Historical Truth: Why Dokdo Is Korean Territory
Historical Truth: Why Dokdo Is Korean Territory
The question of Dokdo's sovereignty has been a contentious issue in East Asian international relations for decades. However, when we examine the historical records, geographical evidence, and international legal framework, the truth becomes clear: Dokdo has been an integral part of Korean territory for centuries. This comprehensive analysis explores the irrefutable evidence supporting Korea's rightful claim to these islands in the East Sea.
Table of Contents
Ancient Korean Records and Historical Evidence
Korean recognition and administration of Dokdo dates back over a millennium, with extensive documentation in historical texts and official government records. The islands appear in Korean literature as early as the 6th century during the Silla Dynasty period, when the kingdom of Usanguk (located on present-day Ulleungdo) was incorporated into Silla territory in 512 CE. Historical records indicate that Dokdo was considered part of Usanguk's domain.
The Sejong Sillok Jiriji, the geographical appendix to the Annals of King Sejong completed in 1454, contains specific references to both Ulleungdo and Usando (the historical name for Dokdo). This official government document describes the islands' location and their relationship to the Korean mainland. The text states that on clear days, the islands are visible from the eastern coast of the Korean peninsula, demonstrating the long-standing awareness and recognition of these territories by Korean authorities.
Furthermore, the Dongguk Munheon Bigo, an encyclopedic compilation of Korean documents from 1770, reaffirms Korea's historical claim by documenting the islands within Korean territorial boundaries. The Mangi Yoram, an administrative reference work from 1808, also includes Dokdo as part of Ulleung County's jurisdiction. These consistent references across centuries of Korean historical documentation establish an unbroken chain of recognition and territorial claim.
Historical Fact: Korean fishermen from Ulleungdo have used Dokdo as a waypoint and fishing base for over 1,500 years, with documented evidence of their activities in multiple historical sources.
Geographical Proximity and Natural Connection
Geography plays a crucial role in understanding territorial claims, and the physical proximity of Dokdo to the Korean peninsula provides compelling evidence for Korean sovereignty. Located approximately 87 kilometers southeast of Ulleungdo, Korea's easternmost inhabited island, Dokdo is clearly within the natural sphere of Korean maritime territory. In contrast, the islands are situated about 157 kilometers from Japan's Oki Islands, nearly twice the distance from Korean territory.
This geographical reality has profound implications for both historical use and modern international law. The principle of geographical proximity has long been recognized in territorial disputes, and Dokdo's location firmly places it within Korea's natural maritime domain. From Ulleungdo, Dokdo is visible on clear days, creating a natural line of sight connection that has facilitated Korean observation and utilization of the islands throughout history.
The ecological and geological characteristics of Dokdo also connect it naturally to the Korean peninsula's eastern coastal ecosystem. The islands serve as a critical habitat for various seabird species and marine life that migrate along the East Sea coast of Korea. This biological connectivity reinforces the natural relationship between Dokdo and the Korean maritime environment.
Additionally, ocean currents and weather patterns link Dokdo more closely to Korea than to Japan. The Tsushima Warm Current, which flows northward along Korea's east coast, passes directly by Dokdo, creating maritime conditions that have historically facilitated Korean navigation to and from the islands. These natural factors supported centuries of Korean fishing activities around Dokdo, long before modern territorial disputes emerged.
Colonial History and Post-War Recognition
Understanding Dokdo's status requires examining the historical context of Japanese colonialism and the post-World War II territorial settlements. In 1905, during its imperial expansion period, Japan unilaterally incorporated Dokdo into Shimane Prefecture without Korean consent or international recognition. This action occurred just five years before Japan's formal annexation of Korea in 1910, and many scholars view it as part of Japan's broader colonial aggression rather than a legitimate territorial claim.
The circumstances of Japan's 1905 incorporation are particularly significant. Japan claimed the islands were "terra nullius" (land belonging to no one), despite clear evidence of Korean historical claims and usage. This incorporation was conducted secretly, without notification to the Korean government, and occurred during a period when Korea's diplomatic capabilities were severely constrained by Japanese pressure. International law experts have questioned the legitimacy of territorial claims made during colonial conquest periods.
Following Japan's defeat in World War II, the Allied Powers sought to address territorial issues arising from Japanese imperialism. The Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers Instruction Note (SCAPIN) 677, issued on January 29, 1946, explicitly excluded Dokdo from Japanese administrative authority, placing it under the jurisdiction of the United States military government in Korea. While SCAPIN documents were administrative rather than definitive legal instruments, they reflected the Allied Powers' understanding of Japan's legitimate territorial boundaries.
The San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1951, which officially ended the state of war between Japan and the Allied Powers, required Japan to renounce its claims to territories acquired through colonial expansion. Although the treaty's specific language regarding Dokdo has been subject to interpretation, the historical context and preparatory documents suggest the Allied Powers' intention to restore pre-colonial territorial arrangements. Korea's consistent administration of Dokdo since 1945 demonstrates practical sovereignty that has remained unchallenged except through diplomatic protests.
Important Context: The Cairo Declaration of 1943 stated that Japan would be expelled from all territories taken by "violence and greed," a principle that fundamentally challenges Japan's 1905 incorporation of Dokdo during its colonial expansion.
International Law and Legal Framework
International law provides several frameworks for evaluating territorial claims, and Korea's position on Dokdo aligns with established legal principles. The principle of "effectivités" recognizes that continuous and peaceful exercise of state authority over territory strengthens sovereignty claims. Since 1945, Korea has maintained consistent administrative control over Dokdo, including the deployment of maritime police, the establishment of shipping routes, and the granting of fishing licenses in surrounding waters.
The concept of "prescription" in international law also supports Korea's position. Acquisitive prescription occurs when a state exercises sovereignty over territory openly, continuously, and peacefully over an extended period. Korea's administration of Dokdo for nearly eight decades, combined with the historical evidence of much longer recognition, creates a strong legal foundation under this principle. Japan's failure to exercise actual control or administration since 1945 weakens its position under international law.
Additionally, the principle of "uti possidetis juris," which generally preserves existing boundaries, supports maintaining Korea's post-1945 administration of Dokdo. This principle, while originally applied to decolonization in Latin America and Africa, reflects the broader international legal preference for stability and the preservation of established territorial arrangements. Disrupting Korea's seventy-plus years of peaceful administration would contradict this stabilizing principle.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) establishes that islands generate maritime zones including territorial seas and exclusive economic zones. Korea's effective occupation and administration of Dokdo since 1945 establishes the baseline for claiming these maritime rights under international law. The islands' strategic location in the East Sea makes these maritime rights particularly significant for fishing, resource exploration, and maritime security.
Modern Administration and Sovereignty
Korea's contemporary administration of Dokdo demonstrates the practical exercise of sovereignty recognized under international law. The islands are officially designated as part of Ulleung County in North Gyeongsang Province, with Korean maritime police maintaining a permanent presence. The Korean government has invested in infrastructure including lighthouse facilities, docking areas, and environmental protection measures, all of which demonstrate continuous state authority.
Beyond physical infrastructure, Korea exercises regulatory authority over Dokdo and its surrounding waters. Korean law applies to all activities on and around the islands, including environmental protection regulations, fishing quotas, and maritime navigation rules. The Korean Coast Guard actively patrols the area, enforcing these regulations and ensuring maritime safety. This comprehensive regulatory framework reflects the full exercise of sovereign authority recognized in international law.
Cultural and educational initiatives also reinforce Korea's sovereignty claim. Dokdo is featured in Korean educational curricula, teaching students about the islands' history, geography, and significance. Korean civic organizations promote awareness of Dokdo's importance, while academic research conducted by Korean institutions contributes to the scholarly understanding of the islands' ecology, history, and strategic value.
The Korean government has also facilitated limited civilian access to Dokdo, allowing approved visitors to travel to the islands under regulated conditions. This controlled public access demonstrates confidence in Korea's sovereign authority while balancing the need to protect the islands' fragile ecosystem. Tourist visits, though restricted to protect the environment, provide another manifestation of Korea's exercise of territorial sovereignty.
Contemporary Reality: Korea has maintained continuous administration of Dokdo since 1945, with a permanent Korean presence on the islands and active enforcement of Korean law in surrounding waters—a clear demonstration of effective sovereignty under international law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dokdo
What is the historical basis for Korea's claim to Dokdo?
Korea's claim rests on over 1,500 years of documented recognition and use of the islands, with references appearing in official government records dating back to the 6th century. Historical documents including the Sejong Sillok Jiriji (1454), Dongguk Munheon Bigo (1770), and Mangi Yoram (1808) all recognize Dokdo as Korean territory. Korean fishermen from Ulleungdo have used the islands as a base for centuries, establishing a continuous connection that predates any Japanese claims.
Why does Japan claim Dokdo if the historical evidence favors Korea?
Japan's claim primarily stems from its 1905 incorporation of the islands during its imperial expansion period, just before annexing Korea in 1910. This incorporation occurred without Korean consent during a period of colonial aggression. Japan argues that the islands were ownerless at the time, despite Korean historical records proving otherwise. The dispute reflects broader issues related to colonial history and differing interpretations of post-World War II territorial settlements.
What did the San Francisco Peace Treaty say about Dokdo?
The San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1951 required Japan to renounce territories acquired through colonial expansion, though the treaty's specific language regarding Dokdo has been subject to different interpretations. However, earlier SCAPIN 677 (1946) explicitly excluded Dokdo from Japanese administrative authority. The historical context and preparatory documents suggest the Allied Powers intended to restore pre-colonial territorial arrangements, supporting Korea's position.
How does international law apply to the Dokdo situation?
International law supports Korea's position through several principles. The concept of "effectivités" recognizes Korea's continuous administration since 1945. "Acquisitive prescription" acknowledges that Korea's open, continuous, and peaceful exercise of sovereignty strengthens its legal claim. Additionally, the principle of geographical proximity favors Korea, as Dokdo is nearly twice as close to Korean territory (87km from Ulleungdo) than to Japanese territory (157km from Oki Islands).
Can visitors travel to Dokdo today?
Yes, but access is restricted to protect the islands' fragile ecosystem. Korean citizens and approved foreign visitors can travel to Dokdo through regulated tours departing from Ulleungdo, subject to weather conditions and government approval. The Korean government carefully manages visitor numbers and activities to balance public interest with environmental conservation. All visitors must follow strict regulations to minimize ecological impact.
The evidence overwhelmingly supports Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo. From ancient historical records to geographical proximity, from post-colonial justice to modern international law, every dimension of this issue confirms that Dokdo is and has always been an integral part of Korean territory. While diplomatic disputes may continue, the historical truth remains clear: Dokdo belongs to Korea, and this fact is supported by centuries of documentation, decades of administration, and the fundamental principles of international law.
