
Samseonghyeol Archaeological Site
Samseonghyeol Archaeological Site (삼성혈; map), located in Jeju City, is a significant historical and cultural landmark tied to the origin myths of Jeju Island.
Known as the “Three Clans’ Holes,” this site is where, according to legend, three demigods emerged from the earth to become the founders of Jeju’s ancient kingdom of Tamna. Designated as Historic Site No. 134 in 1964, it is a key destination for those interested in Jeju’s mythology, history, and cultural heritage.
The Legend of the Three Demigods
The Samseonghyeol legend is a foundational story for Jeju Island, chronicling the emergence of its culture and ancient kingdom. Over 4,300 years ago, three demigods—Go Eulna (고을나), Ryang Eulna (양을나), and Bu Eulna (부을나)—are said to have risen from three holes in the ground at the base of Hallasan, the island’s central volcano. This emergence symbolizes a connection between the island’s natural volcanic origins and its human history.
The three demigods, clad in leather garments, initially lived a simple, hunting-based lifestyle. They roamed Jeju’s vast plains, hunting game for sustenance, and establishing their place on the island. Despite their primordial existence, the legend portrays them as noble figures destined for a greater purpose.
Box from Byeokrang
One day, while gazing toward the eastern sea from Hallasan’s slopes, the demigods noticed a wooden box sealed with purple clay drifting ashore at Onpyeong Village. Curious, they followed it to the shore and opened the box. Inside, they discovered a jade chest containing five-grain seeds, livestock, and three princesses sent by the king of Byeokrang Kingdom, a distant land across the sea. The princesses, elegantly dressed in blue robes with purple accents, were accompanied by a messenger who decreed that they were to marry the demigods and help them establish a prosperous civilization.
Union and Agriculture
The marriage between the demigods and the princesses marked a transformative moment in Jeju’s history. The princesses brought with them not only livestock and seeds but also the knowledge of agriculture and animal husbandry.
With their guidance, the demigods transitioned from a nomadic hunting lifestyle to a settled agricultural society. This shift symbolized the beginnings of organized civilization on Jeju Island and laid the groundwork for the establishment of Tamna, the island’s ancient kingdom.
Foundation of the Three Clans
Each demigod married one princess, and from these unions emerged the three major family clans of Jeju—Go, Ryang, and Bu. These clans became the cultural and social pillars of Tamna and remain a part of Jeju’s identity today. The descendants of these clans continue to honor their ancestral ties to the demigods through rituals and traditions, ensuring that the legend remains a living part of Jeju’s cultural heritage.
Context
Samseonghyeol is one of Korea’s oldest cultural landmarks, deeply tied to Jeju’s identity and founding myths. Unlike typical Korean origin stories, which feature deities descending from the heavens, the Samseonghyeol legend emphasizes a connection to the earth, reflecting Jeju’s volcanic origins and its people’s bond with nature. The demigods’ emergence from the ground mirrors the island’s creation, rooted in Hallasan’s presence as both a geographical and spiritual cornerstone.
Key Features
The Samseonghyeol Archaeological Site includes several significant features that highlight its cultural, historical, and mythical importance.
The Three Holes
The centerpiece of Samseonghyeol, the three holes in the ground, symbolize the birthplace of the demigods Go Eulna, Ryang Eulna, and Bu Eulna. Arranged in a “品” (pumja) formation, these holes are surrounded by ancient trees that seem to bow toward them, adding to the site’s mystical atmosphere. Local lore holds that the holes never retain water, regardless of heavy rain or snow, a phenomenon that enhances their mythical status and continues to captivate visitors.
Samseongjeon Shrine
The Samseongjeon Shrine serves as the spiritual heart of Samseonghyeol. It houses the ancestral tablets of the three demigods and is the focal point for various ceremonial rites. These include the annual spring and autumn rituals, as well as the winter Gunsi Daeje ceremony. Visitors can view the shrine’s intricately designed interiors, which honor the legacy of the three clans and their contribution to Jeju’s history.
Samseongmun Gate
The Samseongmun Gate marks the entrance to the sacred grounds of Samseonghyeol. Passing through this gate is said to represent entering a space where the physical and mythical worlds intersect.
The gate’s design reflects traditional Korean architecture and sets the tone for the serene and reverent experience awaiting visitors. It is also the starting point for guided tours and rituals held within the site.
Exhibition Hall
The on-site Exhibition Hall features displays about the Samseonghyeol legend, the ancient kingdom of Tamna, and the role of the Go, Ryang, and Bu clans in Jeju’s history. Visitors can explore artifacts, models, and interactive exhibits, gaining a deeper understanding of the island’s mythology and cultural heritage.
Seasonal Rituals
Samseonghyeol is more than a historical site; it remains a living cultural landmark where rituals continue to honor the legacy of the three demigods.
Spring and Autumn Ceremonies
The Spring Ceremony (춘제) on April 10 and the Autumn Ceremony (추제) on October 10 are major events at Samseonghyeol. These rituals are conducted to pay homage to Go Eulna, Ryang Eulna, and Bu Eulna, the legendary founders of Tamna.
The ceremonies follow a formal sequence of offerings, prayers, and tributes, reflecting the importance of seasonal transitions in agricultural societies. They symbolize renewal, gratitude for the harvest, and the enduring legacy of the demigods. Descendants of the Go, Ryang, and Bu clans actively participate in these events, highlighting their continued connection to the site and its mythology.
Winter Ceremony (Gunsi Daeje)
The Gunsi Daeje (건시대제), held on December 10, commemorates the founding of Tamna and the cultural and agricultural contributions of the three demigods. This ceremony emphasizes their role in transforming Jeju from a hunting society into an agrarian kingdom.
Local officials, clan representatives, and community members come together to perform elaborate rites, offering prayers and symbolic gifts to honor the spirits. The festival serves as a communal event, bringing Jeju residents and visitors together to celebrate their shared heritage.
Visiting Samseonghyeol
- Address: 22 Samseong-ro, Jeju City, Jeju Province
- Hours: Open daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (except for later openings on New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year, and Chuseok)
- Admission: Adults ₩4,000; Youth ₩2,500; Children ₩1,500
- Facilities: Parking, an accessible walking path, a visitor center, and cultural interpretation services are available.
- Cultural Tours: Guided tours led by cultural interpreters provide deeper insight into the site’s mythology and significance. These tours last approximately 30 minutes and are included with admission.