The Goryeo-era Samguk Yusa, one of the oldest and most complete compilations of the many beliefs and legends of pre-industrial Korea, records in detail the founding of the Gojoseon civilization in present-day Manchuria and North Korea under the semi-divine ruler Dangun Wang-geom 단군왕검, who was regarded traditionally as a contemporary of the legendary Chinese "Sage King" Yao. It is not certain whether "Dangun" was actually a name or title.
The actual year of Dangun's act of establishing Gojoseon is not agreed upon even in ancient sources, but all agree that it occurred during Yao's reign over in the age of China's "Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors." The Dongguk Tonggam 동국통감 records the founding year as 2333 BCE is commonly cited. This event is commemorated as the founding date of Korea and is celebrated as the national holiday "Gaecheonjeol" 개천절, or the "Opening of the Sky," which is celebrated every October 3 in South Korea.
Hwanung Descends
The story begins with Hwanung's descent from heaven onto Baekdu Mountain. Hwanung 환웅 was the son of the Lord of Heaven, Hwanin 환인. When Hwanung expressed his desire to live upon the earth among humans, his father permitted him to settle on Baekdu Mountain with three thousand followers. After establishing his settlement of Shinsi 신시, the "City of the Gods," Hwanung and his celestial followers educated the humans in the ways of law, morals, medicine, science, and agriculture.
The Bear and the Tiger
While Hwanung reigned over his realm and educated the humans, a bear and a tiger had a desire to become human. They prayed to Hwanung to grant their wish. In response, Hwanung instructed them to stay out of sunlight and eat nothing but garlic and mugwort for a hundred days. The tiger grew weary of such a harsh lifestyle early on, but the bear continued to endure. After a hundred days have passed, the bear transformed into a woman. This woman became known as Ungnyeo 웅녀.
The Birth of Dangun
Ungnyeo had recieved her deep wish of becoming a human, but she lacked a mate. Depressed, she prayed beneath a type of birch tree called "shindansu" 신단수. Hwanung was moved by her sincerity and so he took her as a wife. Together they had a son whom they called "Dangun."
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