Everyone, did you have a good Chuseok? Chuseok is the biggest holiday in Korea and is known as the longest of the red days. This year, since Chuseok is followed by National Foundation Day, the holiday season is longer. Tomorrow is National Foundation Day due to rain, so you can enjoy another day of vacation.
I'm curious how much you know about the Korean holiday 'Gaecheonjeol'. What historical background does ‘Gaecheonjeol’ have and continues to this day? What does ‘National Foundation Day’ mean to Korean people? Accordingly, this time I would like to introduce you to ‘National Foundation Day’.
Introduction to the New Year's Day
National Foundation Day is one of Korea's national holidays and commemorates the founding of Gojoseon by Dangun Wanggeom, the founder of Gojoseon. Gaecheonjeol means ‘the day the sky opened’ and refers to the 3rd day of the 10th lunar month in 2457 BC when Hwanung came down from the sky and began living with humans. On this day, a ceremony is held to reflect on the roots of the Korean people and honor the will of Dangun.
Source: Guide to Gaecheonjeol, Korea's National Foundation Day - Best of Korea
Gaecheonjeol was established as a national holiday when Daejonggyo reopened in 1909, and in 1919, the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea designated October 3rd of the lunar calendar as a national holiday. After the establishment of the government of the Republic of Korea in 1948, Dangi was legislated as the country's official era name, and in 1949, October 3rd in the solar calendar was designated as National Foundation Day, which continues to this day.
National Foundation Day is an important day symbolizing the birth and history of Korea. On this day, people raise Taegeukgi, the national flag of Korea, sing National Foundation Day songs, dance and play in traditional costumes. Through National Foundation Day, the Korean people share a united spirit and culture and pledge to make efforts to continue Dangun's great cause of Hongik Ingan and Ewha World.
Introduction to Gaecheonjeol food
There is no custom of eating special food on Gaecheonjeol. However, since National Foundation Day is a day to reflect on the roots of the Korean people and honor the will of Dangun, traditional Korean food is often eaten.
For example, they prepare foods such as songpyeon, rice cake soup, japchae, bulgogi, and kimchi, or they harvest and eat mountain vegetables such as cornelian cherry and samchae, which appear in the story of Hwanwoong and Beolgogi, Dangun's parents.
Since National Foundation Day is an important day symbolizing the birth and history of Korea, it would be good to share the spirit and culture of the Korean people while enjoying Korea's diverse food culture.
Ceremony of National Foundation Day
There are various rituals on Gaecheonjeol. For example, there are rituals such as:
Cheonje Ritual: This is a ritual to give thanks to heaven and pray for the prosperity of the country and people. It is held at the Cheonjedan of Palgongsan Mountain or the national cemetery.
Jecheon Ceremony: This is an event held at Cheongchun Mountain, the tomb of Dangun Wanggeom, to honor Dangun’s will and reflect on the roots of the Korean people.
Foundation Day Commemoration Ceremony: This is an event held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts or local governments to celebrate Foundation Day and share the spirit of Hongik Ingan. Congratulatory speeches, theme videos, congratulatory performances, singing of National Foundation Day songs, and three cheers for national independence will be held.
In addition, many cultural events, exhibitions, and lectures related to National Foundation Day are held. Since National Foundation Day is an important day symbolizing the birth and history of Korea, it would be good to respect and learn about the spirit and culture of the Korean people through these ceremonies.
The meaning of National Foundation Day to Korean people
National Foundation Day is a day that symbolizes the birth and history of Korea. It is a day to commemorate the founding of Gojoseon by Dangun Wanggeom and to reflect on the roots and identity of the Korean people.
National Foundation Day is a day to share the spirit and culture of the Korean people and to pledge efforts to continue the great cause of Dangun called Hongik Ingan and Ewha World.
National Foundation Day is a day to give thanks to heaven and pray for the prosperity of the country and people. There are customs such as pursuing harmony with the sky and nature through rituals such as the Cheonje ritual and Jecheon events, hoisting the Taegeukgi, and singing National Foundation Day songs.
Foundation Day is not simply a day of rest; it is an important day that brings about national and ethnic pride and dignity in Korean people.
