National Foundation Day (Korea)

Gaecheonjeol
Chamseongdan Altar, erected by Dangun
Official nameGaecheonjeol
Also calledNational Foundation Day
Observed by Republic of Korea
 Democratic People's Republic of Korea
TypeNational
SignificanceCelebrates the myth of the founding of the state of Gojoseon
Date3 October
Next time3 October 2025 (2025-10-03)
National Foundation Day
Hangul
개천절
Hanja
Revised RomanizationGaecheonjeol
McCune–ReischauerKaech'ŏnjŏl
People in traditional costume at Gaecheonjeol 2018, Seoul

Gaecheonjeol (Korean개천절; Hanja開天節; lit. 'The day the heaven opened') is a public holiday in South Korea on 3 October. Also known by the English name National Foundation Day, this holiday celebrates the legendary formation of the first Korean state of Gojoseon in 2333 BC. This date has traditionally been regarded by Koreans as the date for the founding of the Korean race.[1][2]

Gaecheonjeol is also recognized in North Korea, although not as a public holiday, with an annual ceremony at the Mausoleum of Tangun, the founder of Gojoseon.

  1. ^ "National Folk Museum of Korea - 영어 > Collection > Folk story > Korean Seasonal Customs and Sub-Divisions of the Seasons in the Twelve Months of the Lunar Calendar > January".
  2. ^ "Dangun".