Tangun - Le mythe

TANGUN The founding myth

Lola goes on an adventure to Busan, South Korea, in search of the origins of the Tangun myth.
According to legend, Tangun, son of Hwanung and a female bear, founded the kingdom of Gojoseon on October 3, 2333 BC. The earliest known version of this legend is found in the Samguk Yusa (13th century), which is based on the Book of the Wei and the Kogi, a Korean historical compendium that has now disappeared.

Tangun is a powerful symbol in times of national crisis. Although his story is more legendary, he occupies an essential historical place for Koreans. During the Korean War, the South used Tangun as a nationalist figure. His influence was felt at school, in the army and beyond.

Today, the Tangun myth is still taught in South Korea as early as kindergarten. This early underlines Tangun's importance as a founding figure.

A variety of books tell Tangun's story, from children's literature to academic history to comic strips. The most popular books about Tangun remain those aimed at young people. Tangun is depicted in children's books as a "cute wise man", usually accompanied by a tiger and a bear, in direct reference to the myth.

Click on the button below to view a selection of Tangun books in the bookshop.

View books

In South Korea, several major sites celebrate Tangun. Mount Manisan on Ganghwa Island is home to the Chamseong altar, where Tangun is said to have offered sacrifices to the gods. Dating back 4,000 years, this natural stone altar, restored in 1270 and renovated several times, is over 5 metres high. Ceremonies in Tangun's honor are held every year on October 3, the day of his foundation. Another notable site is the Tangun Altar near Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, a historical and cultural landmark where Koreans honor Tangun.

In North Korea, Mount Paektu is a sacred site associated with Tangun. Considered the mythical cradle of the Korean nation, this mountain is a powerful symbol of national identity and a spiritual site where Tangun is said to have performed rituals for celestial deities.

Patrick Maurus is a professor emeritus at the Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales (INALCO), where he teaches modern literature and holds a doctorate in Korean studies. He specializes in theoretical research, particularly sociocriticism, and in-depth knowledge of Korean literature.
Patrick Maurus is also a novelist and translator.
In addition to his academic work, Patrick Maurus also edits Tangun magazine and is responsible for the websites revuetangun.com and voyagestangun.fr, as well as the Tangun radio podcast.
Patrick Maurus has a rich and varied career. He has been Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Action at the French Embassy in Seoul and Director of the French Cultural Center in Seoul. He has taught at several Korean universities in Seoul and Pyongyang. After obtaining his agrégation in modern literature in 1975, he devoted his life to the study and promotion of Korean culture.

It's time for
the big start !
Departure : Paris
Arrival : Busan

Day 1

Discover the myth

After a long flight from Paris, I finally set foot in South Korea. As soon as I stepped off the plane, I immediately noticed a different atmosphere. In France, everything seems more static, almost frozen by comparison. Here, in Busan, everything moves and evolves. Ultra-modern skyscrapers stand proudly alongside ancient temples, creating an urban landscape as varied as it is bewitching. The streets are full of life, the markets teem with exotic produce, and the bright neon lights illuminate the city as soon as night falls.
The South Korean welcome is as warm as I had hoped. Despite the language barrier, their kindness and willingness to help me at every turn touched me deeply.
Tomorrow, I begin my quest for the Tangun myth. Tonight, I'm soaking up the new atmosphere, ready to discover the secrets and legends of this land.

Day 2

Interview

I was inspired by my meetings the day before, when I was told that the myth was taught at school. So today, I went to a day-care center, curious to see how this legend is passed on to the youngest children.

There, I was warmly welcomed by a teacher who, in front of her class and with the help of a screen, told the story of Tangun. Seeing those attentive little faces, absorbed in the story, made a deep impression on me. It reminded me of the importance of cultural transmission from the earliest age, and how these mythological tales forge a nation's identity.

Day 3

Daycare

I felt inspired during my meetings the day before, when I was told that the myth was being taught at school. So today I went to a day-care center, curious to see how this legend is passed on to the youngest children.

On the spot, I was warmly welcomed by a teacher who, in front of her class and with the help of a screen, told the story of Tangun. Seeing those attentive little faces, absorbed in the story, made a deep impression on me. It reminded me of the importance of cultural transmission from the earliest age, and how these mythological tales forge a nation's identity.

Day 4

Temple

Today, I went to Daegu, a city about an hour's train ride from Busan. My objective was to visit the Tangun National Sanctuary, founded 47 years ago. On arrival, I was greeted by the woman in charge, known as Sibong.
The Sibong explained that she worships Tangun and that the shrine is imbued with two important spirits: the spirit of Hongik and Ewh. Hongik means "to live and work for the benefit of all mankind," a fundamental principle in Korean culture that advocates altruism and common welfare. The spirit of Ewh, meanwhile, represents harmony between human beings and nature, underlining the importance of living in balance with the environment.
I had the opportunity to pray with the Sibong, and this shared moment was incredibly powerful and moving. Feeling the devotion and spirituality present in this place touched me deeply. The experience gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of Tangun and the values it embodies for the Korean people.

A few days later...

Back to Paris

I returned to Paris and finally had the opportunity to meet Patrick Maurus. I was determined to ask him my questions about Tangun and the relationship North Koreans have with this emblematic figure.
The conversation was very interesting. Patrick shared with me his observation that North Koreans, like South Koreans, regard Tangun as "the grandfather" of the nation. This similarity in the perception of Tangun between the two Koreas made an impression on me.
Hearing Patrick use the same terms that I had heard during my visit to South Korea, during the micro-trottoir, reinforced my impression that Tangun remains a common symbol for the Korean people as a whole, despite the political and ideological differences that separate them.
Meeting Patrick Maurus made me realize the power of cultural and historical links that transcend political boundaries, and Tangun is a remarkable illustration of this.