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The Disputed Island of Dokdo a.k.a Takeshima
By Nick on May 7, 2008
I remember hearing a few months ago of an island between Korea and Japan which goes by two names. The Koreans call it Dokdo, and the Japanese call it Takeshima. There is such controversy over which country actually owns the island, I decided to go and see what all the fuss was about.
As you can see from the Google Earth screenshot, you’d never know the island was even there unless you zoomed right in. The actual size is about 185,000m², or 30 football pitches, and is no more than two giant rocks, really.
As an outsider, it’s hard for me to understand what the big deal is about a couple of rocks in the middle of the ocean. No-one even lives on the island, at least not permanently anyway. Honestly, I haven’t doen enough research to weigh in with an opinion, but it is obviously a subject that some people feel very passionately about.
![Koreans protest Japan\'s \](http://www.virtualtripping.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/dokdo-takeshima-protest-450x355.jpg "Koreans protest Japan\'s \")
Discover Dokdo/Takeshima for yourself:
- Google Earth coordinates: 37°14′35.16″N 131°52′13.27″E
- Visit Dokdo/Takeshima in Google Maps
- Learn more about Dokdo/Takeshima on Wikipedia
- The Territorial Dispute Over Dokdo
Posted in Asia | 16 Comments
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16 Responses to “The Disputed Island of Dokdo a.k.a Takeshima”
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Mark Ramsay, globetrotting from an armchair in England.
10:11 am on July 15th, 2008
sirs,
this is so very silly, namby pamby stuff. For all intensive purposes. These ‘rocks’ should belong to the nautical limits of Taiwan. For starters, no full time residents are there. Secondly, if you see anyone residing there it is due to some outside governmental interference due to patrols or what evers. The only reason why each other wants it is due to fisheries or some lame oil&gas claim. The last time national geographic did anything in that regard was that the jury was out. who knows what else is there. Maybe some blue men from outer space.
My personal solution is to let the boundary from the early 16th century stand. There is actual documents from the imperial library in regards to that area. The agreements are specific to both territory&marine bounderies. Obviously, Russian far east would lose the most influence and real estate. That is why Moscow&Peking go at it from time to time.
1:15 pm on July 28th, 2008
Hello. I am a Korean student. I came here by google search. Let me explain shortly.
The island called ‘Dokdo’ belongs to Korea. It is very clear. Korean police stays in the Dokdo island just like police station located in Seoul.
After World War II(1945), Korea recovered territory from Japan. Dokdo island is same case. But Japanese war criminal could alive and now they got Big political power. That is why Japanese government claims.
Furthermore, there are huge natural resources underneath Dokdo area. Yes…this is big reason.
Japanese government have to recognize Dokdo island belongs to Korea and this year is 2008 not 1941 or 1943.
If you have a question, send me an e-mail or comments here.
2:56 pm on July 28th, 2008
Yang, you’ve been brainwashed by the government propaganda machine. Can’t you see that the media has made your nation so angry that you’re burning flags in the street?
Don’t get me wrong, the Japanese are also brainwashed into believing what their government tells them. How about all the anti-China propaganda because of a few poisoned Chinese dumplings?
Normally, people are happy to share and don’t like confrontation. However, when you turn on the TV, the anti-Japanese/Korean/Chinese/American propaganda stirs emotions of rage.
Do you really care about those rocks? Are you planning to go there on holiday? Of course not. You’re angry because you feel Japan has taken something you own, and you feel that way because the talking heads on TV have made you feel that way.
Korean history says Korea owns the rocks. Japanese history says Japan owns the rocks. Neither side will change their position, and I think you know that already.
7:50 am on July 29th, 2008
Nick, thanks for your opinion. I am surprised that we have big different points of view. I think because I live in Korean but you don’t. And old historical documents tell the story about Dokdo.
Do you know what does ‘Dokdo’ mean? It means ‘lonely island’
Anyway I agree with your thoughts showed in the last paragraph.
10:24 pm on July 29th, 2008
ss, clearly you do not have your facts straight. Have you looked at an atlas or globe recently? Several flaws are noticed after (very) brief observation in your “argument”. Firstly, what exactly do you mean by “nautical limits”? How does this supposed “nautical limits” of Taiwan reach the boundary of Korea or even Japan? If what does being a “permanent resident” have to do with territorial rights to these islands? And yes, there is a South Korean permanent resident, Choi Jong-deok, a marine biologist who researches various lifeforms and abalones. Secondly, you seem to be a fickle character. First your views were set on Taiwan, and now Russia? Please keep your jokes to yourself. Obviously someone who cannot construct grammatically correct sentences should stay out of this “grown-up” stuff.
10:34 pm on July 29th, 2008
Hmmmm… Nick. You seem to be VERY well aware of these “propaganda machines” that stirs the patriotic emotions of many nations. If what you say is true, I would also believe that Newton’s Law is baloney. This “Japanese History” that claims they own Dokdo is very recent. However, Dokdo was part of Korea and their history FAR back. The Japanese have OBTAINED Dokdo whilst invading Korea. So, of course the Koreans care about THEIR land. What if another country took a chunk out of your own country’s history or property?
10:36 pm on July 29th, 2008
..or perhaps you’ve been through the “brain washing machine” too many times.
10:54 pm on July 29th, 2008
Yes, I agree with O’Connor. Simply, the Japanese just want something that is not theirs. The Koreans lay their claim to Dokdo earlier (512 AD) than Japan.
1:46 am on July 30th, 2008
You can live on it, you can work on it, you can even give it a name and say you own it (whether true or not). Yet you STILL take to the streets in protest.
In Japan, it’s rarely even mentioned. The only time it makes headlines is when Koreans stage a big anti-Japan demonstration. Then we are all really surprised because we don’t care much about Takeshima. It’s just a rock. 99% of Japanese would happily give you the damn thing, but that’s up to the politicians.
1:51 am on July 30th, 2008
O’Connor, here’s the propaganda machine, from an article called “Propaganda of Japan and the U.S. During WW II”. [Link]
“Much of the social warfare between the United States and Japan involved instilling within their people both a strong nationalistic pride for their own country as well as an incendiary hatred for the other. This was done with the help of the media—newspapers, books, radio, and film—that were consequently used as propaganda against the enemy.”
“Media is an art, and art is a way of communicating ideas. Those ideas are what drive nations and people, to think and act. And during time of war, a nation often tries to stir up a common sense of purpose under which its people can unite.”
“Words are powerful, but some of the images in wartime posters drew attention more vividly because they attracted an audience on a wider scale. Posters urging citizens to conserve resources, increase labor production to “help our troops,” or simply slogans summoning an increase national pride were posted in every subway station, train station, bus stop, on every billboard and street corner in every city… one couldn’t escape the constant bombardment of visual stimuli.”
6:15 am on July 30th, 2008
This “damn thing” that you mention is indeed extremely valuable to the Koreans. They take it on the streets to prove a strong point. The phrase, “take action” is a good way to kindle a fire in the argument between Japan and Korea. Did the Gay Pride Parade and the march Martin Luther King Jr. led leave a significant effect? Yes. It was powerful, and meaningful. Gathering that many people captivates the audience and the conclusion is positive.
6:41 am on July 30th, 2008
It’s not a riot of any kind, just to send a message to Japan..
9:13 am on July 30th, 2008
Koreans living in the Dokdo(Takeshima?). about 40 people
They are fisherman or Korean policeman.
Korean lived Dokdo more than 100 years.
Takeshima(竹島)is mean Bamboo island, but there are no bamboo in Dokdo.
Dokdo(獨島) is mean lonely island . Frankly that Rocks are look lonely righ?
Korean loves dokdo , but Japanese Do not kwnow Where is Dokdo .
I have been there once it was very beautifull.
9:17 am on July 30th, 2008
umm…. lol?
9:19 am on July 30th, 2008
I Think Nick is Japanese.
Nick We ARE NOT North Korean !
1:11 pm on July 30th, 2008
O’Connor, I understand and agree with you to a point, but this message you’re sending to Japan includes canceling or postponing student exchange visits which are supposed to foster an international relationship.
Bush, no, need to hurl abuse at me (now deleted). You can argue about rocks and bamboo all you like. I’m not Japanese, but it makes no difference because the average Japanese person doesn’t care about your lonely island, either.
Kim, of course you’re not North Korean. If you were, you wouldn’t be arguing about a rock.
I’ve had enough of this, but if you really want a debate, go and leave your comments on Japan Probe.