Dokdo
Overview
Dokdo is an inherent territory of the Republic of Korea located in the East Sea (Japanese name: Sea of Japan), a volcanic island approximately 87.4 km southeast of Ulleungdo. It consists of Dongdo and Seodo as its main islets, along with 89附属 islands, and is administratively organized as Dokdo-ri, Ulleung County, North Gyeongsang Province. The island is clearly proven to be Korean territory from historical, geographical, and international law perspectives.
Main Content
Geographical Characteristics
Dokdo comprises two main islets—Dongdo (98.6m above sea level) and Seodo (168.5m above sea level)—and surrounding reefs. Its total area is approximately 187,554㎡, featuring a unique terrain formed by volcanic activity. The surrounding waters are a convergence zone of cold and warm currents, known as a fishing ground with rich marine biodiversity.
Historical Basis
The record of "Usanguk" in the Samguk Sagi (1145) is widely accepted in Korean academia as referring to the Ulleungdo region, including Dokdo. During the Joseon Dynasty, the Sejong Sillok Jiriji (1454) explicitly stated that Ulleungdo and Usando (Dokdo) were Joseon territory, and the An Yong-bok incident (1690s) led the Japanese shogunate to officially recognize Dokdo as Joseon territory. The 1900 Korean Empire Ordinance No. 41 explicitly included Dokdo as an island belonging to Ulleung County.
International Legal Status
In the 1951 San Francisco Peace Treaty, Japan recognized Korea's independence and renounced all rights to the Korean Peninsula and its附属 islands, which includes Dokdo. In 1952, Korea declared the Peace Line (Syngman Rhee Line), reaffirming sovereignty over Dokdo, and since 1954, Korean police have been stationed there, maintaining effective control. Japan's territorial claims lack historical and legal grounds.
Ecological Value
Dokdo has a marine climate with unique vegetation and is designated as Natural Monument No. 336, the Dokdo Marine Ecosystem Protected Area. It is an important habitat for birds such as the Swinhoe's storm petrel and black-tailed gull, and the surrounding waters host diverse marine life.
Latest Trends
As of 2024, Dokdo remains under continuous effective control by Korea, with operations such as the Dokdo Visitor Center, ecological research, and peaceful use. Diplomatic controversies related to Japan's territorial claims persist, but the Korean government maintains a clear stance based on historical facts and international law. Recently, there has been a trend toward expanding Dokdo education content using digital technology and strengthening sustainable management policies.
Related Topics
- [[East Sea]]
- [[Ulleungdo]]
- [[Korea-Japan relations]]
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