The founding myth is a myth whose main content is the founding origin of the state.

The founding myth generally deals with the origins of space, humans, and civilization, and the founding myth deals with the origin of civilization in the form of a state, which is the last form of myth to appear among myths.

Although the form and structure of the founding myth are not constant, the two requirements for the founding myth to descend from the sky, determine the capital, and establish the country are the basis, and this basic form is supplemented or expanded, or incidental mystical content is added.

The myth of founding poetry is a spiritual being from heaven and a king on earth, equipped with both divinity and character.

Korean Founding Myths generally deal with the origins of the universe, humans, and civilization. The founding myth has the characteristic of dealing with the origin of civilization in the form of a state, and it can be said to be the last form of myth among many myths in terms of the development stage of the myth. Since the founding myth is inextricably related to the myth of the king who first founded the country, it can be said to be the founding myth or the dynastic myth. This includes the founding myth of Gojoseon, as well as the founding myth of Bukbu, Silla, Goguryeo, and Garak.

<Early Kings of the Koryo Dynasty 918 - 1009>

As the stories of the Goryeo Dynasty, Hubaekje, and the ancestors of the Joseon Dynasty were all formed in the historical period, they have a strong character of historical legends. Therefore, if they are named as founding legends, in a general sense, they should be distinguished from the founding myths by drawing limits.

Key Takeaways:

• Founding Myths are stories that explain the origin of a state, often involving the creation of space, humans, and civilization.
• Common Elements: Founding myths typically involve a spiritual being descending from the sky, the establishment of a capital city, and the founding of the country.
• Development Stage: Founding myths are considered a late development in mythology, occurring after the creation of other myths about the universe and humanity.
• Connection to Kingship: Founding myths are closely tied to the myth of the first king of a nation, often referred to as "founding myths" or "dynastic myths."
• Examples in Korean History: Korean founding myths include stories about Gojoseon, Bukbu, Silla, Goguryeo, and Garak.
• Distinction from Historical Legends: While the early kings of the Goryeo Dynasty, Hubaekje, and the ancestors of the Joseon Dynasty have their own stories, these are considered historical legends rather than founding myths due to their basis in historical events.

Historical Information on Korean Founding Myths:
Specific Details of Founding Myths:

• Gojoseon:
  • Dangun Myth: The most famous Korean founding myth. It tells the story of Dangun, the son of Hwanung, a celestial being who descended to Earth and established Gojoseon in 2333 BCE. Dangun is credited with introducing agriculture, language, and social structure to the Korean people.
  • Other Gojoseon Myths: There are several other myths surrounding the founding of Gojoseon, including the story of the "Three Han" (three tribes) and the legend of the "Five Emperors" of Chinese mythology.
• Bukbu: This is a lesser-known founding myth associated with the Buyeo tribe, a group of nomadic people who lived in the Korean peninsula and Manchuria. The myth is centered around the founding of Bukbu, a powerful tribe that later influenced the development of Goguryeo.
• Silla:
  • Hwarangdo: The Silla founding myth centers around the Hwarangdo, a society of young noblemen who trained in martial arts and Confucian values. They were said to be a vital part of the nation's early development and helped to establish Silla's power and influence.
  • The Three Kingdoms of Silla: Silla is also associated with the Three Kingdoms period, which also includes Goguryeo and Baekje. The myths surrounding this period often emphasize the rise of Silla as the dominant power in Korea.
• Goguryeo: The Goguryeo founding myth revolves around the figure of Jumong, a legendary king who established the kingdom in 37 BCE. Jumong is depicted as a powerful warrior who united various tribes under his rule and built a strong and prosperous kingdom.
• Garak: This founding myth is less well-known but focuses on the creation of the Garak confederacy. The legend details how the Garak people were founded by a group of refugees who fled from China and eventually established their own kingdom on the Korean peninsula.

Impact of Founding Myths:

• National Identity: The Korean founding myths served to unite the Korean people under a shared history and cultural heritage.
• Legitimacy of Rulership: The myths often legitimized the rule of kings and emperors, portraying them as descendants of the divine or as chosen by the gods.
• Cultural Values: These stories instilled important cultural values in Korean society, including the importance of loyalty, family, and respect for authority.
• Historical Narrative: The founding myths provide a framework for understanding Korean history, even if they are not entirely factual. They provide a sense of continuity and purpose for the Korean people.

Further Research:

• There is ongoing debate among scholars regarding the historical accuracy of these myths. Some argue that they are primarily based on oral traditions and have been shaped by later interpretations.
• More research is needed to understand the origins and evolution of these myths, as well as their impact on Korean society and culture over time.

Conclusion:
The founding myths of Korea offer valuable insights into the nation's history, culture, and national identity. They serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of stories and their ability to shape our understanding of the past, present, and future.