대학신문방송국

October 25th, Dokdo Day 

  By Lee Ye-rim Editor-in-chief, Junior of Chinese

Every year on October 25th, South Korea commemorates ‘Dokdo Day.’ This occasion allows Koreans to express their strong connection to Dokdo and reflect on the island’s significant role in Korean history. However, many foreigners may not be familiar with the name, Dokdo, and might not fully grasp why this small island holds such importance for South Korea. So, what makes Dokdo, a tiny rocky island in the east, so special?

Dokdo Day is more than just a celebration of the island; it represents Korea’s sovereignty and national pride. The story of Dokdo goes beyond current territorial disputes and highlights Koreans’ efforts to preserve their historical roots.

Dokdo has been recorded as a Korean territory for thousands of years. Since the Silla period in the 6th century, Dokdo, along with Ulleungdo, was seen as a vital defense point in the East Sea. Historical texts from that time clearly state that Dokdo belongs to Korea. Official records from the Joseon Dynasty, such as the “Sejong sillok jiriji (Annals of King Sejong)” and the “Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam,” explicitly mention Dokdo as Korean territory. Even after the Joseon period, Dokdo continued to be managed as part of Korea and remained under Korean control.

Notably, on October 25, 1900, Emperor Gojong of the Korean Empire reaffirmed Dokdo as Korean territory through “The Korean Empire Ordinance 41.” This legal declaration was significant as it established Dokdo as part of Korea before Japan attempted to claim it illegally. In the early 20th century, Japan revealed its imperial ambitions toward the Korean Peninsula and illegally occupied several regions of Korea, including Dokdo. After the end of World War II in 1945, Japan was required to return the Korean Peninsula and its territories to Korea. In this process, Dokdo naturally returned to being part of Korea and remains under South Korea’s effective control to this day.

Nonetheless, Japan continues to assert its ownership of Dokdo even after the end of the war. In 2005, the Shimane Prefecture of Japan designated a ‘Takeshima Day’ to formalize its claims to the island. In response, the South Korean government has firmly maintained that Dokdo cannot be a subject of dispute and is clearly recognized as a South Korean territory based on historical, geographical, and international law. Therefore, Dokdo is widely known in the international community not as a contested territory but as an integral part of South Korea. For Koreans, Dokdo symbolizes not just a simple island or a political issue, but also their sovereignty and history.

Dokdo Day is designated to commemorate the date on October 25, 1900, when the Korean Empire officially declared Dokdo as part of its territory. Although it is not a legally recognized holiday, the day emerged in the early 2000s through a movement led by civic groups aimed at raising awareness about the history of Dokdo. Thanks to their efforts, Dokdo Day gradually gained national recognition and became a symbol of public interest and voluntary participation. While it has not been officially designated as a legal holiday by the government, Dokdo Day remains a significant occasion for many South Koreans to express their affection and pride for Dokdo.

Moreover, Dokdo is an island that holds the wonders of nature. Comprising two main islands and 89 smaller islets, Dokdo boasts a unique ecosystem that has earned it the status of a natural monument. Over 80 species of plants, rare seabirds, and various marine creatures call Dokdo home. This rich biodiversity is attributed to the island’s deep waters and pristine marine environment. Dokdo holds significant meaning not only for its natural beauty but also as a vital part of Korea’s spiritual heritage. For centuries, it has served as a symbolic island for Koreans in their commitment to safeguarding the East Sea, closely linked to their national identity. For this reason, Koreans view Dokdo not merely as a small rock island, but as a crucial site that embodies their pride and history.

There are various ways to commemorate Dokdo Day. Many cities and towns host exhibitions or photo displays related to Dokdo, helping to raise awareness of its beauty and significance among citizens. Additionally, schools conduct lessons about Dokdo’s history, allowing students to learn about its ecological and geographical importance.

Moreover, on Dokdo Day, programs are organized to facilitate visits to Dokdo. The island is often said to require three generations of good deeds to visit, highlighting the difficulty of accessing it. The weather and waves significantly influence the ability to visit Dokdo, and its geographical location generally makes it a challenging destination. However, on special occasions like ‘Dokdo Day,’ many people seek to visit the island. Those who have the opportunity to see Dokdo firsthand not only marvel at its beauty and natural environment but also gain a deeper understanding of why the island is so important.

In addition, various online campaigns are actively conducted in South Korea to raise awareness about the Dokdo issue within the international community. These campaigns aim to inform people worldwide about Dokdo’s history and to communicate South Korea’s position on the matter.

Not only Korean students but also international students have ample opportunities to learn about Dokdo and participate in related events. Within universities, seminars, lectures, and discussions are held, providing deeper insights into Dokdo’s history and cultural significance. In particular, foreign students can engage with Korean peers through these events, sharing diverse perspectives on Dokdo. Additionally, visits to various museums and memorials dedicated to Dokdo, located in cities across the country, offer detailed explanations of the island’s history and natural environment.

For Koreans, Dokdo holds a meaning that extends far beyond that of a mere island. This small island is emblematic of Korea’s historical roots and national identity, symbolizing sovereignty and pride for the Korean people. Understanding the history and significance of Dokdo is a pathway to gaining a deeper appreciation of Korean culture and history.

Through the process of learning about Dokdo, international students can gain insight into how Koreans have preserved and developed their history and culture. They will also catch a glimpse of Korea’s sovereignty, identity, and cultural pride through Dokdo. We hope that more students will take an interest in Dokdo and actively participate in related events in the future.