Overview
Dokdo (독도, 獨島), also known internationally as the Liancourt Rocks, is a group of small islets in the Sea of Japan (East Sea). Comprising Dongdo (East Island) and Seodo (West Island) plus 89 surrounding rocks, the islets cover a total area of approximately 0.188 km². Dokdo is administered by South Korea as part of Ulleung County, North Gyeongsang Province, and has been under effective South Korean control since 1954. Japan claims sovereignty over these islets, calling them Takeshima, but South Korea maintains that there is no territorial dispute to resolve.
Geography
Location
| Coordinates | 37°14′26.8″N, 131°52′10.4″E |
|---|---|
| Distance from Ulleungdo | About 87.4 km |
| Distance from Oki Islands (Japan) | About 157.5 km |
| Administrative division | Dokdo-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung County, North Gyeongsang Province |
Geology
Dokdo is a volcanic island formed by submarine volcanic activity between the Pliocene (about 4.6 million years ago) and Pleistocene (about 2.5 million years ago) epochs. It is approximately 2 million years older than Ulleungdo.
Ecosystem
Dokdo hosts about 60 plant species, 160 insect species, and diverse marine life. It is designated as Natural Monument No. 336 and protected accordingly.
Historical Background
Ancient to Joseon Period
According to the Samguk Sagi (1145), General Isabu of Silla conquered Usan-guk (present-day Ulleungdo and Dokdo) in 512 AD, incorporating it into Silla territory. This is the first historical record of Dokdo.
The Sejong Sillok Jiriji (1454) states that "the two islands of Usan (Dokdo) and Mureung (Ulleungdo) are located in the sea directly east of the county."
Ahn Yong-bok Incident (1693, 1696)
Korean fisherman Ahn Yong-bok confronted Japanese fishermen at Ulleungdo and Dokdo, then traveled to Japan to assert Korean sovereignty over the islands. As a result, the Edo shogunate prohibited Japanese voyages to Ulleungdo in 1696, and Tottori Domain reported that "Ulleungdo and Dokdo do not belong to this domain."
Imperial Korean Decree No. 41 (1900)
On October 25, 1900, the Korean Empire issued Imperial Decree No. 41, upgrading Ulleungdo to Uldo County and explicitly including Seokdo (Dokdo) in its jurisdiction.
Japanese Incorporation (1905)
On January 28, 1905, during the Russo-Japanese War, Japan unilaterally incorporated Dokdo into Shimane Prefecture, claiming it was "terra nullius" (ownerless land). Even Japans Ministry of Home Affairs opposed this, warning it could arouse suspicion of territorial expansion into Korea.
Post-Liberation Period
SCAPIN 677 (1946)
Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers Instruction No. 677 (January 29, 1946) excluded Dokdo from Japanese administrative authority.
Peace Line Declaration (1952)
On January 18, 1952, the South Korean government proclaimed the "Presidential Declaration of Sovereignty over the Adjacent Seas" (Peace Line), including Dokdo within South Korean waters.
Dokdo Volunteer Guards (1953-1956)
In 1953, Ulleungdo residents formed the Dokdo Volunteer Guards to protect the islets. The Korea Coast Guard assumed security duties in December 1956.
South Koreas Position
- Dokdo is an integral part of Korean territory historically, geographically, and under international law.
- No territorial dispute exists over Dokdo.
- Dokdo is not a matter for diplomatic negotiation or judicial settlement.
- South Korea exercises firm territorial sovereignty over Dokdo.
Current Status
The Korea Coast Guard maintains a permanent presence on Dokdo. Facilities include a lighthouse, dock, residential quarters, and communication equipment. Korean citizens have resided on Dokdo since 1965, and many others have registered Dokdo as their legal address.
Significance
- Territorial: Koreas easternmost territory with symbolic and historical importance
- Economic: Rich fishing grounds and potential energy resources including methane hydrates; baseline for 200-nautical-mile EEZ
- Scientific: Valuable for geological and ecological research