Beautiful Dokdo can be found in the easternmost part of Korea, 216.8 kilometers east of Jukbyeon, Uljin-gun, Gyeongsang-bukdo Province, and 87.4 kilometers southeast of the island of Ulleungdo. The island’s addresses cover street numbers 1 through 96 in Dokdo-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Dokdo is comprised of Dongdo (East Island) and Seodo (West Island), which stand 10 m apart with an abrasion platform between them, as well as 89 tiny rocks and reefs in the surrounding waters.
View of Dokdo
Dokdo stands in the middle of the 2,000-meter-deep East Sea, encircled by wheeling sea gulls. What significance does this island hold for Koreans? Dokdo has served as a treasured habitat for Koreans in the past and preserves traces of Korea’s culture and heritage. Many Koreans risked their lives to preserve this land, from An Yong-bok, who protected Dokdo from Japanese marauders during Joseon, to the Dokdo Voluntary Guards in the aftermath of the Korean War. Their brave actions are indicative of how Koreans have long cherished this island.
Dokdo Volunteer Guards risked their lives to protect Dokdo
The incorporation of Dokdo as part of Japan was the first step on the road taken by Imperialist Japan that led to the annexation of the Korean peninsula in 1910. After World War II, when Korea regained its entire territory following its liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Korea’s long-established title to Dokdo was restored. Yet, Japan continues to insist that Dokdo is its rightful territory won during its war of imperialism, more specifically that it retains territorial rights to the former colony. Such claims made by the Japanese government are tantamount to a denial of Korea’s liberation and independence. Further, it reflects the attitude of Japan’s neo-imperialist movement, casting a shadow on past apologies for Japan’s acts of aggression and imperialist history. Any attempt to deny history and challenge sovereignty cannot be tolerated. The Korean government hopes to cooperate with Japan in correcting their understanding of historical facts and ensuring lasting peace and prosperity in Northeastern Asia in the 21st century. To this end, we call upon Japan to refrain from making false claims with regard to Dokdo.
View of Dokdo
Dokdo stands in the middle of the 2,000-meter-deep East Sea, encircled by wheeling sea gulls. What significance does this island hold for Koreans? Dokdo has served as a treasured habitat for Koreans in the past and preserves traces of Korea’s culture and heritage. Many Koreans risked their lives to preserve this land, from An Yong-bok, who protected Dokdo from Japanese marauders during Joseon, to the Dokdo Voluntary Guards in the aftermath of the Korean War. Their brave actions are indicative of how Koreans have long cherished this island.
Dokdo Volunteer Guards risked their lives to protect Dokdo
The incorporation of Dokdo as part of Japan was the first step on the road taken by Imperialist Japan that led to the annexation of the Korean peninsula in 1910. After World War II, when Korea regained its entire territory following its liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Korea’s long-established title to Dokdo was restored. Yet, Japan continues to insist that Dokdo is its rightful territory won during its war of imperialism, more specifically that it retains territorial rights to the former colony. Such claims made by the Japanese government are tantamount to a denial of Korea’s liberation and independence. Further, it reflects the attitude of Japan’s neo-imperialist movement, casting a shadow on past apologies for Japan’s acts of aggression and imperialist history. Any attempt to deny history and challenge sovereignty cannot be tolerated. The Korean government hopes to cooperate with Japan in correcting their understanding of historical facts and ensuring lasting peace and prosperity in Northeastern Asia in the 21st century. To this end, we call upon Japan to refrain from making false claims with regard to Dokdo.
