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Samseonghyeol Shrine - 삼성혈 (三姓穴) (possibly prehistoric onward)

The island of Jeju is volcanic in origin and is riddled with a vast network of lava tubes. At Samseonghyeol, the mouths of three such caves reach the surface. These tunnels have always fascinated the Jeju islanders, who traditionally believed that the tunnels lead to the realm of the gods or other mystical places.

According to legend, the forefathers of the Ko, Yang and Bu clans emerged from these caves to become the aboriginal Jeju islanders. They supposedly lived by hunting and gathering until they married three princesses of the Byeongnang Kingdom who taught them agriculture. It is said that they founded the Tamna Kingdom which ruled Jeju island before conquest by the mainland.

In 1526, Yi Su-dong, the governor of the island, had an altar, a red gate, and a wall erected around the caves and began offering spring and autumn memorial services. Today, these services are still held along with a memorial service celebrating the founding of the island.

According to GPS readings taken on-site by the author, the site is located at 33 30.26838' N, 126 31.72532' E (WGS 84 map datum). Address: 제주 제주시 이도동 1313 외.

(Designated Jeju-do Historical Site #134).