DanGun

DanGun, also spelled Dan-Gun or Dangun, is a name with cultural significance in Korea and in Taekwondo. In Korean mythology, Dangun Wanggeom is the legendary founder of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom. According to tradition, he established the state in 2333 BCE in the region of Asadal. He is considered the son of Hwanung, a heavenly figure, and a bear-woman who transformed into a human after enduring a period of ritual fasting. Dangun is revered as the founder of the Korean nation and is a central figure in Korean historical and nationalist narratives.

In martial arts, Dan-Gun is the name of the first Taekwondo pattern in the ITF curriculum, named to honor Dangun. The pattern is designed to teach beginners basic techniques, including stances, blocks, punches, and kicks, while conveying the sense of Korea’s ancient origins through its movements. It was developed as part of the ITF pattern set in the 1960s under General Choi Hong Hi, the founder of ITF Taekwondo. The Dan-Gun pattern remains widely practiced in ITF-affiliated schools around the world. In other Taekwondo organizations, different naming conventions for forms exist, but the Dan-Gun pattern remains closely associated with the ITF lineage.

Together, the mythic figure of Dangun and the Dan-Gun Taekwondo pattern illustrate how Korean history and culture influence modern martial arts practice.