HISTORY

The History of Dokdo

From Joseon-era records to the present day, here is a chronological summary of the record showing Dokdo as territory of the Republic of Korea.

  1. 1454
    Joseon Dynasty

    Usan-do recorded in the Sejong Sillok Jiriji

    The geographical appendix to the Veritable Records of King Sejong records two islands, Usan (Dokdo) and Muleung (Ulleungdo), lying in the sea east of Uljin County. It is one of the oldest official Korean records referring to Dokdo.

    Source · National Institute of Korean History
  2. 1696
    Joseon Dynasty

    Ahn Yong-bok's voyages to Japan

    Ahn Yong-bok, a fisherman from Dongnae, sailed to Japan after disputes with Japanese fishermen near Ulleungdo and Dokdo, and asserted that both islands belonged to Joseon. This episode became part of the "Ulleungdo dispute" between Joseon and Japan.

    Source · Dokdo Foundation
  3. 1900
    Korean Empire

    Imperial Ordinance No. 41

    The Korean Empire elevated Ulleungdo to Uldo County and officially included Seokdo (identified as Dokdo) within its jurisdiction in Ordinance No. 41, published in the government gazette. It is regarded as the clearest state-level codification of Dokdo as Korean territory.

    Source · Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  4. 1905
    Japanese Colonial Period

    Japan's Shimane Prefecture notification

    During the Russo-Japanese War, Japan issued Shimane Prefecture Notification No. 40, renaming Dokdo as 'Takeshima' and declaring it incorporated into Japanese territory, without prior notice to or consultation with the Korean Empire. Its validity under international law remains disputed.

    Source · Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  5. 1946
    Post-Liberation

    SCAPIN No. 677

    The Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers issued a memorandum excluding Dokdo from Japan's administrative and governmental jurisdiction. Related provisions were also discussed during the negotiations for the Treaty of San Francisco.

    Source · Korea National Diplomatic Academy
  6. 1954
    Post-Liberation

    Permanent Dokdo guard post and lighthouse

    South Korea stationed a permanent police guard on Dokdo and built a lighthouse, reinforcing its effective control. A Dokdo guard unit has remained continuously stationed there ever since.

    Source · Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
  7. 2005–
    Present

    Dokdo Day and ongoing effective control

    Gyeongsangbuk-do Province established 'Dokdo Day' on October 25, commemorating the promulgation of Imperial Ordinance No. 41. Today Dokdo is managed as an inhabited island with registered residency, and hosts a range of academic and cultural activities.

    Source · Gyeongsangbuk-do Province

SOURCES

Where this page comes from

Every entry above summarizes material published by Korean public institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Institute of Korean History, the Dokdo Foundation, and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Full original documents are available on each institution's website.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Dokdo ↗ Dokdo Foundation ↗ National Institute of Korean History ↗