Hyemin Lee (Illustration by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea)

Korea’s National Foundation Day, known as Gaecheonjeol (Heaven Opening Day), is celebrated annually Oct. 3. It marks the legendary founding of Gojoseon, Korea’s first kingdom by Dangun in 2333 B.C. According to legend, a bear and tiger wanted to be human. They were told to stay in a cave for 100 days and eat only mugwort and garlic. The tiger gave up but the bear endured, became a woman and later gave birth to Dangun. Many Koreans describe Korea as having 5,000 years of history based on this legend and evidence of ancient cultures on the peninsula. Historians can’t confirm the exact founding date, but ancient Chinese records about 2,700 years ago mention contact with Gojoseon. Today, Gaecheonjeol is a national holiday celebrating its foundation myth and ancient roots.

(Illustration by Stripes Korea)