The Law of Gojoseon: 8 subsidiary laws

고조선에서는 백성들에게 금하는 법 8조가 있었다. 그것은 대개 사람을 죽인 자는 즉시 죽이고, 남에게 상처를 입힌자는 곡식으로 갚는다. 도둑질을 한 자는 노비로 삼는다. 용서받고자 하는 자는 한 사람마다 50만 전을 내야 한다. 비록 용서를 받아 보통 백상이 되어도 세속에서 오히려 그들은 부끄러움을 씻지 못하여 혼인을 하고자 해도 짝을 구할 수 없었다. 이러해서 백성은 도둑질을 하지 않아 대문을 닫고 사는 일이 없었다. 여자는 정조를 지키고 신용이 있고 음란하고 편벽된 짓을 하지 않았다.

Gojoseon had 8 subsidiary laws. A person who kills another must have the death penalty, a person who wounds another should payback for his/her food. A person who steals another's stuff should become a slave. If a thief wants to ask one's mercy, he/she has to pay 500,000 jeon(jeon is the Gojoseon's currency unit). Although a thief got a mercy, he/she couldn't marry because he/she feels the shame. Therefore, more people didn't steal others' stuff, never worry about the front door is unlocked. All women keep their virginity and not to lose their credibility, and never had performed lewd acts.

-Gwanghwamun gate-

If you see the above picture you can find an animal looks like a lion with horns on its head. We called it Haetae. Haetae is the mythical unicorn lion which exists in our imagination. The interesting point is Haetae can Judge what is right or wrong. When Haetae finds a corrupted person, it hits the corrupted person with its horns. A long time ago, our ancestors believe Haetae is a mythical animal which keeps off a misfortune. These days, Haetae can be seen not only Gwanghwamun gate but also can be seen near the supreme court and the supreme prosecutors' office.

• common sense

Chinese character Law =(法)

Letter Law(法) is formed by water (水) + go (去)

Meaning:

인간 사회를 물흐르듯 순리대로 잘 돌아가게 하는 것이 법의 역할이라는 의미

The role of the law is to go our society flow like a river.