The Distant but Important and Picturesque Island of Dokdo

In the last decade Korea has gained worldwide popularity thanks to K-POP, dramas and cosmetics. It is hard to find a person who does not know what K-POP is. Many people, after watching dramas, also begin to learn Korean and want to visit Korea. Korea is a very beautiful country with unique architecture and picturesque scenery.

Special attention should be paid to Korea’s picturesque islands. The Republic of Korea includes more than 3,000 islands. Many people know about Korea’s largest island, the resort of Jeju in the south, but have you heard of the Dokdo islands?

The Dokdo islands are one of the most beautiful natural landmarks of Korea. The picturesque Dokdo islands are located 217 km from mainland Korea in the East Sea and consist of two main islands and several small rocks formed by volcanic activity. The islands are part of a large underwater volcano, and although the highest point of the islands is 169 metres, the height from the seabed reaches 2,100 metres.

The islands are known for their captivating scenery, crystal-clear waters and unique flora and fauna. Despite their remoteness and small size, Dokdo is home to many species of seabirds and fish, and the island is also a stopover for migratory birds. Because of the high humidity and fogs, a climate unique for this region has developed on the island.

The history of Dokdo is long and complex, full of various events and conflicts. From the 17th century the island became the subject of disputes between Korea and Japan. In 1696 the Edo shogunate in Japan acknowledged that the islands were closer to Korea and ruled that they belonged to Korean territories. During the 20th century the conflict over Dokdo intensified when Japan tried to incorporate it during colonial rule in Korea. After the Second World War the islands came under Korean administration, but disputes with Japan over Dokdo continue, which negatively affects relations between the two countries.

Dokdo is not only a natural wonder but also a symbol of the Korean spirit and history. For many Koreans this island is associated with resilience and national pride. Dokdo serves as a reminder of the hardships Korea went through in the past and of its struggle for independence and territorial integrity. In addition, Dokdo has strategic importance thanks to its location in a region rich in fish resources and to the potential mineral reserves on the seabed around the islands. This makes it an important object from both an ecological and an economic point of view.

Dokdo is a unique and picturesque island of great historical and cultural significance for Korea. Its natural scenery, rich history and unique ecosystem make it valuable both to Koreans and to the international community.