Korean mythology consists
of national legends and folk-tales which come from
all over the Korean Peninsula.The original religion
of Korea was a form of the Eurasian shamanism and
the totemism of Far East Asia, specifically of the
nomadic peoples of present-day Manchuria. These
were strongly colored by the later importations of
Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism from
China.
Goguryeo (traditional
founding date 37 BC; probably 2nd century BC – AD
668) was a kingdom in the northern Korean Peninsula
and Manchuria. It
was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, along with
Baekje and Silla.
The
modern English name "Korea" derives from the Goryeo Dynasty (935-1392).
Goguryeo was also called Goryeo at that time (See
Names of Korea). It is not clear what "Goguryeo" means, but it has been suggested that the name is related to a Korean word "Guri", meaning copper, because Goguryeo was famous for its copper mines. In addition, the Korean people may have once been called "Guhwan". Some scholars have suggested
that "Guhwan" was changed to "Guri" or "Guryeo"
when it was transliterated into the Chinese writing system.
Thus, "Goguryeo" means the nation of "Guryeo" or "Guhwan", whose rulers have a family name of Go.
Goryeo-era records say it was founded in 37 BC by Jumong, although it probably dates back to the 2nd century BC, around the time of Gojoseon's fall. Other small states in the former Gojoseon territory included Buyeo, Okjeo and Dongye, all of which were later conquered by Goguryeo. It was a major regional power of East Asia until it was defeated by a Silla-Tang alliance in 668. After its defeat, it was
divided between the Unified Silla and Balhae states
of Korea.
follow this amazing story of the Korean History......
1. The life of Ch'oe Cheu, founder of Ch'ondogyo
(better known by his pen name Suun and honorofic
name Taeshinsa, the great divine teacher) .......
