David A. Mason wants to introduce you to Korea's legendary founding king, Dangun

Costumes of Dangun Wanggeom, the legendary founder of Gojoseon, are seen at a parade in downtown Seoul, Oct. 3, 2019, National Foundation Day. News1

Ahead of Oct. 3, which marks National Foundation Day, David A. Mason will give a lecture for the Royal Asiatic Society (RAS) Korea on Korea's legendary founding king, Dangun Wanggeom. Dangun was the founder of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom, in 2333 BCE. Said to be the "Son of Heaven," he according to legend, was birthed by a bear who had been transformed into a woman.

According to Mason, Dangun has inspired many artistic interpretations, but until recently they were only in two standard motifs. Mason, an American long-term resident of Korea, has recently visited the many shrines to Dangun found at Mount Taebaek in Gangwon Province. The shrines range from several decades old to much newer, and he reports having seen "many fresh artworks amazing in their innovation, lavishness and prominent presentation."

He will introduce the artworks at his lecture on Tuesday, as well as delve into the socio-cultural significance of this trend, and the importance of Dangun’s image and story.

Mason is a retired professor of Korean cultural tourism, and a researcher of the religious characteristics of Korea's mountains. He has authored 10 books on Korean culture and tourism, including "Spirit of the Mountains: Korea’s San-shin and Traditions of Mountain-Worship," "Solitary Sage" and "An Encyclopedia of Korean Buddhism."

The lecture starts on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the fifth-floor lounge of the FastFive building in Da-dong near Seoul City Hall. Entry costs 10,000 won or 5,000 won for students and is free for RAS Korea members. Attending online via Zoom is also possible. Visit raskb.com for more information.