Tuesday, September 12, 2006

while consolidating
its citizenry in answer to the nation’s changing needs. This
resulted in strong leadership and institutions that reflected the
nationalistic spirit of the day. The Hwarang exemplified such an
institution.
Founded under King Jin Heung, Hwarang-do or “the way of
the flowering manhood,” represented a fraternity of Silla’s noble
elite composed of young people drawn from prestigious families.
In addition to being trained in kwonbop and subahk, yet another
native fighting style, the Hwarang were governed by the Five
Codes of Human Conduct. These Five Codes served as a set of
moral standards handed down by the Buddhist monk, Wonkwang
Popsa, after he was approached by Kwisan and Chuhang, two
Hwarang warriors seeking ethical guidance. Among these tenets
were those emphasizing loyalty to one’s country, the demonstration
of respect towards elders, and restraint against the wanton
spilling of blood in battle. In an effort to satisfy their spiritual as
well as their martial needs, the young warriors of the Hwarang
Chapter 1: In the Shadow of the Hwarang
The mission of the Hwarang Educational Institute, built in 1973, is to
develop the spirit of the Hwarang in today’s Korean students.