About The Hwa Rang Dan
Approximately 2000 years ago in the southern part of the Korean peninsula, there was a small kingdom constantly under invasion and harassment by its two more powerful northern neighbors. To preserve themselves, the young aristocrats of the country formed a young officer warrior corps call Hwa Rang Dan. This took place in the reign of Chin Heung, 24th king of Shil La. The warrior corps trained themselves by practicing mental and physical discipline throughout the year in the wild mountains and along the rugged seashore. They trained and drove themselves unmercifully to prepare themselves for their heroic task. To guide themselves and give purpose to their knighthood, they incorporated a five point code of conduct set forth by their country’s greatest Buddhist monk and scholar, Won Kang.

1. Be loyal to your king.
2. Be obedient to your parents.
3. Be honorable to your friends.
4. Never retreat in battle.
5. Make a sensible kill.

The Hwa Rang Dan became known in the peninsula for their courage and skill in battle, gaining respect from even their bitterest foes. The strength they derived from their respect to their code enabled them to attain feats of valor that became legendary. Many of the young warriors died on fields of battle in the threshold of their youth, most as young as 14 or 15 years of age. Through their feats, however, they inspired the people of Shil La, and the Korean peninsula became united for the first time in its history.