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{{Short description|Group of disputed islets in the Sea of Japan}}
{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=225 style="margin: 0.5em 0 1em 1em; background: #ffffff; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
{{For|the naming and territorial dispute surrounding these rocks|Liancourt Rocks dispute}}
|+<big><big>'''Liancourt Rocks'''</big></big>
{{Redirect-multi|2|Dokdo|Takeshima}}
|-
{{Pp-semi-indef}}
| align=center colspan=2 | ]
{{Pp-move|small=yes}}
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<!--*************************************************************************
! colspan=2 | ] Name
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----read the talk page and make sure to edit only in a spirit of cooperation.
| width=148 | ]
----This article is currently under special administrative surveillance and
| width=148 | {{lang|ko|독도}}
----absolutely no edit-warring will be tolerated. Users who make more than
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----one revert in a 24-hour period will be blocked. Incivility and edit-
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----warring will not be tolerated, and all reverts must be discussed fully
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----on the talk page before you revert. Not after! Thank you.
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| width=148 | ]
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2015}}
| width=148 | Dokdo
{{Infobox islands
|-
| disputed = yes
| width=148 | ]
| name = Liancourt Rocks
| width=148 | Tokto
| plural = yes
|-
| other_names = Liancourt Islets, Liancourt Islands, Takeshima, Dokdo, Tok Islets, Hornet Islands, Kajido, Sambongdo
! colspan=2 | ] Name
| image_name = Location-of-Liancourt-rocks-en.png
|-
| image_size = 300px
| width=148 | ]
| image_caption =
| width=148 | Takeshima
| image_map = Liancourt Rocks Map.svg
|-
| location = ]
| width=148 | ]
| coordinates = {{Coord|37|14|30|N|131|52|0|E|display=inline}}
| width=148 | {{lang|ja|竹島}}
| total_islands = 91 (37 permanent land)
|-
| major_islands = East Islet, West Islet
| align=center colspan=2 | ]
| area_ha = 18.745
|}
| area_footnotes = <br />'''East Islet:''' {{convert|7.33|ha|acre}}<br />'''West Islet:''' {{convert|8.864|ha|acre}}
| elevation_m = 169
| highest_mount = West Islet
| country = {{flag|South Korea}}
| country_admin_divisions_title = County
| country_admin_divisions = ], ]
| country1 = {{flag|Japan}}
| country1_admin_divisions_title = Town
| country1_admin_divisions = ], ] (Japan)
| country2 = {{flag|North Korea}}
| country2_admin_divisions_title = County
| country2_admin_divisions = ], ]
| population = Approximately 26<ref name="residents">{{cite web | url=https://dokdo.mofa.go.kr/eng/introduce/residence.jsp| title=Dokdo Residents| access-date=February 17, 2021| publisher=Gyeongsangbuk-do Province}}</ref>
| image_map_caption = The two main islets
}}


The '''Liancourt Rocks''',<ref>{{harvnb|Fern|2005|p=78}}: "Since the end of World War II, Japan and Korea have contested ownership of these islets, given the name Liancourt Rocks by French whalers in the mid-1800s and called that by neutral observers to this day".</ref> also known by their Korean name of '''Dokdo''' ({{Langx|ko|독도}}){{efn|{{korean|hangul=독도|hanja=獨島}}; {{IPA|ko|tok̚t͈o|IPA}}; {{lit|solitary island' or 'lonely island}}.}} or their Japanese name of '''Takeshima''',({{Langx|ja|竹島}}){{efn|{{japanese|kanjil=竹島}}; {{IPA|ja|takeɕima|IPA}}; {{lit|bamboo island}}.{{sfn|BBC staff|2006}}}} are a group of ]s in the ] between the ] and the ] administered by South Korea. The Liancourt Rocks comprise two main islets and 35 smaller rocks; the total surface area of the islets is {{convert|0.187554|km2|acre}} and the highest elevation of {{convert|168.5|m|ft}} is <!-- found at an unnamed location --> on the West Islet.{{sfn|Gyeongsangbuk-do Province|2017b}}{{Dead link|date=March 2023}} The Liancourt Rocks lie in rich ] that may contain large deposits of ].{{sfn|BBC staff|2008}} The English name ''Liancourt Rocks'' is derived from {{Lang|fr|Le Liancourt}},{{efn|Pronounced {{IPA|fr|lə ljɑ̃kuʁ|}}; named in honor of ], Duke of ] and ].}} the name of a French ] ship that came close to being wrecked on the rocks in 1849.{{sfn|Kirk|2008}}
The '''Liancourt Rocks''' are islets in the ] (East Sea). They are better known in English as ''Dokdo'' (romanized from Korean) or ''Takeshima'' (romanized from Japanese). Currently under ] control, the islets are also claimed by ].


While South Korea controls the islets, its sovereignty over them is ] by Japan. North Korea also claims the territory. South Korea classifies the islets as Dokdo-], Ulleung-], ], ],<ref>{{cite web|trans-title=Act 1395 amending Chapter 14-2, Ri-Administration under Ulleung County, Local Autonomy Law, Ulleung County |language=ko-kr |script-title=ko:울릉군리의명칭과구역에관한조례 |url=http://www.elis.go.kr/newlaib/laibLaws/h1126/laws.jsp?lawsNum=47940113226001&scType=title&scValue=%BF%EF%B8%AA%B1%BA%20%B8%AE%C0%C7%20%B8%ED%C4%AA%B0%FA%20%B1%B8%BF%AA%BF%A1%20%B0%FC%C7%D1%20%C1%B6%B7%CA&isClose=0&kind=1 }} "{{lang|ko-Hang|2000년 4월 7일 울릉군조례 제1395호로 독도리가 신설됨에 따라 독도의 행정구역이 종전의 경상북도 울릉군 울릉읍 도동리 산42~76번지에서 경상북도 울릉군 울릉읍 독도리 산1~37번지로 변경 됨}}." <br />Translation: "Pursuant to Act 1395 amending Chapter 14-2, Ri-Administration under Ulleung County, Local Autonomy Law, Ulleung County, passed March 20, 2000, enacted April 7, 2000, the administrative designation of Dokdo addresses as 42 to 76, Dodong-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung County, North Gyungsang Province, is changed to address 1 to 37, Dokdo-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung County, North Gyungsang Province." {{cite web|url=http://www.dokdomuseum.go.kr/board/history/list.php |language=ko-kr |script-title=ko:조회 |access-date=12 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301043336/http://www.dokdomuseum.go.kr/board/history/list.php |archive-date= 1 March 2009 |df=dmy }}</ref> while Japan classifies the islands as part of ], ], ].
South Korea classifies the islets as a part of ], ] Province, while Japan classifies them as part of ], ], ].


==Geography==
In 1849, a ] ] from ], ''Le Liancourt'' named the islets ''Rochers de Liancourt''.{{ref|cyb}} The Russians called them ''Manalai and Olivutsa Rocks'' in 1854 and the English called them the ''Hornet Rocks'' in 1855.{{ref|net}}
{{multiple image
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| image1 = Dokdo-West-Isle.JPG
| alt1 = A steep, rocky island surrounded by dark blue sea
| image2 = Dokdo-East-Isle.JPG
| alt2 = A round rocky island, with an empty port. Seagulls block some of the frame.
| caption2 = The West island ''(top)'' and the East island ''(bottom)''
}}The Liancourt Rocks consist of two main islets and numerous surrounding rocks. The two main islets, called ''Seodo'' ({{korean|labels=no|hangul=서도|hanja=西島|lit=western island}}) and ''Dongdo'' ({{korean|labels=no|hangul=동도|hanja=東島|lit=eastern island}}) in Korean and ''Ojima'' (男島; "Male Island") and ''Mejima'' (女島; "Female Island") in Japanese, are {{convert|151|m|ft}} apart.{{sfn|Gyeongsangbuk-do Province|2017b}} The Western Island is the larger of the two, with a wider base and higher peak, while the Eastern Island offers more usable surface area.


Altogether, there are about 90 islets and reefs,{{sfn|Gyeongsangbuk-do Province|2017b}}{{Dead link|date=March 2023}} ]s formed in the ] era, more specifically 4.6 to 2.5 million years ago. A total of 37 of these islets are recognized as permanent land.{{Verify source|date=May 2015}}
== Geography ==
The Liancourt Rocks are composed mainly of the eastern and western islets, 150 meters apart {{ref|net}} (''Dong-do'' and ''Seo-do'' in Korean, ''Higashi-jima'' and ''Nishi-jima'' in Japanese). Altogether, there are about 90 islets and reefs,{{ref|cyb}} ]s formed in the ] era.{{ref|tru}} 37 of these islets are recognized as permanent land.{{ref|cyb}}


The total area of the Liancourt Rocks is about 187,450 square meters, with its highest point at 169 meters in the western islet. The western islet is about 88,640 square meters in area; the eastern islet about 73,300 square meters.{{ref|cyb}} The Liancourt Rocks are located at about 131°52′ East longitude and about 37°14′ North latitude.{{ref|cyb}} Dong-do (eastern islet) is located at {{coor dms|37|14|27|N|131|52|10|E}}, and Seo-do (western islet)is located at {{coor dms|37|14|31|N|131|51|55|E}}. The total area of the islets is about {{convert|187,554|m2|acre}}, with their highest point at {{convert|168.5|m|ft}} on the West Islet.{{sfn|Gyeongsangbuk-do Province|2017b}} The western islet is about {{convert|88,740|m2|acre}}; the eastern islet is about {{convert|73,300|m2|acre}}.{{sfn|Gyeongsangbuk-do Province|2017b}} The western islet consists of a single peak and features many caves along the coastline. The cliffs of the eastern islet are about {{convert|10|to|20|m|ft}} high. There are two large caves giving access to the sea, as well as a crater.{{Verify source|date=May 2015}}


In 2006, a geologist reported that the islets formed 4.5 million years ago and are (in a ]) quickly eroding.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=102&oid=001&aid=0001483400 |language=ko-kr |script-title=ko:"독도ㆍ울릉도 `침몰하고 있다'"<손영관교수> |newspaper=] |date=1 December 2006 |access-date=1 January 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122194337/http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=102&oid=001&aid=0001483400 |archive-date= Jan 22, 2016 }}</ref>
The islets are 217 km from mainland Korea and 250 km from mainland Japan.{{ref|net}} The nearest Korean territory (]) is 87 km away; and{{ref|cyb}} the nearest Japanese territory (]) is 157 km away.{{ref|cyb}} In fair weather, the Liancourt Rocks can reportedly be seen from Ulleung-do.{{ref|dkb}}{{ref|net}}


== Tourism ==
The cliffs of the eastern island are about 10 to 20 meters high.{{ref|tru}} There are two caves giving access to the sea, as well as a crater. The western island is the larger of the two islands. It consists of one single peak, and it features many caves along the coastline.{{ref|tru}}


Restricted public access to the rocks for a variety of purposes is provided by ferry from ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=독도 : 독도입도안내 페이지 입니다.아름다운 신비의 섬 - 울릉군 |url=http://www.ulleung.go.kr/ko/page.htm?mnu_uid=1649 |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=www.ulleung.go.kr |archive-date=13 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013171217/http://www.ulleung.go.kr/ko/page.htm?mnu_uid=1649 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2022, 280,312 tourists visited the islands, averaging 500 visitors per day.<ref name="residents" />
==Economy==
Although the islets themselves are barely habitable, the ] surrounding them has rich ] grounds and possible reserves of ].{{ref|imp}} ], no gas has been found.{{ref|cyb}} A wide variety of fish as well ], kelp, sea slugs, and clams are found around the Liancourt Rocks.{{ref|tru}} The major catches are ], Alaskan ], ], and ].{{ref|tru}}{{ref|cyb}} There are 102 species of seaweed, although not many of these are of economic interest.{{ref|cyb}}


==Distances==
Until the 1940s, ]s were observed on the Liancourt Rocks.
The Liancourt Rocks are located at about {{Coord|37|14||N|131|52||E}}.{{sfn|Gyeongsangbuk-do Province|2017c}} The western islet is located at {{Coord|37|14|31|N|131|51|55|E |name=West Islet}} and the Eastern Islet is located at {{Coord|37|14|27|N|131|52|10|E |name=East Islet}}.


The Liancourt Rocks are situated at a distance of {{convert|211|km|nmi}} from the main island of Japan (]) and {{convert|216.8|km|nmi}} from mainland South Korea. The nearest Japanese island, ], is at a distance of {{convert|157|km|nmi}},<ref name="mofa index" /> and the nearest Korean island, ], is {{convert|87.4|km|nmi}}.{{sfn|BAEK In-ki|SHIM Mun-bo|Korea Maritime Institute|2006|pp=20–22}}<ref name="mofa index">{{cite web|url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/takeshima/index.html|title=The Issue of Takeshima|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan|access-date=26 October 2012}}</ref>
There are around 37 South Korean police, Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Fisheries personnel, a married Korean couple (whose occupation is fishing), and three ] keepers living on Liancourt Rocks. In addition to officials, several civilian fishermen have actually lived on the islets.{{ref|vis}}

==Tourism==
Because of its status as a nature reserve, prior to 2003, special permits were issued by the South Korean Ministry of Tourism for tourists of the Liancourt Rocks if they wanted to land on the islets rather than just circling them.{{ref|vis}} In 2003, there were 1507 tourists, in 2004, 1597.{{ref|vis}} The visitors to the Liancourt Rocks come by boat from Ulleung-do.{{ref|cyb}}

In 2005, the first ] ceremony was held on the Liancourt Rocks. The couple chose the location to protest against Japanese claims over the islets. {{ref|wed}}


==Climate== ==Climate==
]
Due to its location, the weather at the Liancourt Rocks can be rough. At times ships are unable to dock because of strong northwestern winds in winter. {{ref|net}}{{ref|tru}} The climate is warm and humid, but heavily influenced by the warm currents in the sea. Precipitation is high all year round, with snow occurring occasionally, adding to 1324mm a year.{{ref|tru}} Fog is a common sight on the Liancourt Rocks. In summer southernly winds dominate.{{ref|tru}} The water around the rocks is about 10 degrees Celsius in spring, when the water is coolest. It reaches about 25 degrees Celsius in August, when it is warmest.{{ref|tru}}
Owing to their location and small size, the Liancourt Rocks can have harsh weather. If the ] is greater than 3 to 5 metres, then landing is not possible, so on average ferries can only dock about once in forty days.{{sfn|Gyeo ngbuk Province|2001b}} Overall, the climate is warm and humid, and heavily influenced by warm sea currents. Precipitation is high throughout the year (annual average—{{convert|1383.4|mm|in|disp=or}}), with occasional snowfall.{{sfn|Gyeongsangbuk-do Province|2017a}} Fog is common. In summer, southerly winds dominate. The water around the islets is about {{convert|10|C|F}} in early spring, when the water is coldest, warming to about {{convert|24|C|F}} in late summer.


==Ecology== ==Ecology==
]s at Liancourt Rocks during a Japanese ] in 1934]]
Like Ulleung-do, the Liancourt Rocks are ]s, with only a thin layer of soil and moss. The volcanic rocks of the Liancourt Rocks and Ulleung-do are so similar that their radioisotopes cannot be differentiated.{{ref|cyb}} About 80 species of plant, over 22 different species of birds, as well as 37 different kinds of insects have been recorded on the islets, in addition to the local maritime life.{{ref|net}}
The islets are volcanic rocks, with only a thin layer of soil and moss.{{sfn|Gyeo ngbuk Province|2001a}} About 49 plant species, 107 bird species, and 93 insect species have been found to inhabit the islets, in addition to local marine life with 160 algal and 368 invertebrate species identified.<ref>{{cite web|language=ko |script-title=ko:독도 자연생태계 정밀조사결과(요약)|trans-title=A comprehensive survey of the natural ecosystems of Liancourt Rocks (synopsys)|url=http://epic.kdi.re.kr/epic/epic_view.jsp?num=81035&menu=1|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722141608/http://epic.kdi.re.kr/epic/epic_view.jsp?num=81035&menu=1|archive-date=22 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Although between 1,100 and 1,200 litres of fresh water flow daily, desalinization plants have been installed on the islets for human consumption because existing spring water suffers from ] contamination.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}} Since the early 1970s trees and some types of flowers were planted.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}} According to historical records, there used to be trees indigenous to Liancourt Rocks, which have supposedly been wiped out by ] and fires caused by bombing drills over the islets.{{efn|"There are records attesting to the existence of trees in the past" {{harv|BAEK In-ki|SHIM Mun-bo|Korea Maritime Institute|2006|p=48}} }} A recent investigation, however, identified ten ] aged 100–120 years.<ref>{{cite web |language=ko |trans-title=Indigenous Spindle Tree Colony Found on Liancourt Rocks |script-title=ko:독도 자생 사철나무 군락 첫 발견 |url=http://www.korean.net/blog/main/index.jsp?blID=leehayo&ccID=260&SN=22}} {{Dead link|date = August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |language=ko |script-title=ko:독도 자생 사철나무 100년 이상 된 자생식물
|trans-title=Liancourt Rock Spindle Trees Over 100 Years Old |url=http://www.dokdocenter.org/dokdo_news/index.cgi?action=detail&number=7489&thread=19r02}}</ref> ]s such as ]s, ]s, and ]s are known to migrate through these areas.<ref>{{Cite journal|year=2007 |language=ko |script-title=ko:독도수비 해경, 그물걸린 범고래 구조 - 멸종위기 해양생물 보호 적극적인 조치 기대 |url=http://www.enviroasia.info/K/?p=1259 |journal=K07011002K |page=ENVIROASIA |access-date=10 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119103856/http://www.enviroasia.info/K/?p=1259 |archive-date=19 January 2015 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|translator=Koike T.|year=2007 |language=ja |script-title=ja:独島警備の海洋警察、網にかかったシャチ救出 |url=http://www.enviroasia.info/J/?p=6168 |journal=K07011002J |page=ENVIROASIA |access-date=10 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714121130/http://www.enviroasia.info/J/?p=6168 |archive-date=14 July 2014 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2017 |url=http://www.netongs.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=103971 |script-title=ko:"동해 고래, 한미관계 뿐 아니라 독도 역사와도 연결" |access-date=August 21, 2017}}</ref>


===Pollution and environmental destruction===
Since the early 1970s, over 11,000 trees, and some flowers, have been planted along with the indigenous flora and fauna.{{ref|net}} (Trees are required under international law for the islets to be recognized as natural islands rather than reefs.{{ref|vis}}{{ref|tru}})
Records of the human impact on the Liancourt Rocks before the late 20th century are scarce, although both Japanese and Koreans claim to have felled trees and killed ]s there for many decades.<ref>국민일보 (Gookmin Daily). "독도‘실효적 지배’새 근거 (New Evidence of effective control), 1890년 이전부터 독도서 강치잡이 (Sea lion hunting before 1890) </ref><ref>Japan: </ref>


There are serious pollution concerns in the seas surrounding the Liancourt Rocks. In 2004, a malfunction in the sewage water treatment system established on the islets caused sewage produced by inhabitants of the Liancourt Rocks, such as ] and lighthouse staff, to be dumped directly into the ocean. Significant water pollution was observed; sea water turned milky white, sea vegetation died, and coral reefs were calcified. The pollution also caused ] in the surrounding seas. In November 2004, eight tons of malodorous ] was being dumped into the ocean every day.<ref name=" imaeil">{{cite web |work=Imaeil |date=28 September 2007 |language=ko |script-title=ko:독도 오수정화시설이 동해바다 오염 주범? |url=http://www.imaeil.com/sub_news/sub_news_view.php?news_id=42521&yy=2007 |access-date=15 April 2009 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402110419/http://www.imaeil.com/sub_news/sub_news_view.php?news_id=42521&yy=2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Efforts have since been made by both public<ref>{{cite web|language=ko |trans-title=Three-Month Cleanup for Dokdo's Marine Garbage Starts from June 2 |script-title=ko:독도 바다쓰레기 청소 6월2일부터 석달간 |url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=102&oid=003&aid=0002703591}}</ref> and private<ref>{{cite web |language=ko |script-title=ko:나무 심고 오물 줍고…아름다운 ‘독도 사랑’ |url=http://www.imaeil.com/sub_news/sub_news_view.php?news_id=27210&yy=2010 |date=5 July 2010 |access-date=28 September 2010 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402121815/http://www.imaeil.com/sub_news/sub_news_view.php?news_id=27210&yy=2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> organizations to reduce the level of pollution surrounding the Rocks.
The Liancourt Rocks are declared "Natural Monument #336" by South Korea. The islets are home to fork-tailed petrel, streaked shearwater, and black-tailed gulls. Some of these organisms, such as a number of cormophytes, cannot be found on Ulleung-do.{{ref|cyb}}


==Construction==
While the Liancourt Rocks are home to some birds, the rocks also provide temporarty refuge to migrating and nesting birds: fork-tailed petrels, streaked shearwaters, and black-tailed gulls all breed on the rocks. The population of all the breeding birds counted on the rocks has been declining in recent years.{{ref|tru}}
South Korea has carried out construction work on the Liancourt Rocks; by 2009, the islands had a lighthouse, helicopter pad,<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090823031639/http://vn.vladnews.ru/issue592/Special_reports/Dokdo_Islands_land_of_contention |date=23 August 2009 }}</ref> and a police barracks.{{sfn|Choe|2008}} In 2007, two ]s were built capable of producing 28 tons of clean water every day.{{sfn|KOIS staff|2007a}} Both of the major South Korean telecommunications companies have installed cellular telephone towers on the islets.{{sfn|KOIS staff|2007}}

In 1999, the islets were designated a special environmental protected area.{{ref|net}} The Liancourt Rocks predate any other Korean volcanic islands, including Ulleung-do.{{ref|tru}}

==Strategic location==
The Liancourt Rocks are of importance not only for economic reasons, but also for military reasons. Over time, the Liancourt Rocks served sometimes as a military base, most notably during the Russo-Japanese War. The South Korean government has built a radar station on the Liancourt Rocks, enabling it to track the naval forces of Russia, Japan, and North Korea.{{ref|cyb}}


==History== ==History==
])]]
Korea and Japan have a long, complex history of cultural exchange, war, and political rivalry (''see'': ]). The Liancourt Rocks are the last disputed territory between Korea and Japan following ].

In 1145, ] (''History of Three Kingdoms of Korea'') records that the ] was conquered and "re-integrated" into ] in 512. However, ''Samguk Sagi'' itself only mentions an Usan ''state'', not two ''islands'' of Ulleung and Usan. Other records, such as ''Sejong Sillok'', ''Goryeosa'' and ''Mangi Yoram'', describe Usan-guk as consisting of Ulleung-do and Usan-do.{{ref|his}}

===Joseon Period===
In 1432, geographical records from ''Sejong Sillok'' (the chronicle of ]) mentions Usan-do,{{ref|his}} but interpretation of the context is disputed. Korean scholars interpret the text as: "Usan-do and Mulung-do (Ulleung-do), located in the sea east of the Prefecture, are close enough to each other that in clear weather the two islands come into view ''''," and consider it as evidence that Usan-do refers to the Liancourt Rocks.{{ref|his}} Japanese scholars interpret the latter part as "come into view ''''." They argue that Usan-do refers to Juk-do, which they say was the Korean government's interpretation in Ahn's dispute (see below). Juk-do is 4 km east of Ulleung-do, visible not only in clear weather.{{fact}}

In ](a complete map of the Eight Korean Provinces, 1530), Usan-do is marked as Korean territory, but drawn to the ''west'' of Ulleung-do, instead of east.

After the ] (1592-1598) between Joseon Korea and ] Japan, Joseon barely maintained control over Ulleung-do and the Liancourt Rocks.{{fact}}

''Takeshima Tokai Yuraiki Bassho Hikae'', written by Ōya Kyuemon, records that in 1618 the ] granted the Ōya and Murakawa families fishing rights, and in 1661, feudal tenure, of "Takeshima", which then referred to Ulleung-do. On the way to Ulleung-do, Japanese fishermen sometimes used the Liancourt Rocks, then called in Japanese '''Matsushima''' (松島), as an intermediate port of call. From the Korean point of view, the grants were invalid because the islets were Korean territory.{{fact}}

===Ahn Yong-bok incident===
In 1693, Korean fisherman Ahn Yong-bok attempted to drive off Ōya fishermen from Ulleung-do, but was captured and taken to Japan. According to Korean records, Ahn protested to Japan's provincial governor, who confirmed in writing that the two islands are Korean. On his way back to Korea, Ahn was held by the governor of Tsushima Island, but the ] ordered Ahn's release. According to Japanese records, the provincial governor reported the incident to the Tokugawa Shogunate, which warned Korea to tighten the control of Korean "transgressors".{{fact}}

In 1694, Korea warned Japan to back off from Ulleung-do, and Japan prohibited Japanese vessels from going to Ulleung-do.{{fact}} In 1696, Ahn sailed to Ulleung-do and the Liancourt Rocks again, disguised as a naval officer, and expelled the Japanese, taking them back to Japan. In Japan, Ahn had the Tokugawa Shogunate confirm in writing that Ulleung-do and the Liancourt Rocks were Korean possessions.

===Maps and records===
*''Chosen Hachido-no Zu'' (1758) depicts Ulleung-do and the Liancourt Rocks as one big island within the Korean territory, according to Korean scholars. Some Japanese scholars believe the map only shows that Ulleung-do is a territory of Usan-guk (state).
*''Sangoku Tsuran Yochi Rotei Zensu'' (1785) depicts as Korean territory a small island next to Ulleung-do. Korean scholars believe this to depict the Liancourt Rocks, but Japanese scholars believe it corresponds to Juk-do.
*''Dae Dong Yeo Ji Do'' (1861), an incomplete map of Korea, includes the Liancourt Rocks, according to Korean scholars.
*''Historical Geography of Great Japan'' (大日本地名辞書, 1900) records that when the local government of ] asked the Japanese Meiji government whether Takeshima would be merged into Shimane, the government in 1877 responded that Japan had no relation with Takeshima.

The inconsistent use of the names "Matsushima" and "Takeshima" in Japanese documents leaves room for continuing disputes. Most Japanese documents and maps after 1905 use the name ''Takeshima'' or place the islets in Korean territory outright under the title ''Dokdo'', while pre-1905 documents tend to use either ''Takeshima'', ''Matsushima'', or entirely exclude the islets.

On October 25, 1900, the ] issued ], incorporating the islands of Ulleung-do, Juk-do (竹島), and Seok-do (石島) (Liancourt Rocks) into Ulleung county.

During the Russo-Japanese War and increasing Japanese control over Korea, ''Takeshima'' was proclaimed a part of ] in ] under the doctrine of '']'' on ], 1905. Koreans were not aware of the annexation until ], 1906, when it was a Japanese protectorate under the ].

Koreans were not the only ones who were unaware of Japan's incorporation of the islets under the name of ''Takeshima''. Some Japanese maps continued to show the Liancourt Rocks as Korean territory, including ''Kankoku Shinchiri'' ('''New Geography of Korea'''), ''Teikoku Encyclopedia'' No. 134 (September 1905).

===After World War II===
Upon Japan's defeat and occupation by the ], the ] Instruction #677 of ], 1946 excluded the Liancourt Rocks from Japan's administrative authority:

''For the purpose of this directive, Japan is defined to include the four main islands of Japan (Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku) and the approximately 1,000 smaller adjacent islands, including the Tsushima Islands and the Ryukyu (Nansei) Islands north of 30° North Latitude (excluding Kuchinoshima Island); and excluding
:''(a) Utsuryo (Ullung) Island, Liancourt Rocks (Take Island), and Kuelpart (saishu or Cheju) Island,''
:''(b) the Ryukyu (nansei) Islands south of 30° North Latitude (including Kuchinoshima Island), the Izu, Kanpo, Bonin (Ogasawara) and Volcano (Kazan or Iwo) Island Groups, and all other outlying Pacific Islands including the Daito (Ohigashi or Gagari) Islands Group, and Parace Vela (Okino-tori), Kercus (Kinami-tori) and Canges (Nakano-tori) Islands, and''
:''(c) the Kurile (Ohishima) Islands, the Habomai (Hapomazo) Islands Group (including Suisho, Yuri, ?ki-yuri, ?hibotsu and Taraku Islands) and ?oikotan Island.''

The instruction stated that it was not an "ultimate determination the minor islands referred to in Article 8 of the Potsdam Declaration." All islands mentioned in (a), other than the Liancourt Rocks, were returned to South Korea. Those mentioned in (b) were eventually returned to Japan. Those mentioned in (c), for the most part, remain in disputed Russian control.

Many territories under Japanese possession during World War II were given up by the ] (Treaty of San Francisco) signed in 1951:

''Article 2: (a) Japan, recognizing the independence of Korea, renounces all right, title and claim to Korea, including the islands of Quelpart , Port Hamilton , and Dagelet .''

Japan argues that the Liancourt Rocks are not named because the parties accepted Japan's claim over the islets. Korea responds that Article 2 is stated to be non-exclusive, silent on other Korean islets like Mara-do, and that the silence means SCAPIN 677's exclusion of the Liancourt Rocks from Japanese territory remains in effect.{{fact}}


===Whaling===
In 1951, the U.S. Air Force requested and received permission from Korea to use the Liancourt Rocks for military exercises.{{fact}}
U.S. and ] ]s cruised for ]s off the rocks between 1849 and 1892.<ref>''Cambria'', of New Bedford, Apr. 29, 1849, Nicholson Whaling Collection; ''Cape Horn Pigeon'', of New Bedford, Apr. 19, 1892, Kendall Whaling Museum.</ref>


===Demographics and economy===
The ] maintains a policy of non-recognition for claims by either side. Several private memoranda recorded in the '''Foreign Relations of the United States''' between 1949 and 1951 appear to side with Japan's view and are occasionally called "proof" of American support. However, 1951 CIA documents show that the U.S. was opposed to Japan's claim, supporting the South Korean position at the time of the San Francisco Peace Treaty.{{fact}}
]
In February 2017, there were two civilian residents, two government officials, six lighthouse managers, and 40 members of the coast guard living on the islets.<ref name="residents"/> Since the South Korean coast guard was sent to the islets, civilian travel has been subject to South Korean government approval; they have stated that the reason for this is that the islet group is designated as a nature reserve.<ref>On 13 December 1997 the "Special Act on the Preservation of Ecosystem in Island Areas Including Dokdo Island" was enacted by the South Korean parliament. The title of the Natural Monument No. 336, the Dokdo Seaweed Habitat, was changed to the Dokdo National Nature Reserve in December 1999. {{Cite web|title=Dokdo in History: Chronology |publisher=The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea |url=https://korea.assembly.go.kr:447/dokdo/history_02.jsp }}</ref>


In March 1965, Choi Jong-duk moved from the nearby ] to the islets to make a living from octopus fishing. He also helped install facilities from May 1968. In 1981, Choi Jong-duk changed his administrative address to the Liancourt Rocks, making himself the first person to officially live there. He died there in September 1987. His son-in-law, Cho Jun-ki, and his wife also resided there from 1985 until they moved out in 1992. Meanwhile, in 1991, Kim Sung-do and Kim Shin-yeol transferred to the islets as permanent residents, still continuing to live there. In October 2018, Kim Sung-do died, thus Kim Shin-yeol is the last civilian resident still living on the islands.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hong |first=Euny |title=The birth of Korean cool: how one nation is conquering the world through pop culture |date=2014 |publisher=Picador |isbn=978-1-250-04511-9 |edition=1st |location=New York}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|author=Lee Tae-hee |title=Widow to remain sole Dokdo resident, authorities confirm |date=13 February 2019 |newspaper=] |url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20190213000563 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/14/asia/south-korea-japan-disputed-islands-one-resident-intl/index.html |last1=McKirdy |first1=Euan |last2=Jeong |first2=Sophie |title=Widow, 81, sole resident of remote island disputed by South Korea and Japan |publisher=CNN |date=15 February 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.koreaworldtimes.com/topics/news/9882/|script-title=ja:竹島人口は7万人 4年で倍増 日本人17人も住民登録している!?|newspaper=KoreaWorldTimes |date=2021-08-16|language=ja|access-date=2021-10-06}}</ref>
===Armed confrontation===
South Korean President ]'s (]) declaration of ], 1952, included the Liancourt Rocks as Korean territory. On ], 1953, South Korea ordered its army to enforce its claim on the islets, and on April 20, South Korean volunteer coastguardsmen set up camp.


The South Korean government gave its approval to allow 1,597 visitors to visit the islets in 2004. Since March 2005, more tourists have received approval to visit. The South Korean government lets up to 70 tourists land at any given time; one ferry provides rides to the islets every day.{{sfn|Ha|2008}} Tour companies charge around 350,000 ] per person (about US$310 {{As of|2019|lc=on}}).<ref name="vis">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dokdo.go.kr/eng/html/introduction/living.jsp |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130111204054/http://www.dokdo.go.kr/eng/html/introduction/living.jsp |archive-date=11 January 2013 |url-status=dead |title=Life in Dokdo |publisher=Cyber Dokdo of Korea }}</ref>
On ], 1953, two Japanese Coast Guard vessels briefly landed and erected a territorial post on the islets. Several armed skirmishes followed, leading to the sinking of a Japanese ship by Korean mortar fire on ], 1953. Similar incidents occurred on ] and ], 1954.


===Sovereignty dispute===
In September 1954, Japan protested and suggested arbitration action at the ], but the offer was rejected by South Korea. After the incidents, in 1954, South Korea built a ] and a helicopter landing pad on the islet, which it has administered ever since.{{ref|net}}
{{Main|Liancourt Rocks dispute}}


Sovereignty over the islands has been an ongoing point of contention in ]. There are conflicting interpretations about the historical state of sovereignty over the islets.
The issue of sovereignty over the islets was omitted from the 1965 ].{{fact}}


South Korean claims are partly based on references to an island called ] ({{Korean|hangul=우산도|hanja=于山島; 亐山島|labels=no}}) in various medieval historical records, maps, and encyclopedia such as '']'', '']'', ''Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam'', and ''Dongguk munhon bigo''. According to the South Korean view, these refer to today's Liancourt Rocks.{{citation needed|date=April 2017}} Japanese researchers of these documents have claimed the various references to Usan-do refer at different times to ], its neighboring island ], or a non-existent island between Ulleungdo and Korea.{{efn|"Such description ... rather reminds us of Utsuryo Island" (para. 2); "A study ... criticizes ... that Usan Island and Utsuryo Island are two names for one island." (para. 3); and "that island does not exist at all in reality" (para. 4{{snd}} {{cite web|url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/takeshima/pamphlet_e.pdf |title=10 Issues of Takeshima, MOFA (Article 2) |date=February 2008 |publisher=] (Japan) |page=4 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913071653/http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/takeshima/pamphlet_e.pdf |archive-date=13 September 2008 }} }} The first printed usage of the name ''Dokdo'' was in a Japanese log book in 1904.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dokdo-takeshima.com/japans-takeshima-x-files-i.html |title="Logbooks of the Japanese Warship Niitaka September 25th 1904"<!--<軍艦新高行動日誌>--> |website=Dokdo Takeshima The Historical Facts of the Dispute|date=1 September 2008 }}</ref>
===Current situation===
The dispute occasionally resurfaces, such as when South Korea built a wharf on the islands in 1996 and declared the islands a Natural Monument in 2002, spurred by a controversial Japanese textbook that called Korea's control of the islets "illegal" that same year. Most Koreans regard Japan's claims to the islets as a sign of Japan's unrepentant expansionism. Most Japanese people are not as aware of the dispute.{{fact}}


North Korea also regards the islands as Korean, and as it claims the entirety of ], North Korea claims the islands as its own and contests Japan's claim to the islands alongside South Korea.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Agency|first1=United States Central Intelligence|last2=Office|first2=Government Publications|title=The World Factbook 2016-17|date=2016|publisher=Government Printing Office|isbn=9780160933271|pages=406|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HfywxU2EnFwC&pg=PA406|language=en}}</ref>
In 2005, Japan's ] designated ] ''Takeshima Day'', to commemorate the centennial anniversary of Japan's claim to the islets and boost public interest in Japan about the dispute. In response, Korea's Masan municipality passed the ''Daemado Day'' bill, commemorating General ]'s conquest of the ] in 1419.


<gallery widths="200px" heights="135px">
Over 900 Korean citizens list the islands as their residence, while over 2,000 Japanese do the same. However, only two people, a married Korean couple, are actual permanent residents. Korean telecom service providers have also installed stations on the islands to cover the islands in the Korean wireless telephone network.{{fact}}. There is also regular ferry service from ].{{fact}}
File:South Korean "Tokto" postage stamps, c. 1954.png|South Korean stamps depicting the Liancourt Rocks from 1954
File:Dokdo-Police boat.jpg|A South Korean police boat approaches the dock on the Liancourt Rocks' East Islet.
</gallery>


=== Natural Monument of South Korea ===
===2006 Japanese maritime survey===
The Liancourt Rocks were designated as a breeding ground for ]s, ]s, and ]s as ] #336 of South Korea on November 29, 1982.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 December 1982 |title=문화재(천연기념물)보호구역지정 |url=http://theme.archives.go.kr/viewer/common/archWebViewer.do?singleData=N&archiveEventId=0028139917#19}}</ref>


== See also ==
In April, 2006, Japan dispatched two ships to the islets to conduct a maritime survey near the islets, without first formally notifying the South Korean government. In response, the South Korean government dispatched eighteen patrol ships to the islets, warning Japan not to go through with its plans. The South Korean foreign minister Ban Ki-Moon emphasized that Seoul was "preparing countermeasures for all scenarios," leading some in the South Korean media to speculate that the South Korean military may try to capture the Japanese ships.
{{Portal|Politics|Japan|South Korea|Islands}}
* ]
* ]
{{Clear}}


==Notes==
South Korea maintained that the proposed maritime survey would encroach on its ] surrounding the islets, and that such a move must be accompanied by advance notice according to international law. For its part, Japan denied any attempt to enter the Korean EEZ, stating that all activities would take place inside its own waters. Because of the competing claims to the islets, both Japan and South Korea have claimed the area in which the hydrological survey would be conducted as part of their EEZ. On April 19, 2006, the Korea Times reported that South Korean officials viewed the Japanese actions as an attempt to bring the dispute over the islets to the international courts. On ], 2006, the Korean government refused to take the matter to the international courts of justice. The Japanese officials stated that the maritime survey ship would not enter the islets on April 20, as previously planned, but it would still go about its original course if no diplomatic agreement was reached between the two governments.
{{Notelist}}


==Inline citations==
On April 20, 2006, the Japan Times and the Chosun Ilbo both stated that at least one of the main reasons for the maritime survey arose from a naming dispute between South Korea and Japan. Several of the features on the sea floor within Korea's claimed EEZ carry Japanese names, which in turn led to South Korea's plan to propose Korean names for the features at an international conference in Germany over the naming of submarine features.
{{Reflist|30em}}


=== References ===
An agreement to end the dispute was eventually reached during meetings on April 22 and 23 between the Korean and Japanese vice foreign ministers, in which Japan agreed to suspend the survey, while Korea agreed not to push forward its proposal to the IHO meeting in June.
* {{citation|author=BAEK In-ki |author2=SHIM Mun-bo |author3=Korea Maritime Institute |title=A study of Distance between Ulleungdo and Dokdo and Ocean Currents (울릉도와 독도의 거리와 해류에 관한 연구) |date=December 2006 |url=http://library.kmi.re.kr/w03_01e.asp?gs_DType=m&gs_DControlNo=52190 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130112034708/http://library.kmi.re.kr/w03_01e.asp?gs_DType=m&gs_DControlNo=52190 |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 January 2013 |pages=20–22 |isbn=978-89-7998-340-1 }}
* {{citation |author=BBC staff |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4925258.stm |title=Seoul and Tokyo hold island talks |publisher=BBC |date=20 April 2006}}
* {{citation |author=BBC staff |date=27 July 2008 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7511065.stm |title=Island row hits Japanese condoms|work=BBC News}}
* {{citation |last=Fern |first=Sean |date=Winter 2005 |title=Tokdo or Takeshima? The International Law of Territorial Acquisition in the Japan-Korea Island Dispute |journal=Stanford Journal of East Asian Affairs |volume=5 |number=1}}
* {{citation |author=Gyeongsangbuk-do Province |date=28 September 2017a |url=http://en.dokdo.go.kr/pages/s03/page.html?mc=7180 |title=Climate |website=Dokdo, Beautiful island of Korea |publisher=Korean Government }}
* {{citation |author=Gyeongsangbuk-do Province |date=28 September 2017b |url=http://en.dokdo.go.kr/pages/s01/page.html?mc=7226 |title=Composition |website=Dokdo, Beautiful island of Korea |publisher=Korean Government }}
* {{citation |author=Gyeongsangbuk-do Province |date=28 September 2017c |url=http://en.dokdo.go.kr/pages/s01/page.html?mc=7225 |title=Location |website=Dokdo, Beautiful island of Korea |publisher=Korean Government }}
* {{citation |author=Gyeo ngbuk Province |year=2001a |url=http://en.dokdo.go.kr/pages/sub01/page.html?mc=0082 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729172424/http://en.dokdo.go.kr/pages/sub01/page.html?mc=0082 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-07-29 |title=Natural Environment |website=Cyber Dokdo |publisher=Korean Government }}
* {{citation |author=Gyeo ngbuk Province |year=2001b |url=http://en.dokdo.go.kr/pages/sub01/page.html?mc=0093 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729172446/http://en.dokdo.go.kr/pages/sub01/page.html?mc=0093 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-07-29 |title=Visit Dokdo |website=Cyber Dokdo |publisher=Korean Government }}
* {{citation|last=Ha |first=Michael |date=26 August 2008 |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/01/177_30015.html |title=A Unique Trip to Dokdo—Islets in the News |newspaper=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304065204/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/01/177_30015.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |df=dmy }}
* {{citation |last=Kirk |first=Donald |date=26 July 2008 |url= http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Japan/JG26Dh01.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090301001613/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Japan/JG26Dh01.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= 1 March 2009 |title=Seoul has desert island dreams |work= Asia Times Online }}
* {{citation |author=KOIS staff |date=12 January 2007 |url=http://www.korea.net/News/News/NewsView.asp?serial_no=20070111037&part=109&SearchDay= |title=Cell phones give Korean ring to Dokdo |publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302011635/http://www.korea.net/News/News/NewsView.asp?serial_no=20070111037&part=109&SearchDay= |archive-date=2 March 2009}}
* {{citation |author=KOIS staff |date=12 June 2007a |url=http://www.korea.net/news/news/NewsView.asp?serial_no=20070612020&part=102&SearchDay= |title=Doosan pours big drink for Dokdo residents |publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302022720/http://www.korea.net/news/news/NewsView.asp?serial_no=20070612020&part=102&SearchDay= |archive-date=2 March 2009}}
* {{citation |last=Choe |date=28 August 2008 |first=Sang-Hun |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/28/asia/island.php |title=A fierce Korean pride in a lonely group of islets |newspaper=International Herald Tribune |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828200807/http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/28/asia/island.php |archive-date=28 August 2008}}
* {{citation |author=Yonhap staff |date=20 July 2011 |url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2011/07/30/34/0301000000AEN20110730001800320F.HTML |title=N. Korea denounces Japan's vow to visit island near Dokdo |publisher=]}}


==See also== ==External links==
{{Commons category|Liancourt Rocks}}
*]
{{Wikivoyage|Liancourt Rocks}}


'''South Korea'''
== External links ==
*
*
* (Korea)
*
*
*
**{{cite web|author=대한민국외교부|author-link=Ministry of Foreign Affairs (South Korea)|title=Dokdo, Beautiful Island of Korea|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEF9FDh4nZc| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/mEF9FDh4nZc| archive-date=2021-11-17 | url-status=live|date=2014-04-22|language=en|website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}
*
*
* (])


'''Japan'''
==References==
* (])
*{{note|cyb}} Gyongsangbuk-do (2001). . Retrieved ], 2006.
** Cabinet Secretariat, Japan
*{{note|dkb}} DKB News. . Retrieved ], 2006.
* (] office, Japan)
*{{note|net}} Korea.net (1999–2006). . Retrieved ], 2006.
* (])
*{{note|his}} Korea.net (1999–2006). . Retrieved ], 2006.
** Northeast Asia Division, Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, ] (February 2008)
*{{note|vis}} Korea.net (1999–2006). . Retrieved ], 2006.
** Northeast Asia Division, Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, MOFA, Japan (March 2014)
*{{note|tru}} Truth of Dokdo. . Retrieved ], 2006.
**{{cite web|author=MOFA, Japan |author-link=Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan) |title=Takeshima - Seeking a Solution based on Law and Dialogue |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYRHZX3m-bg | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/DYRHZX3m-bg| archive-date=2021-11-17 | url-status=live|date=October 31, 2013 |language=en |website=YouTube }}{{cbignore}}
*{{note|imp}} Truth of Dokdo. . Retrieved ], 2006.
*{{note|wed}} 매경인터넷 . Retrieved ], 2006.
*{{note|wed}} Cyber Dokdo . Retrieved ], 2006.
*{{note|wed}} Tour 2 Korea . Retrieved ], 2006.
* Korea Times . Retrieved ], 2006.


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Latest revision as of 15:54, 8 December 2024

Group of disputed islets in the Sea of Japan For the naming and territorial dispute surrounding these rocks, see Liancourt Rocks dispute. "Dokdo" and "Takeshima" redirect here. For other uses, see Dokdo (disambiguation) and Takeshima (disambiguation).

Liancourt Rocks
Disputed islands
The two main islets
Other namesLiancourt Islets, Liancourt Islands, Takeshima, Dokdo, Tok Islets, Hornet Islands, Kajido, Sambongdo
Geography
LocationSea of Japan
Coordinates37°14′30″N 131°52′0″E / 37.24167°N 131.86667°E / 37.24167; 131.86667
Total islands91 (37 permanent land)
Major islandsEast Islet, West Islet
Area18.745 ha (46.32 acres)
East Islet: 7.33 hectares (18.1 acres)
West Islet: 8.864 hectares (21.90 acres)
Highest elevation169 m (554 ft)
Highest pointWest Islet
Administration
 South Korea
CountyUlleung County, North Gyeongsang
Claimed by
 Japan
TownOkinoshima, Shimane (Japan)
 North Korea
CountyUlleung County, North Gyeongsang
Demographics
PopulationApproximately 26

The Liancourt Rocks, also known by their Korean name of Dokdo (Korean: 독도) or their Japanese name of Takeshima,(Japanese: 竹島) are a group of islets in the Sea of Japan between the Korean Peninsula and the Japanese archipelago administered by South Korea. The Liancourt Rocks comprise two main islets and 35 smaller rocks; the total surface area of the islets is 0.187554 square kilometres (46.346 acres) and the highest elevation of 168.5 metres (553 ft) is on the West Islet. The Liancourt Rocks lie in rich fishing grounds that may contain large deposits of natural gas. The English name Liancourt Rocks is derived from Le Liancourt, the name of a French whaling ship that came close to being wrecked on the rocks in 1849.

While South Korea controls the islets, its sovereignty over them is contested by Japan. North Korea also claims the territory. South Korea classifies the islets as Dokdo-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung County, North Gyeongsang Province, while Japan classifies the islands as part of Okinoshima, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture.

Geography

A steep, rocky island surrounded by dark blue seaA round rocky island, with an empty port. Seagulls block some of the frame.The West island (top) and the East island (bottom)

The Liancourt Rocks consist of two main islets and numerous surrounding rocks. The two main islets, called Seodo (서도; 西島; lit. western island) and Dongdo (동도; 東島; lit. eastern island) in Korean and Ojima (男島; "Male Island") and Mejima (女島; "Female Island") in Japanese, are 151 metres (495 ft) apart. The Western Island is the larger of the two, with a wider base and higher peak, while the Eastern Island offers more usable surface area.

Altogether, there are about 90 islets and reefs, volcanic rocks formed in the Cenozoic era, more specifically 4.6 to 2.5 million years ago. A total of 37 of these islets are recognized as permanent land.

The total area of the islets is about 187,554 square metres (46.346 acres), with their highest point at 168.5 metres (553 ft) on the West Islet. The western islet is about 88,740 square metres (21.93 acres); the eastern islet is about 73,300 square metres (18.1 acres). The western islet consists of a single peak and features many caves along the coastline. The cliffs of the eastern islet are about 10 to 20 metres (33 to 66 ft) high. There are two large caves giving access to the sea, as well as a crater.

In 2006, a geologist reported that the islets formed 4.5 million years ago and are (in a geological sense) quickly eroding.

Tourism

Restricted public access to the rocks for a variety of purposes is provided by ferry from Ulleng Island. In 2022, 280,312 tourists visited the islands, averaging 500 visitors per day.

Distances

The Liancourt Rocks are located at about 37°14′N 131°52′E / 37.233°N 131.867°E / 37.233; 131.867. The western islet is located at 37°14′31″N 131°51′55″E / 37.24194°N 131.86528°E / 37.24194; 131.86528 (West Islet) and the Eastern Islet is located at 37°14′27″N 131°52′10″E / 37.24083°N 131.86944°E / 37.24083; 131.86944 (East Islet).

The Liancourt Rocks are situated at a distance of 211 kilometres (114 nmi) from the main island of Japan (Honshu) and 216.8 kilometres (117.1 nmi) from mainland South Korea. The nearest Japanese island, Oki Islands, is at a distance of 157 kilometres (85 nmi), and the nearest Korean island, Ulleungdo, is 87.4 kilometres (47.2 nmi).

Climate

The Liancourt Rocks viewed from the North

Owing to their location and small size, the Liancourt Rocks can have harsh weather. If the swell is greater than 3 to 5 metres, then landing is not possible, so on average ferries can only dock about once in forty days. Overall, the climate is warm and humid, and heavily influenced by warm sea currents. Precipitation is high throughout the year (annual average—1,383.4 millimetres or 54.46 inches), with occasional snowfall. Fog is common. In summer, southerly winds dominate. The water around the islets is about 10 °C (50 °F) in early spring, when the water is coldest, warming to about 24 °C (75 °F) in late summer.

Ecology

Japanese sea lions at Liancourt Rocks during a Japanese sealing operation in 1934

The islets are volcanic rocks, with only a thin layer of soil and moss. About 49 plant species, 107 bird species, and 93 insect species have been found to inhabit the islets, in addition to local marine life with 160 algal and 368 invertebrate species identified. Although between 1,100 and 1,200 litres of fresh water flow daily, desalinization plants have been installed on the islets for human consumption because existing spring water suffers from guano contamination. Since the early 1970s trees and some types of flowers were planted. According to historical records, there used to be trees indigenous to Liancourt Rocks, which have supposedly been wiped out by overharvesting and fires caused by bombing drills over the islets. A recent investigation, however, identified ten spindle trees aged 100–120 years. Cetaceans such as Minke whales, orcas, and dolphins are known to migrate through these areas.

Pollution and environmental destruction

Records of the human impact on the Liancourt Rocks before the late 20th century are scarce, although both Japanese and Koreans claim to have felled trees and killed Japanese sea lions there for many decades.

There are serious pollution concerns in the seas surrounding the Liancourt Rocks. In 2004, a malfunction in the sewage water treatment system established on the islets caused sewage produced by inhabitants of the Liancourt Rocks, such as South Korean Coast Guards and lighthouse staff, to be dumped directly into the ocean. Significant water pollution was observed; sea water turned milky white, sea vegetation died, and coral reefs were calcified. The pollution also caused loss of biodiversity in the surrounding seas. In November 2004, eight tons of malodorous sludge was being dumped into the ocean every day. Efforts have since been made by both public and private organizations to reduce the level of pollution surrounding the Rocks.

Construction

South Korea has carried out construction work on the Liancourt Rocks; by 2009, the islands had a lighthouse, helicopter pad, and a police barracks. In 2007, two desalination plants were built capable of producing 28 tons of clean water every day. Both of the major South Korean telecommunications companies have installed cellular telephone towers on the islets.

History

Japanese map depicting the Liancourt Rocks in "Matsushima Ezu(松嶋絵図)", 1656, (Tottori Prefecture)

Whaling

U.S. and French whaleships cruised for right whales off the rocks between 1849 and 1892.

Demographics and economy

The base that houses South Korean police guards on the Liancourt Rocks' East Islet

In February 2017, there were two civilian residents, two government officials, six lighthouse managers, and 40 members of the coast guard living on the islets. Since the South Korean coast guard was sent to the islets, civilian travel has been subject to South Korean government approval; they have stated that the reason for this is that the islet group is designated as a nature reserve.

In March 1965, Choi Jong-duk moved from the nearby Ulleungdo to the islets to make a living from octopus fishing. He also helped install facilities from May 1968. In 1981, Choi Jong-duk changed his administrative address to the Liancourt Rocks, making himself the first person to officially live there. He died there in September 1987. His son-in-law, Cho Jun-ki, and his wife also resided there from 1985 until they moved out in 1992. Meanwhile, in 1991, Kim Sung-do and Kim Shin-yeol transferred to the islets as permanent residents, still continuing to live there. In October 2018, Kim Sung-do died, thus Kim Shin-yeol is the last civilian resident still living on the islands.

The South Korean government gave its approval to allow 1,597 visitors to visit the islets in 2004. Since March 2005, more tourists have received approval to visit. The South Korean government lets up to 70 tourists land at any given time; one ferry provides rides to the islets every day. Tour companies charge around 350,000 Korean won per person (about US$310 as of 2019).

Sovereignty dispute

Main article: Liancourt Rocks dispute

Sovereignty over the islands has been an ongoing point of contention in Japan–South Korea relations. There are conflicting interpretations about the historical state of sovereignty over the islets.

South Korean claims are partly based on references to an island called Usando (우산도; 于山島; 亐山島) in various medieval historical records, maps, and encyclopedia such as Samguk Sagi, Annals of Joseon Dynasty, Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam, and Dongguk munhon bigo. According to the South Korean view, these refer to today's Liancourt Rocks. Japanese researchers of these documents have claimed the various references to Usan-do refer at different times to Jukdo, its neighboring island Ulleungdo, or a non-existent island between Ulleungdo and Korea. The first printed usage of the name Dokdo was in a Japanese log book in 1904.

North Korea also regards the islands as Korean, and as it claims the entirety of Korea, North Korea claims the islands as its own and contests Japan's claim to the islands alongside South Korea.

  • South Korean stamps depicting the Liancourt Rocks from 1954 South Korean stamps depicting the Liancourt Rocks from 1954
  • A South Korean police boat approaches the dock on the Liancourt Rocks' East Islet. A South Korean police boat approaches the dock on the Liancourt Rocks' East Islet.

Natural Monument of South Korea

The Liancourt Rocks were designated as a breeding ground for band-rumped storm petrels, streaked shearwaters, and black-tailed gulls as Natural Monument #336 of South Korea on November 29, 1982.

See also

Notes

  1. Korean: 독도; Hanja: 獨島; IPA: [tok̚t͈o]; lit. 'solitary island' or 'lonely island'.
  2. Please add Japanese script to this article, where needed.
    ; IPA: [takeɕima]; lit. 'bamboo island'.
  3. Pronounced [lə ljɑ̃kuʁ]; named in honor of François Alexandre Frédéric, Duke of La Rochefoucauld and Liancourt.
  4. "There are records attesting to the existence of trees in the past" (BAEK In-ki, SHIM Mun-bo & Korea Maritime Institute 2006, p. 48)
  5. "Such description ... rather reminds us of Utsuryo Island" (para. 2); "A study ... criticizes ... that Usan Island and Utsuryo Island are two names for one island." (para. 3); and "that island does not exist at all in reality" (para. 4 – "10 Issues of Takeshima, MOFA (Article 2)" (PDF). Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan). February 2008. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 September 2008.

Inline citations

  1. ^ "Dokdo Residents". Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
  2. Fern 2005, p. 78: "Since the end of World War II, Japan and Korea have contested ownership of these islets, given the name Liancourt Rocks by French whalers in the mid-1800s and called that by neutral observers to this day".
  3. BBC staff 2006.
  4. ^ Gyeongsangbuk-do Province 2017b.
  5. BBC staff 2008.
  6. Kirk 2008.
  7. 울릉군리의명칭과구역에관한조례 [개정 2000. 4. 7 조례 제1395호] [Act 1395 amending Chapter 14-2, Ri-Administration under Ulleung County, Local Autonomy Law, Ulleung County] (in Korean). "2000년 4월 7일 울릉군조례 제1395호로 독도리가 신설됨에 따라 독도의 행정구역이 종전의 경상북도 울릉군 울릉읍 도동리 산42~76번지에서 경상북도 울릉군 울릉읍 독도리 산1~37번지로 변경 됨."
    Translation: "Pursuant to Act 1395 amending Chapter 14-2, Ri-Administration under Ulleung County, Local Autonomy Law, Ulleung County, passed March 20, 2000, enacted April 7, 2000, the administrative designation of Dokdo addresses as 42 to 76, Dodong-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung County, North Gyungsang Province, is changed to address 1 to 37, Dokdo-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung County, North Gyungsang Province." 조회 (in Korean). Archived from the original on 1 March 2009. Retrieved 12 September 2008.
  8. "독도ㆍ울릉도 `침몰하고 있다'"<손영관교수>. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). 1 December 2006. Archived from the original on 22 January 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  9. "독도 : 독도입도안내 페이지 입니다.아름다운 신비의 섬 - 울릉군". www.ulleung.go.kr. Archived from the original on 13 October 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
  10. Gyeongsangbuk-do Province 2017c.
  11. ^ "The Issue of Takeshima". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  12. BAEK In-ki, SHIM Mun-bo & Korea Maritime Institute 2006, pp. 20–22.
  13. Gyeo ngbuk Province 2001b.
  14. Gyeongsangbuk-do Province 2017a.
  15. Gyeo ngbuk Province 2001a.
  16. 독도 자연생태계 정밀조사결과(요약) [A comprehensive survey of the natural ecosystems of Liancourt Rocks (synopsys)] (in Korean). Archived from the original on 22 July 2011.
  17. 독도 자생 사철나무 군락 첫 발견 [Indigenous Spindle Tree Colony Found on Liancourt Rocks] (in Korean).
  18. 독도 자생 사철나무 100년 이상 된 자생식물 [Liancourt Rock Spindle Trees Over 100 Years Old] (in Korean).
  19. 독도수비 해경, 그물걸린 범고래 구조 - 멸종위기 해양생물 보호 적극적인 조치 기대. K07011002K (in Korean): ENVIROASIA. 2007. Archived from the original on 19 January 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
  20. 独島警備の海洋警察、網にかかったシャチ救出. K07011002J (in Japanese). Translated by Koike T.: ENVIROASIA 2007. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
  21. "동해 고래, 한미관계 뿐 아니라 독도 역사와도 연결". 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
  22. 국민일보 (Gookmin Daily). "독도‘실효적 지배’새 근거 (New Evidence of effective control), 1890년 이전부터 독도서 강치잡이 (Sea lion hunting before 1890)
  23. Japan: Outline of Takeshima Issue
  24. 독도 오수정화시설이 동해바다 오염 주범?. Imaeil (in Korean). 28 September 2007. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2009.
  25. 독도 바다쓰레기 청소 6월2일부터 석달간 [Three-Month Cleanup for Dokdo's Marine Garbage Starts from June 2] (in Korean).
  26. 나무 심고 오물 줍고…아름다운 ‘독도 사랑’ (in Korean). 5 July 2010. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  27. Vladivostok News report Archived 23 August 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  28. Choe 2008.
  29. KOIS staff 2007a.
  30. KOIS staff 2007.
  31. Cambria, of New Bedford, Apr. 29, 1849, Nicholson Whaling Collection; Cape Horn Pigeon, of New Bedford, Apr. 19, 1892, Kendall Whaling Museum.
  32. On 13 December 1997 the "Special Act on the Preservation of Ecosystem in Island Areas Including Dokdo Island" was enacted by the South Korean parliament. The title of the Natural Monument No. 336, the Dokdo Seaweed Habitat, was changed to the Dokdo National Nature Reserve in December 1999. "Dokdo in History: Chronology". The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.
  33. Hong, Euny (2014). The birth of Korean cool: how one nation is conquering the world through pop culture (1st ed.). New York: Picador. ISBN 978-1-250-04511-9.
  34. Lee Tae-hee (13 February 2019). "Widow to remain sole Dokdo resident, authorities confirm". The Korea Herald.
  35. McKirdy, Euan; Jeong, Sophie (15 February 2019). "Widow, 81, sole resident of remote island disputed by South Korea and Japan". CNN.
  36. 竹島人口は7万人 4年で倍増 日本人17人も住民登録している!?. KoreaWorldTimes (in Japanese). 16 August 2021. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  37. Ha 2008.
  38. "Life in Dokdo". Cyber Dokdo of Korea. Archived from the original on 11 January 2013.
  39. ""Logbooks of the Japanese Warship Niitaka September 25th 1904"". Dokdo Takeshima The Historical Facts of the Dispute. 1 September 2008.
  40. Agency, United States Central Intelligence; Office, Government Publications (2016). The World Factbook 2016-17. Government Printing Office. p. 406. ISBN 9780160933271.
  41. "문화재(천연기념물)보호구역지정". 2 December 1982.

References

External links

South Korea

Japan

37°14′30″N 131°52′00″E / 37.24167°N 131.86667°E / 37.24167; 131.86667

Territorial disputes in East, South, and Southeast Asia
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