5 Chapter Reference
1 Dokdo in Old Maps
World maps such as “Joseon World Geography Map” from the early Joseon period identified Dokdo as “Usando.” This can be considered strong evidence of Korean sovereignty over Ulleungdo and Dokdo.
However, Usando was incorrectly located to the west of Ulleungdo throughout the seventeenthcentury. “Map of the Eight Provinces” and the map “Gangwon-do” both in New and Expanded Complete Conspectus of the Territory of the Eastern Country, a compilation of early Joseon-period geographical records, appear to be the principal sources of the incorrect location. The publication and distribution of this gazetteer greatly influenced other maps. “Map of the Eight Provinces” shows Ulleungdo and Dokdo as oblong shapes, and many maps published thereafter illustrate the islands in much the same manner.
An Yong-bok’s efforts resulted in a more precise geographical knowledge of Dokdo. Jeong Sang-gi’s “Complete Map of the Eastern Country” in the eighteenth century, and other maps influenced by it, correctly illustrated Usando (Dokdo) as east of Ulleungdo, thus enhancing that period’s geographical precision. In addition, the shape of both islands are more precise, as well, and resemble modern maps.
“Complete Nautical Map,” which was compiled in the late nineteenth century, also shows Ulleungdo and Usando (Dokdo), and includes historical records about Korea and its islands.