Island Nation, Tamna

When the ancient nations of Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla and Gaya expanded their influence on the Korean Peninsula, the kingdom of Tamna (tam means “island” and na means “country”) was established on Jeju Island. By the 2nd century, all of Jeju used the same kind of pottery and the ruler’s tomb was built for the first time. This shows that a powerful ruling class already existed and that the entire island developed under a single culture. Particularly during the late Tamna Period, Jeju made exchanges with Baekje, Silla, Japan and Tang China to enhance its position on the international scene and actively engaged in maritime affairs.