Enrichment: Pre-modern Dokdo records
Year (Era) | Content |
512 (13th year of King Jijeung, Silla era) | Usan annexed by General Isabu. |
1018 (9th year of Hyeonjong, Goryeo era) | Devastation of Usan after an invasion by Jurchens. Goryeo government provides relief. |
1407 (7th year of Taejong, Joseon era) | Mureungdo residents ordered back to the mainland. |
1454 (2nd year of Danjong, Joseon era) |
The Annals of King Sejong Geographical Records indicates that Usan and Mureung are both visible on a clear day. |
1530 (25th year of Jungjong, Joseon era) |
New and Expanded Complete Conspectus of the Territory of the Eastern Country provides information relating to Usan and Mureung. |
1693 (19th year of Sukjong, Joseon era) | Fishermen from Gyeongsang-do and Jeolla-do sail to Ulleungdo. An Yong-bok and Park Eo-dun are captured by Japanese fishermen. This incident sparks a territorial dispute over Ulleungdo. |
1696 (22nd year of Sukjong, Joseon era) | An Yong-bok finds Japanese fishermen on Ulleungdo, and claims Ulleungdo and Songdo (Jasando) as Korean territory. He follows the Japanese fishermen back to Japan. |
1697 (23rd year of Sukjong, Joseon era) | The Japanese shogunate acknowledges Ulleungdo to be Joseon territory and prohibits Japanese transit to the island. The Joseon government decides to send regular patrols to Ulleungdo. |
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Summary
1. Usan was a kingdom that ruled Ulleungdo and Usando (Dokdo).
2. General Isabu annexed Usan to Silla in 512, as recorded in History of the Three Kingdoms.
3. The Annals of King Sejong Geographical Records states, “Usan and Mureungdo are close enough that the other is visible on a clear day.”
4. New and Expanded Complete Conspectus of the Territory of the Eastern Country contains detailed descriptions about Ulleungdo and Usando in the Gangwon-do, Uljin County section. Thus, Korean historical records show the two islands as being Korean territory.