 1909 by Na Cheol. Daejonkyo worship Dangoon, who ruled over the Korean empire about 5000 years ago. They believe that Korean people do not need to worship foreign gods, because they already have their own. When the Republic of Korea was founded, the government inherited the holiday and designated as the National Foundation Day. There were some arguments on setting the date of Gaecheonjeol, the National Foundation Day, because it follows the lunar calendar. However, it was decided that solar calendar will be used, because it is very hard to convert the date every year. Hence, since 1949, the holiday is being celebrated every year on October 3rd based on the solar calendar .
National Foundation Day festivities near Gwanghwamun Square
On the Foundation Day, Korean people look back on the way they live and keep the spirit of the national foundation, humanitarianism, by raising the Korean flags. Also, big and small festivals are hold in many places in Korea to commemorate the Foundation Day.
from GEO Class 3-3 (Prof. Nigel James Power and TA Jinah Kim)
Article written by: Dong Hun Lee
