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. 512
    Silla Dynasty

    Silla brings Usan-guk (Ulleungdo and Dokdo) under its rule

    In 512 CE, Isabu, governor of Haseulla Prefecture under King Jijeung of Silla, conquered Usan-guk, which included both Ulleungdo and Dokdo, and brought it under Silla's rule. Recorded in the Samguk Sagi, this is the oldest known event linking Dokdo to Korean history.

    Source · Northeast Asian History Foundation
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 1877
    Joseon Dynasty

    Japan's Daijo-kan declares Ulleungdo and Dokdo 'have nothing to do with Japan'

    Japan's Daijo-kan (Grand Council of State), the highest organ of the Meiji government, responded to an inquiry from Shimane Prefecture by formally declaring that Ulleungdo and Dokdo (then called Takeshima and Matsushima) had nothing to do with Japan. It is regarded as a document in which Japan itself acknowledged that the islands were not its territory.

    Source · Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 1952
    Post-Liberation

    Declaration of the Peace Line (Syngman Rhee Line)

    The Korean government proclaimed the 'Declaration of Sovereignty over the Adjacent Seas,' known as the Peace Line, publicly asserting jurisdiction over waters including Dokdo.

    Source · Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  9. 1953
    Post-Liberation

    Formation of the Dokdo Volunteer Guard Corps

    After repeated attempts by Japanese patrol vessels to land on Dokdo, 33 residents of Ulleungdo, led by Hong Sun-chil, formed the Dokdo Volunteer Guard Corps and defended the island on their own until 1956.

    Source · Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs
  10. 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
  11. 1965
    Post-Liberation

    Treaty on Basic Relations between Korea and Japan

    Korea and Japan signed a treaty normalizing diplomatic relations. The question of sovereignty over Dokdo was not explicitly addressed in the treaty, and Korea's effective control continued uninterrupted afterward.

    Source · Korea National Diplomatic Academy
  12. 1981
    Post-Liberation

    Dokdo's first registered resident

    Choi Jong-deok became the first person to register permanent residency on Dokdo, demonstrating that the island can support year-round habitation.

    Source · Academy of Korean Studies
  13. 1982
    Post-Liberation

    Dokdo designated a Natural Monument

    Dokdo was designated Natural Monument No. 336 (a seabird breeding ground). In 1999 it was renamed the 'Dokdo Nature Reserve' in recognition of its distinctive geology and ecology.

    Source · Korea Heritage Service
  14. 2005
    Present

    'Takeshima Day' and 'Dokdo Day'

    Marking the 100th anniversary of its 1905 incorporation notice, Japan's Shimane Prefecture established Takeshima Day. In response, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province established Dokdo Day on October 25, commemorating the promulgation of Imperial Ordinance No. 41.

    Source · Gyeongsangbuk-do Province
  15. 2012
    Present

    First presidential visit to Dokdo

    President Lee Myung-bak became the first sitting President of the Republic of Korea to visit Dokdo, a symbolic reaffirmation of effective control.

    Source · Government of the Republic of Korea

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 ↗