Tigers have always played a key role in Korea’s history and mythology. Many readers are probably aware of the legend of Tangun, the founder of Korea. Basically there was a bear and a tiger who desired to become humans. They were told that if they could endure the darkness of a cave, eating nothing more than mugwart and cloves of garlic, for 100 days, they would be transformed into humans.
The bear succeeded and was transformed into a beautiful woman who later bore Tan’gun, but the tiger, unable to restrain his desire to wander, failed. Fortunately for the tiger, Hwanung (the son of the God of Creation) was merciful and allowed the tiger to remain in his presence as a guardian while Hwanung was upon the earth.
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