Hongik Ingan – The Root of Korea’s Spiritual Culture and Why K-Culture Resonates Globally
Hongik Ingan – The Root of Korea’s Spiritual Culture and Why K-Culture Resonates Globally Korea’s founding philosophy, Hongik Ingan (弘益人間) , literally means “to broadly benefit humankind.” This simple yet profound phrase embodies the fundamental value established during the founding of Gojoseon , Korea’s first kingdom. It is a philosophical declaration that aspires to a universal ideal, transcending individual interests to pursue the well-being of both the community and humanity as a whole. Far from being a mere historical slogan, Hongik Ingan continues to live on today as the guiding principle behind Korea’s educational philosophy, social values, and even the global success of K-culture. 1. Hongik Ingan – A Declaration of Universal Human Values When King Dangun Wanggeom founded Gojoseon, he set forth the principle of “broadly benefiting humankind” as the nation’s founding ideology. This philosophy emphasized the happiness and harmony of the entire human community rather t...