Jejudo Island, with its splendid natural environment and favorable geographic location, has long been the center of the unique maritime culture that has flourished since prehistoric times.

Leveraging its key position on the crossroads of the cultural exchange among China, Japan, and Korea, Jejudo Island began developing a unique culture of its own early in its history. During the Tamna Kingdom period, an indigenous culture started with Samseong Shinhwa (the Myth of the Three Surnames). The island also served as a base for the Sambyeolcho struggle against the Mongols in the Goryeo Dynasty. Then, in the Joseon Dynasty, the governing system of Jeju was integrated into the powerful centralized government, as evidenced by the appointment of the Jeju governor from Seoul, and the island underwent a sea of customary, academic, social, and cultural changes. Jeju also became a new area of settlement for political exiles from the central government as well as drifters.

The Jeju National Museum, which is an archaeology and history museum, opened on June 15th, 2001, to collect and preserve historical and cultural artifacts from Jeju and to carefully research and display those artifacts.

To fulfill its mission and serve as a central cultural institution in the community, we are aiming to become a "refined museum people love to visit." We will dedicate ourselves to carrying out specific tasks that will enable the museum's specialization in Tamna and maritime culture, ensure that the museum is accessible to all, and build a regional cultural network, in which the museum will play a central role.

By consistently offering a variety of exhibitions and educational and cultural programs, we intend to become a true repository of Jeju's culture filled with cultural and artistic inspirations. We ask for your continued interest and support.

The staff of the Jeju National Museum