The Cultural Heritage Administration Thursday designated an area of 10,279 square meters in Yongdamdong, northern Jeju Island, which houses three dolmens and other prehistoric relics, as a historical site.

The Yongdamdong relics complex was discovered during a construction project between February and May last year. Various relics were discovered, including 29 pits believed to have been used as residences and three building sites.

There are also several large dolmens alongside the stream in the Yongdamdong area believed to have been built during the early Tamna Era between the second and third century B.C.

Administration officials said the Yongdamgdong relics have historical and academic value for studying the existence of small states on Jeju Island during the Tamna period. The kingdom of Tamna ruled Jeju Island from ancient times until it was absorbed by the Joseon Dynasty in 1404.

The administration plans to cooperate with Jeju Province to preserve the Yongdamdong relics and support the province to develop the site as a cultural and historical attraction. (Yonhap News)