When Heaven Opened

Today begins a welcome break from teaching for the rest of the week due to the confluence of two Korean public holidays. Apparently, it is rare that these holidays coincide with each other, and many of the Koreans I know tell me that working people lucked out this year as far as vacation time goes. Today, October 3rd, is known as Gaecheonjoel, which literally means something akin to "Opening of Heaven." In English, it is officially known as "National Foundation Day." The name refers to Korean mythology and the foundation of the Chosun kingdom in 2333 B.C. According to the story, the god-king Dangun opened up heaven and created the Korean nation. I have spent the day cleaning my apartment, cooking, going on a short hike and generally enjoying a break from work.