Warm rocks in the sunshine
Beautiful oceans with many species of fish

We love Dokdo.
 
We used to live in the East Sea and swim around Dokdo.
There were 30 to 50 thousand of us!

However, the Japanese occupation changed our lives. 

We are Dokdo sea lions.
All of us died out forever.

We were the biggest and brightest sea lions in the world.

We were never afraid of the gunfire of Japanese fishermen.

We tore out of the net when those fishermen tried to capture us. 

We sometimes attacked the Japanese boats that were crossing over the East Sea.

So, the Japanese were afraid of us showing up.

We were brave and strong. 
How did we end up disappearing from the East Sea?

In 1910, Japan officially took over Korea.

However, Dokdo was violated even before that time.

In 1905, Japan forcibly incorporated Dokdo.

A Japanese fisherman, Nakai Yozaburo, made a fortune hunting sea lions.

Driven by greed, he wanted to ensure a monopoly over fishing rights around Dokdo.

Nakai petitioned the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs to incorporate Dokdo.

However, his petition was rejected because of a Japanese document.

“Ulleungdo and its affiliated island have no relation to Japan.”
- From a Daijokan (Grand Council of State) directive (1877)

However, Japan suddenly changed its position during the Russo-Japanese War.

Japan needed a strategic military outpost to defeat the Russian fleet.

Dokdo was the perfect place to fight the Russians.

Japan certainly knew that Dokdo belonged to Korea.

Despite that clear fact, Japan took control of Dokdo.
It also granted exclusive fishing rights to Nakai Yozaburo

Using Ulleungdo and Dokdo, Japan managed to defeat the Baltic Fleet.

Nakai Yozaburo was empowered to catch sea lions at will.

Dokdo was the first Korean territory to face the emerging Japanese imperialism.

Sea lions were the first Korean victims to suffer from Japanese imperialism.

Japanese fishermen used baby sea lions as bait to catch mother sea lions.

When mother sea lions tried to save their babies, the fishermen captured them.

They sold the skins of mother sea lions to bag manufacturers.

Baby sea lions were sold to circuses.

Japanese fishermen captured 14 thousand sea lions over 8 years beginning in 1905.

Indiscriminate fishing changed the color of the East Sea from blue to brown. 

In less than a half century, Dokdo sea lions became extinct.

The extinction of the Dokdo sea lions foreshadowed the looming fate of the Korean people.

Soon, Japan annexed Korea and took the lives of many innocent people.

To threaten Korean freedom fighters, Japan used their families.

They took the families hostage and killed them, just like they killed the sea lions.

Korean men were forcibly sent to battlefields.

Young Korean girls were forced to serve as military sex slaves.

1910 ~ 1945
The number of Korean nationals forced into military and labor services:
About 5 million on record 

Among them, over 3 million died during their service.

Their bodies were left on the streets.

Japan was determined to become a part of the imperial powers and dominate Asia.

Starting with the incorporation of Dokdo, Japan took many innocent lives in Korea.

Japan claims that it has established sovereignty over Dokdo.

Japan bases its claim on the activities of the greedy fisherman.

On April 2010

Japan started teaching its students that Dokdo is a Japanese territory.
It is purposively hiding the fact that Japan forcibly took control of Dokdo.
 
Japan continues to claim sovereignty over Dokdo, using a false version of history.

This is not a simple threat to Korean territory.

The incorporation of Dokdo and the slaughter of its sea lions were only the beginning of Japanese imperialism.
 
Japan’s claim of sovereignty over Dokdo signals the revival of its imperialistic ambitions.

It is a threat to world peace.

Can you please remember us?

You cannot see us around Dokdo anymore.

But please don’t let our death be in vain.
 
We must protect Dokdo to protect peace in Korea and the world.

The tragedy of Dokdo started with the greed of a Japanese fisherman.

The imperialistic ambition of a country took away numerous innocent lives, land, and history.

Please let our story be heard
in Dokdo,
in Korea,
and around the world.

We must take action to stop the imperialistic activities of Japan. 

Japan is again making a move on Dokdo and pursuing its old imperialistic ambitions.

We must reveal the truth behind their false claims.

We must let them know that the international community is no longer controlled by force.

A common desire for justice and peace is now our strongest force.

Let’s build a fair and peaceful world together!

Please help us eliminate this lingering imperialism, the tragedy of humanity.

Peace is our common drive.

World Peace Starts Here, with YOU!

Known as a gateway city of Korea
“Incheon”

Incheon was forced to open its port by the western powers in the late 19th century.

Sadly, it later turned into a battlefield between foreign powers. 

A small island in the East Sea at the eastern end of Korea
“Dokdo”

Dokdo was the first Korean territory that was affected by Japanese imperialism

It has a painful history of being used as a logistics base for Japan.  

The two faraway places of Incheon and Dokdo share a commonality.
They both carry the traces of the Japanese Occupation Period.

The Korean people tend to show a strong reaction to the Dokdo issue.

Koreans have a special attachment to Dokdo.

What makes Dokdo more special than any other islands in Korea?

Here we will give answers to the 9 most frequently asked questions about Dokdo.

1. What does Dokdo mean to the Korean people?
“Dokdo”
An island at the eastern end of Korea

Dokdo is close to another Korean island, Ulleungdo.
In good weather, it is clearly visible to the naked eye from Ulleungdo.  

Dokdo is home to various species of ocean life.

Korea has been legitimately exercising its sovereignty over Dokdo.

Korean police and military personnel protect the airspace and waters around Dokdo.

Korean national laws are being enforced on Dokdo.

There are also official Korean residents on Dokdo.

Each year, over 130 thousand Korean tourists visit Dokdo.

Under international law, Dokdo undoubtedly belongs to Korea. 

The Japanese Occupation Period (1910 – 1945)

Japan took control of Dokdo even before its annexation of Korea.

Nearly 70 years have passed since the independence of Korea.

Japan is still claiming sovereignty over Dokdo. 

With its beautiful natural environment, Dokdo gives happiness to the Korean people.

At the same time, it conjures up the painful memories of Japanese colonial rule.

To the Korean people, Dokdo is a symbol of their independence and sovereignty.

That is why Koreans have a special attachment to Dokdo.

2. When and why did Japan take over Dokdo?

Japan recognized the strategic value of Dokdo in 1904 during the Russo-Japanese War.

“Dokdo is in a great strategic location to establish a watchtower and install radio or submarine cables to detect the movements of enemy ships.”
- Yamaza Enjiro, Director of the Political Affairs Bureau, Japan 

Japan began attempting to incorporate Dokdo in order to defeat the Russian fleet.

In 1904, Japan forced Korea to sign a protocol to use Korea as a logistics base during the war.

In 1905, Japan incorporated Dokdo through the Shimane Prefecture’s public notice #40.

The incorporation was initiated without any legitimate procedure.  

It was a violation of Korea’s long established sovereignty over Dokdo.

Thus, Dokdo is clearly a Korean territory under international law.

3. Is there a historical foundation for Korea exerting sovereignty over Dokdo before 1905?

Yes, here it is.

“The Ulleungdo Boundary Dispute”
This book recorded interactions between the Korean and Japanese governments in the 17th century.

In 1693, Japanese fishermen from the Tottori Domain were fishing around Ulleungdo.

They ended up getting caught by Ahn Yong-Bok and other Korean fishermen.

Ahn travelled to Japan and objected to the intrusion of Japanese fishermen on Ulleungdo.

Meanwhile, Japanese fishermen complained to the Japanese government about Korean fishermen in the area.

The Japanese government asked the Tottori Domain to investigate the sovereignty of Ulleungdo.

So, the Tottori Domain initiated interaction with the Korean government. This interaction is referred to as “the Ulleungdo Boundary Dispute” in historical records.

Consequently, the Tottori Domain submitted a report to the Japanese government stating that Ulleungdo and Dokdo did not belong to their domain.
 
The Japanese government revoked permission for the passage of Japanese ships to Ulleungdo.

This decision concluded the dispute between the two countries.

It reaffirmed that Dokdo and Ulleungdo belonged to Korea.

In the late 19th century, some Japanese were caught illegally logging in Ulleungdo. 

The Korean Empire asked Japan to remove Japanese loggers from the island.

It also decided to strengthen its administrative control over Ulleungdo.

This decision was published as Royal Edict No.41 in an official gazette in 1900.

Article 2 of this edict states the following. 
“… The areas of jurisdiction include all parts of Ulleungdo and Dokdo.”
 
This article clearly indicates that Korea exercised jurisdiction over both islands.

4. Is there concrete historical evidence to prove that Dokdo is a Korean territory?

There are many official government documents to prove it.
 
Sejong Sillok Jiriji (1454)
Sinjeung Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam (1531)
Dongguk Munheonbigo (1770)
Mangi Yoram (1808)
Jeungbo Munheonbigo (1908)

Many government-issued Korean documents have various records of Dokdo.

All of this documentation reflects that Korea has long recognized Dokdo as its territory.

5. Does Japan have evidence that proves its sovereignty over Dokdo?

Onshu Shicho Goki (Records on Observations in Oki Province)
An old Japanese document compiled in 1667 by a Japanese local official

It is the oldest Japanese document to record Japan’s stance on Dokdo.

“The Oki Island marks the northwestern boundary of Japan.”

This document proves that Japan excluded Dokdo from its territorial boundaries.

Japan presents an ancient Japanese map as its evidence.

Kaisei Nippon Yochi Rotei Zenzu (1779)
(Revised Complete Map of Japanese Lands and Roads)

This map was produced by an individual, not the Japanese government.

The cartographer said that he consulted the Onshu Shicho Goki.

Dai Nihon Enkai Yochi Zenzu (1821), a large map from a survey during the Edo Period
(Map of Japan’s Costal Areas)

This comprehensive map also did not specify Dokdo. 

Neither the people nor the government of Japan perceived Dokdo as their territory.

On the other hand, many ancient Korean maps marked Dokdo with its old name “Usando.”

This indicates that Korea has long recognized Dokdo as its territory.

6. What grounds does Japan have for its claim over Dokdo?

Japan argues that Korea renounced its sovereignty by evacuating residents from the islands. 

The evacuation of the residents was only a part of a security policy during Joseon.

The evacuation decision was to protect the people from the repeated invasions of pirates. 

Thus, the Joseon government asked the Ulleungdo residents to move to the mainland.

It was by no means a renunciation of its sovereignty, but only a temporary policy to protect the people.

Until this policy ceased, the Joseon government regularly sent its officials to the islands.

Despite the evacuation, Joseon maintained its governance of the islands.  

Japan also attempts to interpret the Treaty of San Francisco (1951) to its own advantage.

In 1946, the Supreme Commander for Allied Powers commanded Japan to abandon its administrative authority over Dokdo.

This command banned Japanese vessels or personnel from approaching within 12 miles of Dokdo.

“Japan shall recognize the independence of Korea.”

“Japan shall renounce all right, title and claim to Korea, including Jejudo, Geomundo and Ulleungdo.”
- Article 2 of the San Francisco Peace Treaty (1951)

Japan asserts that Dokdo was not included in the list.

Japan uses this interpretation as proof that Dokdo does not belong to Korea.

Even islands bigger than Dokdo were not specifically listed in the treaty. Thus, such an argument is absurd.

7. Did Korea fully recover its sovereignty over Dokdo after independence?

Japan will be expelled from all other territories which she has taken by violence and greed.”
- Cairo Declaration (1943)

The declaration indicates that Korea fully recovered its sovereign rights over its territories.

Dokdo is no exception.

8. What is the most decisive evidence that proves Korean sovereignty over Dokdo?

The 1877 Daijokan directive assured that Dokdo did not belong to Japan.

During the Meiji Era, the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs made an inquiry to the Daijokan.

The Daijokan was then the highest administrative body. The inquiry was about the sovereignty of Ulleungdo and Dokdo.

Based on “the Ulleungdo Boundary Dispute,” the Daijokan stated the following. 

“Be assured that either Ulleungdo or Dokdo has no relation to Japan.”

About 7 years before, in 1870, a Japanese official also filed a similar report.

In the report titled “Chosenkoku Kosai-Shimatsu Naitansho,” he concluded that Ulleungdo and Dokdo had nothing to do with Japan.

“How Takeshima (Ulleungdo) and Matsushima (Dokdo) became annexed to Joseon”

This statement shows that Japan recognized Ulleungdo and Dokdo as Korean territories.
There was no disagreement over the sovereignty of these islands between Korea and Japan.

9. If Dokdo is clearly a Korean territory, why does it refuse Japan’s proposal to bring the issue to the International Court of Justice?

Korea has long established its sovereignty over Dokdo.

There is no reason for Korea to prove its own sovereignty to the court.

Japan is constantly making claims of sovereignty over Dokdo.

There is a real reason why Japan wants to take this issue to the international court.

Japan continues to agitate the Korean media and the Korean people.

Japan is trying to make Dokdo a contested region.

The result of taking this issue to the court is clear.

Dokdo will be categorized as a contested region.

Dokdo will be brought into an unwanted territorial dispute.

This goes against our will to protect our territory and peace in Northeast Asia.

These nine answers explain why Koreans tend to have sensitive reactions to the Dokdo issue.

Dokdo is not a simple matter of a territorial dispute between Korea and Japan.

It is instead a common issue of peace among all humanity.

Japanese imperialism took the lives of many innocent people, and Japan has shown no regret for its past actions.

The international community should encourage Japan to reflect on its history.

Otherwise, imperialistic movements in Japan may gain momentum again.

Together, we should make it clear that imperialism will no longer be tolerated.

To the Korean people, Dokdo is a reminder of the Japanese Occupation Period.

VANK and its members will continue to work hard to overcome the legacy of Japanese imperialism.

We will further contribute to maintaining world peace.

We hope for your support in our effort to protect Dokdo.

Your support will create peace in Northeast Asia.

Dokdo camp is an annual visit to Dokdo island, organized by VANK for 70 selected students from across Korea. The aim of the trip is to provide students with information about the historical background of Dokdo conflict, and why Japan wants to claim ownership of this Korean island.
We departed from Seoul on the night of 8th August. It was a Monday, a bit rainy, but very cool and comfortable for a day in the midst of heated summer. I guess that was a good signal for the start of a fascinating journey.

I started meeting a lot of new friends here. The members of the camp are bright students, who study at different schools, come from different parts of Korea, are of different ages, but they share the same passion: to learn more about and to protect Dokdo island. What impressed me is that, for their young age (the youngest ones were 14), they are very mature, considerate towards others, and many have a good command of English. As a “chingu” (friend) of many members, I feel they are amiable and friendly to foreigners. Some little ones tried their best to show interest in communicating with me even though they were nervous about their English. Through interacting with members, I could see that their adorable shyness cannot overshadow their kindness and enthusiasm.

We stayed at Ulleungdo island, 120 km east of the Korean Peninsula and 82 km away from Dokdo. Elleungdo is an enchanting island that has become a favorite for tourists who love beautiful natural scenery with sea, forests, and mountains, especially tourists who love hiking. I felt thrilled and fortunate that I had been there to enjoy the serene beauty of Ulleungdo – such a captivating different side of Korea compared with the busy urban areas.

On the first day of the camp, we visited Dokdo museum – a place storing various historical documents (including old Japanese papers) confirming Korean rightful ownership of Dokdo. All members were delighted to gain more detailed knowledge about Dokdo and felt an even stronger urge to defend Dokdo from the claim of Japan. The evidence is so clear that Dokdo truly belongs to Korea that many students found even the idea of a dispute over ownership very difficult to grasp.

This same day, we visited Dokdo Observatory by cable car, climbed up and down the mountain for some breathtaking view of the sea, then took some memorable group pictures capturing many members with messed up hair in the wildly blowing wind. I was glad we had this fun time as an opportunity for every camp participant to start getting closer to each other, for many of us were mere strangers the day before. We chatted about our feelings after seeing the museum, our fright of slipping down the steep cliff as we hiked. Then naturally we our conversations started to cover more topics about ourselves as members got to learn more about one another.  In the evening, we all gathered in separate teams preparing for a presentation in Korean. Even though I spoke no Korean at all, my team members were too nice to leave me out from the Korean presentation. So they taught me to memorize a few simple words to shout out at the beginning. I felt blessed to be in my team.

 
The next day, we received news about unfavorable weather and unusually high waves that prevented us from visiting Dokdo as planned. We were all disappointed about not being able to set foot on the beloved island we had heard so much about. Fortunately, the disappointment did not linger long since we promptly adopted an alternative plan: travelling around Ulleungdo. The whole morning was wonderful; buses took camp members from place to place, visiting several popular scene spots in Ulleungdo where we immersed ourselves in nature: sunshine, wind, sea, rocks, and the trees. It all felt like a healthy exercise, hiking in the mountains and along the coastal lines, and breathing in ample fresh air.

In the afternoon, each team was assigned to create a performance. My amible Korean teammates gave me a pleasant surprise again when they decided to write a storyline involving Kpop and Super Junior – my favorite Kpop group! That evening, before our little show, as I talked more with my acting partners, I grew to love my team members more. After the performance, everyone was very sweet and complimented me, and again I felt grateful that I was part of this genial team. Our following activity was to write a letter explaining our feelings and thoughts about Dokdo controversy. I wrote about my worries as to the effects of conflicts like this on the peaceful diplomatic relations between different countries; this has been my concern for a long while. I was confused at first about what to write, but in the end I am glad to have finished such an activity. I think the writing exercise was very helpful to all students, because we had digested a lot of information during two days, and the writing allowed us to reflect deeply about what we had learnt, and to get out our feelings onto paper in an organized manner. The atmosphere was special too. It felt weird to write about Dokdo on the land of Ulleungdo. At that time, Dokdo was so close yet still so far away from all of us, for we could not go there. Visualizing Dokdo in our minds, we wrote about the island, with our love, longing, and concerns for this Korean land.

 
Then came our final day of the camp, time flied strangely quickly for me on this island. We wrote on paper, and then on little heart-shaped notes, our dreams for our countries. We stuck our notes on a board, creating a beautiful board full of dreams and wishes of the young generations for a better future. I think I speak for many other members when I say that this was a very meaningful activity to students. Putting my dreams into words motivates me to work harder to contribute my small efforts to bettering my country, helping it achieve those dreams. 

I am fond of every moment of the camp and every camp member – not only those I was lucky enough to have had a long chat with, but everyone. Given the camp’s large scale, it is reasonable some members were unable to seek a chance to talk to someone else. Yet I think, sometimes maybe all it takes for us to become friends is to walk by each other and give friendly eye-contact, or flash a smile, or work together for a common goal. Words and talks are not compulsory. Also, though we did not get to set foot on Dokdo island, we all still learnt a lot from Dokdo camp. We learnt to love, to protect nature and the land of Korea thanks to the outdoor activities; we learnt to love each other more and to build stronger bonds teamwork; we learnt from others and we learnt about ourselves. We gained new friends who, if we are lucky, would be there by our side for a life-time. I am happy I was part of this amazing journey – an experience never to forget. I am happy to be a friend of Korea.

Binh Nguyen,
an Vietnamese intern of VANK

One hundred years ago,
In 1910,
Seikanron (the Debate to conquer Korea) was created by Japan.

“If we overcome today’s crisis, Japan shall abolish the feudal government and honor the Emperor to strengthen our national competitiveness. At the same time, we shall conquer Joseon to make it a tributary state. That is the way for us to honor the Emperor.”

“With the bridgehead of the Korean Peninsular, Japan shall advance into the continent.”
- Yoshida Shoin (Master of Ito Hirobumi) -

Japanese leaders and Ito Hirobumi who led the Korean occupation.
Later, he implemented Seikanron Japan’s occupation into Korea for about 36 years
Cause
: Promoting peace in the Korean Peninsula and Asia

War between China and Russia
Not in the land of Japan
But in the territory of Korea
First Sino-Japanese War (1894~1894),
Russo-Japanese Wars (1904~1905).

After two of outright victories
Japan took the sovereignty of the Korean peninsula
and grabbed the plentiful amount of natural resources across Asia,
accumulating immense wealth

Before their strong ambition of imperialism,
Japan heavily invested into defense.

Stronger military power brought the next war,
World War Ⅱ

What Japan’s “Asian Peace” left was just
tragedy, disaster, and indelible scars across the Asian region.

And 100 years later,
Today,
Neo Seikanron

Dokdo.
The tragic territory of Korea first invaded by Japan

As of April, 2010
Japan has begun to use history textbooks that teach
Its high, middle, and even elementary school students
that Dokdo belongs to Japan.

“Korea has taken Takeshima, the Japanese island territory, away.
Japanese students shall retake the island when they are grown up.”

That is what the history text of Japan teaches its children,
Denying the aggression of the Korean Peninsula in 1900 and
their brutality against Asians in the past.

Their seed of hospitality against Korea
is being planted into young children,
trying to conduct new aggressions of the 21st Century,
instead of regretting its past wrongdoings.

The past of 100 years ago is repeating itself until today.

Now,
somebody shall stop Japan’s “Neo Seikanron.”
This is not just a problem between Korea and Japan.
It is a very serious issue for all Asians to protect the peace of the region.

The Japanese government insists that repetitive untruth finally turns into truth.

However, VANK says the truth will finally be revealed.

While Japan’s aspiration for Asia will be diminished,
That of young Koreans will grow further and further.

VANK, Cyber Diplomatic Organization
has turned Korean young people
into Asian peace makers for genuine peace in the 21 Century.

They are growing up into heroes who save the world
in Asia and across the globe.

As the world’s smallest seeds of ‘mustard seed’ grow
into a forest where birds build their nests,
South Korea has successfully created a huge peaceful forest
which is widely visited by many foreigners who see hope and a bright future.

From now on, about one hundred years later,
around 2110
Korean youngsters will achieve peace in Asia.
You are the ones who will make the day of peace as Asia Peacemaker.

In the middle of East Sea, the body of water between Japan and Korea, there is the rocky island Dokdo, 87.4km southeast from ulleungdo. This tiny and shabby rocky island is the witness of the sad Korean History. Various wild species live in their natural state on the island. And marine resources are hid under this Korean “Treasure island”, Dokdo.

But…
The US SAT textbook gives the answer “Sea of Japan” to the question about the name of the sea between Korea and Japan.

British newsmagazine Economist calls Dokdo “Takeshima”, misinforming the world’s opinion leaders that Dokdo is Japanese territory, and The French-German broadcasting station Arte TV introduced Dokdo as an island illegally occupied by Korea. The famous Canadian map-making company Geocortex also incorrectly records Dokdo as belonging to Shimane, Japan.

Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade estimates that the three fourths of world maps record “Sea of Japan” in the place of “East Sea”. It was since 1929 in International Hydrographic organization’s 6 foundation assembly that the name “Sea of Japan” has been used prevalently.

Japanese government exercised their influence over the IHo to record “Sea of Japan” on the first edition of “The boundary of oceans and seas” while they’re occupying Korea. Hence the recording of East Sea as Sea of Japan is the product of Japan’s imperialism.

Afterwards, in the process of editing the third version of “limits of oceans and Seas” in 1953, Korea, engaged in a war, could not attend the conference. Thus the sea was marked as “Sea of Japan” and took position as the formal title in the international society.

Joining the UN in 1991, Korea has steadily presented the “East Sea inscription” problem to the international society And the UNCSGN decided that if one name cannot be chosen, both names indicated, in 1974. However, japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has organized an exclusive team for the purpose of promoting “Sea of japan”, completely ignoring uN’s decision. Against such acts, Korea’s Cyber-diplomatic-group VANK, the government and the nation, keep sending correct to textbook publishers, international organizations, and the world’s famous sites such as national geographic. Through this, many maps adopted East sea.

The Japanese claim for the name, “Sea of Japan”, shows the Japense attempts to declare to the international world that Dokdo is indeed Takeshima, the island of Japan in the Sea of Japan. Dokdo is identified as ‘Takeshima’ in the Japanese map, on the “Sea of Japan” Dokdo was first occupied by the Japanese. After the Japanese invasion of Korea Japan landed in Korea with excuse of fight the Russo-japanese War in 1905. Their original excuse was that they will only “Pass by”, the Japanese went further to force the Korean government in signing the Korea-Japan protocol.

The Japanese also placed the Korean land under requisition and took the soveign rights of the Korean government to deal with the nation’s financial and diplomatic issues. Japan, during this period of time, assumed a watchtower and a few warships to make Dokdo a Japanese territory to use it as a naval base during the war. Due to the significance of Dokdo, the retrieval of Dokdo not only has an effect of regaining territory but also has a symbollic effect of correcting the distorted history of Korea by the Japanese. The Japanese, still claiming the rights for Dokdo, is thus denying the complete independence of Korea and promoting the past imperialistic ideologies to justify the colonial territories gained through aggressive wars.

Moreover, Japan is even applauding and justifying its past crimes including the aggressive warfares, and myriad infringements on the human dignity and human rights such as its forty years of torture, imprisonments, drafts and abusing of the comfort women. Unfortunately, this unjustifiable “nostalgia” towards its past imperialistic policies and warfare are spreading in Japan.

Therefore, Korea is now tyring to promote the Korean rights to Dokdo in the international society and confront the revival of Japanese imperialism and distortion of history. The Japanese claim for territorial rights for Dokdo is false.

Japan deprived of the Korean government the dilpomatic rights through illegal and unjustified contract and decided to incorporate Dokdo in japanese territory in a cabinet meeting. If Dokdo was the territory of Japan, this kind of clause would have been unnecessary. This evidence actually proves that Dokdo is not part of the japanese territory. Right after the collapse of the Japanese Empire in 1951, the Treaty of San Francisco was signed which states that Japan acknowledges the independence of Korea and will give up all rights over Korea including the territorial rights to jeju Island, Geomun Island and ulleung Island.

However, Japan is claiming its rights over Dokdo due to the fact that Dokdo, located at the far east, was not explicitely mentioned in the treaty. However, Japan’s such claim does not make logical sense. Even though the Marado-Island is at the very south of the country, the Jejudo-Island was mentioned Therefore the article of treaty denying the clue the only island was situated on the boundaries.

Also the Tajeong-gwan Command of Japan currently located at the Tokyo National library of official Documents explicitly shows how Dokdo is a part of Korean Territory. This document was officially published in 1877 by the Japanese government, only thirty years before the Japanese colonization of Korea. This official document proves that the Japanese claim of the territorial rights over Dokdo is a clear fabrication.

On the other hand, the Korean government also declared Dokdo as a Korean territory through the Forty-first Royal order in 1900. Takeshima, the Japanese name for Dokdo means “Bamboo Island” but there are no bamboos in Dokdo, Depite all these evidences. Japan is still clinging to the territorial rights to Dokdo because gaining Dokdo can cause japan to become one of the top-three naval powers in the world. As well as give Japan the incredibly valuable marine resources that can be used for more than 30 years such as Hydrate, which has astronomical values as an alternative source of energy.

Japan, which is still not acknowledging its past atrocities and glorifying its war criminals, should now repeal its fabricated claims for Dokdo in order to become an ethical nation and this act of acknowleding the territorial rights of Korea would become the starting point of change.

DO YOU KNOW?

The truth about dokdo, a small Korean island in the East Sea of Korea?

Japan is currently trying to take dokdo from Korea and claim it as Japanese territory.

Though, the history of Korea, of Japan, and of any other countries in the world, prove dokdo is Korean land.

In 512 AD, “Samguksagi” records the Korean sovereignty over dokdo for the first time This is more than 1000 years prior to Japanese record.

Samguksagi is an important historical reference of Korean documents in 1667, Japan’s Eunjooshichunghipki even records dokdo as Korean territory.

In 1432 AD, “Sejongsilokjiriji” also contains the Korean record of dokdo. This is still 200 years before Japan’s record.

Sejongsilokjiriji is the historical document designated as National Treasure in UNESCO’s Memory of the world.

In 1696 AD, Japan acknowledges dokdo as Korean territory and prohibits its people from fishing in Korea water.

A Korean fishermen, Yong-bok Ahn, succeeds to obtain the memorandum admiting Korean sovereignty over Dokd-do.

In 1737 AD, A French map of the Kingdom of Korea Royaume de Coree clearly writes dokdo as Korean territory.

By Danville(1697-1782), a geographer and cartographer of France.

In 1785 AD, A Japanese map also specifies dokdo as territory of Korea.

Samgookjubyangjido, by a Japanese scholar Hayashi shihei.

In 1877 AD, Japanese government issues the order that prvoes dokdo to be a Korean territory.

Taejeongkwan the highest governmental appratus of Japan during the Meiji period.

And from 1945 to present, UN peacekeepers confirm and secure dokdo as a territory of Korea according to KADIZ.

Korean Air Defense Identification Zone.

Throughout history, dokdo has been governed by Korea. It has been occupied by Korean citizens and protected by Korean police officers.

NOW, YOU DO KNOW Dokdo belongs to Korea! Always had and always will!

This is a story about what happened in Korea 100 years ago
In 1900, the international situation was changing rapidly because of Western powers.
In this time of confusion, the neighboring country Japan began its move toward colonization.
Japan launched a long-term project to manipulate the world’s perception of Japan. 

The Treaty of Shimonoseki (1895)
Two foreign powers fought over control of Korea.
This conflict led to the Sino-Japanese War.

At the end of this war, the two countries signed a treaty in Shimonoseki, Japan.
Article 1: “China recognizes definitively the full and complete independence and autonomy of Korea”
China was the biggest obstacle to Japan’s plan for colonizing Korea.
The Treaty of Shimonoseki freed Japan from China’s interference in Korean politics.

The Anglo-Japanese Alliance (1902)
An alliance between Britain and Japan to halt Russia’s advance to East Asia and support mutual interests Britain was then the world’s superpower. Through its deliberate efforts, Japan reached an agreement on the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. After this alliance, the international community began recognizing Japan’s rights to control Korea.

The Treaty of Portsmouth (1905)
A peace treaty between Russia and Japan that was signed in 1905 through the mediation of U.S. President Roosevelt to end the Russo-Japanese War
Article II.
“The Imperial Russian Government acknowledges that Japan possesses in Korea paramount political, military and economical interests.”

Through this treaty, world powers approved Japan’s rights to occupy Korea.

The Hague Peace Conference (1907)
From 45 countries, 239 representatives attended the Hague Peace Conference.
However, imperialism was hidden behind the cause for world peace. The Korean Empire was not invited.  
The Korean Emperor dispatched envoys to disclose the coercive nature of the Korea-Japan Protectorate Treaty. The Emperor Gojong wished to annul the protectorate treaty through the support of the international community.

The envoys were denied entry to the conference. They appealed to international journalists about Joseon’s deep concern about the situation.  

However, public sentiment in the 1900s was with imperialism.  Korean envoys’ desperate appeal disappeared into the dustbin of history. With the support of Western powers, Japan dominated the public opinions of the world. Japan finally succeeded in manipulating the world’s view of its control of Korea.  In 1910, Japan colonized Korea.

There is another thing to be stressed: Dokdo 
 
Japan first took over Dokdo in 1905 prior to its colonization of Korea. In the 21st century, Japan is coming back. Just like they did 100 years ago, Japan has started persuading the international community. In 2010, 10 out of 23 Japanese school textbooks introduced Dokdo as Takeshima.  Japan claims that it has sovereignty over Dokdo.

In March of 2011, the Japanese government approved several textbooks that claim Dokdo is a Japanese territory. Japan’s historical distortion has significantly worsened over the past year.

“Dokdo was a Japanese territory since the Edo period.”
“Dokdo was incorporated into Japan in 1905, but Korea is claiming it as its territory since 1952.”

Distorted History in Japanese Textbooks

Japanese textbooks deny its imperial history regarding its invasion of Korea and crimes in other Asian countries that Japan committed in the 1900s.  The Japanese government triggers hostility among its people, claiming the need to retrieve Japanese territories. This claim drives young Japanese to a new imperialism. Japan is moving back into its imperial history, instead of regretting and apologizing to its victims in Asia.

Debate on Conquering Korea in 1870 by Yoshida Shoin
“To overcome our challenges, we must honor our emperor by conquering Korea and making it a tributary state.”

“Japan must advance to the continent by using Korea as a bridgehead.”

Japan sought resources on the Asian continent to expand its military power. To pursue their ambition, Japan waged aggressive war in Asia. The Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War both broke out on the Korean peninsula. Japan ended up becoming a war criminal state of World War II.

Imperialism broke the peace in Asia. It left the irreversible damage of colonization and war.

New Debate on Conquering Korea
Japan is now trying to cover up the tragedies they caused in Asia.

Japan indicates its ambition to incorporate Dokdo into Japan by calling it Takeshima. We must remember. Dokdo was the island of tragedy in the East Sea. It was the first Korean territory that was invaded by Japan. Behind Dokdo, there is the long sad history of Korea.   Just like 100 years ago, Japan is trying to influence the international community. Japan is promoting Dokdo as a Japanese territory named Takeshima.  

This is not just an issue between Korea and Japan. It is an issue for all of us to protect the peace in Asia. The international community is already being influenced by Japan’s imperialistic logic.

U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN)
In 2008, the BGN revised their conventional classification of Dokdo as a Korean territory to “undesignated sovereignty”.

United Nations (UN)
In 2004, the U.N. distributed a document that acknowledged Korea’s sovereignty over Dokdo.
In 2006, the U.N. revised the document to reverse its stance on Korea’s sovereignty over Dokdo.

The CIA, major international websites and world map publishers began using “Dokdo/Takeshima”.
In July of 2011, the Wall Street Journal began using “Dokdo/Takeshima”. 

Japan is making an attempt to change Dokdo to Takeshima in the general perception of the world. Japanese imperialism of 1910 is coming back. Now is the time for all of us to stand up for Dokdo and peace.

Ten Strategies for Promoting Dokdo by Voluntary Agency Network of Korea, VANK

1. Don’t introduce Dokdo as a contested region between Korea and Japan!
Instead, introduce it as a beautiful island.

International travel guidebook, Lonely Planet Magazine (2010)

Ulleungdo Island in Korea:
The Lonely Planet selected Ulleungdo as one of the world’s 10 best secret islands.

The magazine described Ulleungdo as an unpolluted pristine island with the most fertile fishing grounds in the East Sea along with Dokdo. Let it be known that near Ulleungdo, there is Koreans’ favorite island, Dokdo
 
Ulleungdo and Dokdo, the Islands of Mother and Son
Ulleungdo and Dokdo are known as the islands of mother and son.
Historically, the two islands have been in a close relationship.

The world will view Dokdo as a beautiful island of Korea.
Japan’s intention to make it a contested region will fail.

2. Promote Dokdo as a Korean territory for a geographical reason.

Dokdo
87.4 km away from Ulleungdo
157.5 km away from the Oki Islands of Japan

Dokdo is clearly seen from Ulleungdo, but unseen from the Oki Islands.

“Due to their close distance, Dokdo is visible from Ulleungdo on clear days.”
- Geographical Appendix to the Veritable Records of King Sejong (1454)

Dokdo was not visible from Japan since ancient times. Let it be known that Dokdo cannot be a Japanese territory for this geographical reason.

3. Promote Dokdo with old documentary evidence.

A reference to Dokdo is found in the documentary records of the Silla Kingdom 1500 years ago. Korea’s historical documents, such as the Chronicle of the Three Kingdoms and the Geographical Appendix to the Veritable Records of King Sejong, specified Dokdo as a Korean territory. On the other hand, it is only after the 17th century that Japan started recognizing Dokdo. There are many Japanese historical documents to prove that Dokdo is not a Japanese territory.

4. Promote Dokdo as a Korean territory under international laws.

Imperial Edict No. 41 of the Korean Empire (issued in 1900) Dokdo was indicated as being under the jurisdiction of Ulleungdo. However, Imperial Japan had superior power to Joseon. In 1905, Japan deprived the Korean Empire of its diplomatic rights. Let it be known that Japan illegitimately incorporated Dokdo into Japan through the Shimane Prefecture Notification No. 40.

5. Promote the fact that the Japanese Prime Minister’s office declared Dokdo a Korean territory in 1877.

In 1696, the Tokugawa shogunate issued an edict banning the Japanese from crossing over to Ulleungdo. 
In 1870, a Japanese official report titled “A Confidential Inquiry into the Particulars of Foreign Relations of Korea” stated that Ulleungdo and Dokdo were under Joseon’s possession.
In 1877, the Dajokan Directive, equivalent to today’s prime minister’s office, declared Joseon’s sovereignty over Dokdo.

“Ulleungdo and its sister island (Dokdo) are of no relation to Japan.”

6. Promote the fact that Dokdo is an important source of Korea’s national pride. 

In 1905, Japan defeated Russia’s Baltic Fleet and won a victory in the Russo-Japanese War by strategically taking advantage of the geographical locations of Ulleungdo and Dokdo. In 1910, Japan colonized Joseon.  For 35 years, Japan made lasting scars and irreversible physical damage to the life of Koreans.  In 1945, Japan’s defeat in World War II brought independence to Korea. All Korean territories, including Dokdo, were returned to Korea. Over 50 years have passed since Korea’s independence.  However, Japan has yet to give up its imperialistic ambition. Let it be known that Japan claims its sovereignty over Dokdo on the basis of its colonial territorial rights.

7. Promote Dokdo as a symbol of peace in Asia, beyond all geographical and historical evidence.

Japan’s stance on its sovereignty over Dokdo is getting increasingly more aggressive. This attitude reminds Koreans of their historical suffering. For Koreans, the protection of Dokdo is a struggle to overcome its colonial history and eliminate imperialism from the Asian continent. Let it be known that Dokdo represents Koreans’ will to protect peace in Asia.
 
8. Persuade international publishers that naming Dokdo as Takeshima is a tacit consent to Japanese militarism.

In 1902, Britain approved Japan’s right to control Korea through the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. In 1905, U.S. President Roosevelt mediated the Treaty of Portsmouth to grant Japan’s priority to control Korea. Around 100 years ago, the international community turned a blind eye to Japanese imperialism.
This negligence caused deep scars and pain on the Asian continent. Accepting the name of Takeshima for Dokdo is a sign of approval for the revival of Japanese militarism.  Let it be known that an approval of Takeshima will shake the peace in Asia.  To prevent the revival of Japanese imperialism in Asia, all of us have a historical obligation to remove Takeshima and only use the name Dokdo. 

9. Inform about the fact that a reference to Dokdo as the Liancourt Rocks is misleading.

Liancourt Rocks
The name of the Liancourt Rocks originated from the name of a French whaling ship that found Dokdo in 1849.

Despite its official name Dokdo, a French ship’s arbitrary reference to it as the Liancourt Rocks has been widely spread by international publishers. It is highly problematic that an arbitrary name overrides its official name. The inaccurate labeling of Dokdo as the Liancourt Rocks will create great confusion among many foreigners and foreign ships that come to Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Let it be known that the confusion from inaccurate naming will cause significant mental and physical damage to Koreans.

10. Persuade them that omission of Dokdo in world maps will cause unnecessary confusion.

There are maps that omit Dokdo due to the issue of scale.  However, Dokdo still exists as the easternmost island of Korea. Its official name is “Dokdo”. Dokdo and Ulleungdo are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Korea. If these popular attractions are omitted, it will cause unnecessary confusion among international tourists.
 
Dokdo, a small rock island in the East Sea
This small island is entangled in Japans’ historical distortion and imperialism.

All of us have a historic obligation to promote the truth about Dokdo. Voluntary Agency Network of Korea VANK is asking you to help us end imperialism and establish peace in Asia.

Settling on the name of Dokdo is the first step. Dokdo carries the sadness of the Korean people.However, Dokdo is an island of peace that boasts the beauty of pristine nature. Let the world hear the story of Dokdo, the beautiful island of peace.

Dokdo is an isolated island in the eastern reaches of the nation’s territory. It is located 87.4 southeast of Ulleungdo Island. Dokdo Island (180,902m) is formed from a volcanic rock. The island is located at a latitude of 3714′ north and a longitude of 13152′ east.

Along with Ulleungdo Island, Dokdo Island was one part of a country called Usanguk. According to records, Usanguk became part of the Silla dynasty (57B.C. ~ 935 A.D.) in June of the 13th year that King Jijeung ruled Silla. Isabu (a general and politician of Silla) gained enough strength at that time to take over Usanguk.

In the Seongjong Memoir of the Joseon dynasty, there are passages by Kim Jaju describing Dokdo Island (called Sambongdo at that time). Dokdo was called ‘Sambongdo’, ‘Gajido’ or ‘Usando’, but the name was changed to Dokdo in 1881. The name ‘Dokdo’ was first used in 1906 by the Headman of Ulleung County Sim Heungtaek. In 1914, Dokdo Island officially became an administrative district of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

After The Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, Japanese fishermen often came near Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Sukjong Sillok, the Annals of King Sukjong(1674-1720), records that An Yongbok went twice to Japan in order to protest against Japanese nationals trespassing into Korean territory.

He asked the Japanese authorities to recognize Korea’s sovereignty over these islands and to forbid Japanese nationals to sail to these islands.

Dokdo Island is composed of two main islets, Dongdo (East Island)and Seodo (West Island), as well as 36 rock islets. Dongdo (98 meters above sea level) has a crater. Seodo (168 meters above sea level) does not have a crater but it is also made of volcanic rocks. Between Dongdo and Seodo is the Hyeongjegul Cave, and there is the Cheonsanggul Cave on Dongdo. Over time, other caves and topographic features of the island have formed due to weathering and erosion.

Japan acknowledged the value of Dokdo Island after the Russo-Japanese War of 1905. Japan unilaterally transferred Dokdo Island to Shimane Prefecture, Japan and renamed it “Dakesima”.
A few authorities in Japan have continuously declared their dominion, over the island, which led to diplomatic conflicts between Korea and Japan. It is still unresolved.

Presently there are security guards on Dokdo Island. Houses were built on the rocks as well as a small harbor. Some fresh water have also been found on the island, supplying safe drinking water for its inhabitants.

Until recently, only researchers, reporters and other special cases were given permission to tour Dokdo. Now, anyone interested in visiting the island can apply at the Ulleung-gun Administrative Office (+82-54-790-6420/Kor). Interested persons can only visit the island after permission has been granted and must apply 15 days prior to their desired tour date.

Visitors wishing to take a ferry ride around the island may do so at anytime. Ferries run twice a day, the first at 7 am and the second at 2 pm. You can catch the Sambongho ferry at Dodong Harbor on Ulleungdo Island. The trip lasts for approximately four hours and costs 37,500 won for those 19 years and over. Approximately 30~40 minutes of the ferry trip are spent exploring the coastline of Dokdo.

Address: San 1~37, Dokdo-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do

source from : http://english.tour2korea.com

Detailed Info
Inquiries: Culture and Tourism Department of Ulleung-gun
Tel. +82-54-790-6393 (Korean)/ Travel Phone +82-54-1330(Eng, Kor, Jpn, Chn)
http://www.dokdo.go.kr (English)

In 1905 Japan, utilizing the advantageous geographical position of Ulleungdo and Dokdo, sank the Russian battleship, Balt, and lead the Russo-Japanese war to a glorious victory. In 1910, 5 years after the Russo-Japanese war, Japan occupied Korea by force, thus greatly damaging the lives of the Koreans both physically and mentally for 35 years. However, with the defeat of Japan in World War II in 1945, Joseon (the original name of Korea during the time period) was liberated, retrieving the whole peninsula, including Dokdo. Yet, the militaristic and imperialistic ideology of Japan during the Japanese Occupation period are unjustifiably claiming the rights for Dokdo even today, 50 years after the liberation. 

For Koreans, however, Dokdo is a national symbol of independence movements against the Japanese colonial administration during the Japanese Occupation period. Furthermore, it is the bulwark preventing the resurrection of Japanese imperialism and militarism again in Asia. 

Therefore, we wish the international society to not perceive the Dokdo issue as a mere territorial dispute between two nations. We, the Koreans who have suffered through the sorrows of colonial history (1910-1945), hope the entire globe to see the issue as a step towards peace of Asia, and a means of preventing the revival of imperialism and militarism of Japan.

First of all, Koreans consider Dokdo as a part of their body.

Secondly, Dokdo is a part of Korea’s history.
Records show that since the Shilla Dynasty, which existed in Korea about 1500 years ago, Dokdo belonged to Korea. Other historical documents of Korea, such as ‘Samguksagi’ and ‘Sejongjirisillok’, support this fact as well. This shows that Dokdo has been an island of Korea since ancient times, and also has been acknowledged so to the Korean people.

Thirdly, to the Korean people, Dokdo is their spiritual birthplace.
Dokdo captures its visitors’ soul with its beautiful scenery made up with volcanic islands that were created in the ancient times. Furthermore, with rare sea birds such as fork-tailed petrel, Seum-se and black-tailed gull inhabiting in its islands, Dokdo is officially protected and designated as the natural monument No.336 by the Korean government.

Also, Dokdo is the symbol of pride in Koreans.
Using its geopolitical position of Dokdo and Ulleungdo, Japan attacked the Russia’s Balt fleet, and won the war in 1905. Five years later, Japan occupied Korea by force and committed unspeakable atrocities upon the Korean people for 35 years. By the collapse of the Imperial Japan at the World War II, Korea became an independent nation, and Japan returned Korea’s land to its rightful owner. However, failing to abandon its militaristic desire, Japan has been arguing its proprietary rights of Dokdo to this day.

To Koreans, Dokdo is a holy cross for peace. It is a symbol of peace that will stop colonialism and militarism from ever reviving again.

* More information about Dokdo

http://maywespeak.com/?portfolio=a-letter-to-world-friends

http://www.dokdo.go.kr/

http://www.dokdo.re.kr/

http://www.dokdomuseum.go.kr/

http://www.korea.net/news/issues/issueView.asp?issue_no=45