This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at a site called Samseonghyeol in Jeju City that is said to be the starting point of Jeju’s people and culture.

It’s not everyday that you can pay a visit to a legendary place. But right here in Jeju City is a spot that is considered the birthplace of the Jeju people and their culture.

[Slug CG] Ido 1-dong, Jeju City

In a pleasant urban park are three holes conspicuously protected by fences and CCTV cameras. This is Samseonghyeol, designated Historic Site No. 134.

[Slug CG] Mythical founders of Tamna Kingdom: Bu, Go, Yang

Here, right before your eyes, the mythical founders Bu, Go, and Yang are said to have come into existence, establishing Tamnaguk, the name of the island kingdom that later became Jeju.

The origin myth for Tamna as it relates to Samseonghyeol goes something like this: Once in the ancient past, the island was unpopulated. After Tamna’s three progenitors appeared (each from one of the three holes) they later met three princesses from a mythical transoceanic state.

[Slug CG] Origin myth begins with 3 clans dividing island into thirds

Each pair divided the island into thirds and raised the livestock and planted crops that accompanied the princesses.

This is how the island’s people, its agricultural economy, and the political system of Tamna kingdom originated.

[Slug CG] A protected site since the 1500s

Samseonghyeol is a revered site that has been well preserved and maintained since at least 1526, when the then-governor of Jeju, Yi Su-dong (이수동), ordered stone walls, a gate, and a monument built to honor the memory of the founders.

Today there is a shrine for offering incense to the founders, a memorial hall for Confucian services honoring scholars and statesmen, a small exhibition hall with dioramas and a short 15-minute film about the Tamna kingdom. The film is in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese.

[Slug CG] Todd Thacker

And while you’re there, just a short walk to the east you can find the Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum. Many famous noodle soup restaurants are also available in the area.

Todd Thacker KCTV