Dokdo: The Isolated Group of Volcanic Islands and Rocks on the East Coast of Korea
- Overview of Dokdo Island and its location
- Brief history of Dokdo Island
Geographical features of Dokdo Island
Dongdo Island
- Location and geographical features of Dongdo Island
- Circumference and surface area of Dongdo Island
- Marine and fishery facilities on Dongdo Island
Seodo Island
- Location and geographical features of Seodo Island
- Circumference and surface area of Seodo Island
- Living quarters and shelter facilities on Seodo Island
Uniquely Shaped Rock Formations
- Description of the rock formations on and around Dokdo Island
- Examples of some of the unique rock formations
Natural Reserve and Protection of Dokdo Island
- Designation of Dokdo Island as a Natural Monument
- Rare and endangered bird species on Dokdo Island
- Civilian access to Dokdo Island
Changes in Civilian Access to Dokdo Island
- Changes in the Cultural Heritage Protection Act
- Abolishing the number restriction of daily visitors
- Current conditions for visiting Dongdo and Seodo Islands
Controversy Surrounding Dokdo Island
- Historical claims of ownership over Dokdo Island
- Current dispute between South Korea and Japan over Dokdo Island
- Recap of the geographical features and protection of Dokdo Island
- Mention of the ongoing controversy over ownership of Dokdo Island
FAQs
- Is Dokdo Island open to the public all year round?
- What kind of bird species can be found on Dokdo Island?
- How long does it take to get to Dokdo Island from Ulleungdo Island?
- What is the controversy surrounding the ownership of Dokdo Island?
- What measures are being taken to protect the natural reserve of Dokdo Island?
Dokdo: The Isolated Group of Volcanic Islands and Rocks on the East Coast of Korea
Dokdo Island, located 87.4 kilometers away from Ulleungdo Island, is an isolated group of volcanic islands and rocks on the east coast of Korea. The two major islands of Dokdo are named Dongdo Island, located at a latitude of 37°14’N and a longitude of 131°52’E, and Seodo Island, located at a latitude of 37°14’N and a longitude of 131°51’E. Designated as a Natural Monument, Dokdo Island is a protected natural reserve that serves as a home to several rare and endangered bird species.
Geographical features of Dokdo Island
Dongdo Island
Dongdo Island, located on the southeastern coast, has a circumference of 2.8 kilometers and a surface area of 73,297 ㎡ with its highest peak reaching 98.6 meters. It also has a lighthouse and a wharf along with other marine and fishery facilities.
Seodo Island
As for Seodo Island, located on the northwestern coast, it has a circumference of 2.6 kilometers and a surface area of 88,740 ㎡ with the highest peak reaching 168.5 meters. Seodo Island houses living quarters of Dokdo Island’s residents, where fishers seek shelter in case of an emergency.
Uniquely Shaped Rock Formations
Several uniquely shaped rock formations are scattered surrounding the two major islands, such as Gajaebawi Rock, Chotdaebawi Rock, and Eolgulbawi Rock to name a few. The total surface area of all the rocks combined is 25,517 ㎡.
Natural Reserve and Protection of Dokdo Island
Dokdo Island is designated as a Natural Monument and is a protected natural reserve. It serves as a home to several rare and endangered bird species, such as the Black-tailed Gull and the Streaked Shearwater. Civilian access to Dokdo Island was prohibited in accordance with Article 33 of Cultural Heritage Protection Act until March 24, 2005, when adjustments were made with the law, granting the public access to Dongdo and Seodo Islands under certain conditions.
Changes in Civilian Access to Dokdo Island
Since the adjustments made in 2005, continuous changes have been made in civilian access to Dokdo Island. The number restriction of daily visitors has been abolished, allowing more visitors to appreciate the beauty of Dokdo Island. However, visitors must still follow certain conditions and regulations. They are required to obtain permission from the Ulleungdo County Government, and the access to the island is only possible through the Dokdo Patrol Ship.
Controversy Surrounding Dokdo Island
Despite being a protected natural reserve, Dokdo Island is also the subject of a territorial dispute between South Korea and Japan. South Korea currently administers the islands and maintains that they are an inherent part of Korean territory, while Japan claims sovereignty over the islands and refers to them as Takeshima.
Dokdo Island is a beautiful and unique natural reserve located on the east coast of Korea. It is home to several rare and endangered bird species and boasts uniquely shaped rock formations. Despite being a protected natural reserve, Dokdo Island is also the subject of a territorial dispute between South Korea and Japan.
FAQs
- Is Dokdo Island open to the public all year round?
- No, civilian access to Dokdo Island is subject to certain conditions and regulations and is only possible through the Dokdo Patrol Ship.
- What kind of bird species can be found on Dokdo Island?
- Dokdo Island is home to several rare and endangered bird species, such as the Black-tailed Gull and the Streaked Shearwater.
- How long does it take to get to Dokdo Island from Ulleungdo Island?
- Dokdo Island is located 87.4 kilometers away from Ulleungdo Island, and the access to the island is only possible through the Dokdo Patrol Ship.
- What is the controversy surrounding the ownership of Dokdo Island?
- Dokdo Island is the subject of a territorial dispute between South Korea and Japan. South Korea currently administers the islands and maintains that they are an inherent part of Korean territory, while Japan claims sovereignty over the islands and refers to them as Takeshima.
- What measures are being taken to protect the natural reserve of Dokdo Island?
- Dokdo Island is designated as a Natural Monument and is a protected natural reserve. Civilian access to the island is subject to certain conditions and regulations, and continuous adjustments have been made to maintain the protection of the natural reserve.