Korea’s evidence
Evidence | Contents |
Samguk sagi(History of the Three Kingdoms, compiled in 1145)
Usan-guk was a kingdom that controlled Ulleungdo and Usan (Dokdo). It is recorded that during the reign of King Jijeung of Silla, General Kim Isabu conquered Usan and incorporated it into the Silla kingdom. | |
“Sejong sillok jiriji” (The Annals of King Sejong Geographical Records, compiled in 1454)
The two islands of Usan (于山) and Mureung (武陵) are located in the center of the East Sea. The two islands are not far from each other, and one can be seen the other island on a clear day. During the Three Kingdoms era, they were called Usan. |
Evidence | Contents |
Sinjeung Dongguk yeoji seungnam (New and Expanded Complete Conspectus of the Territory of the Eastern Country; compiled in 1530)
Ulleungdo and Usando are explained in detail in the Gangwon-do, Uljin County section, showing that they are certainly part of Korean territory. | |
An investigation report from 1696 related to An Yong-bok
A report on An Yong-bok’s second visit to Japan states that Jukdo (Ulleungdo) and Songdo (Dokdo) are both recorded in Japanese documents as being part of Gangwon-do (Korean territory). | |
Mangi yoram (Essentials of Governance) (1808)
Statements such as “Both Ulleungdo and Usando are Usan’s land,” clearly show that both islands are Korean territory. |
■ Let’s fill in the details below based on Samguk sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms), The Annals of King Sejong Geographical Records, Sinjeung Dongguk yeoji seungnam, and Mangi yoram.
■ See if you can fill in the blank with the date Dokdo became Korean territory.
Japanese evidence
Evidence | Contents |
“Onshū shichō gōki” (“Records on Observations on Oki,” 1667)
This book, written in 1667, was based on Japanese records and is the first book regarding Ulleungdo and Dokdo. It contains the observations of a Japanese official as he looked at Oki Island. In this book it is recorded that Japan’s northern boundary is Oki Island. This statement is an acceptance of Dokdo not being part of Japan. | |
“Chōsen-koku kosai shimatsu naitansho” (Confidential Inquiry into the Particulars of Korea’s Relations with Japan; 1870)
In 1869, Meiji government officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were dispatched to Ulleungdo and Dokdo and instructed to investigate whether the islands were part of Korea. This is evidence that at that time Japan recognized Ulleungdo and Dokdo as Korean territory. In addition, a report called “Ulleungdo and Dokdo are Part of Korea” was written, demonstrating Japan’s acceptance of Dokdo as part of Korea. | |
Official document sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs of Japan by the Daijōkan[note 008](1877)
In 1877, the Daijōkan, the highest decision-making office in Japan, inquired if Ulleungdo and Dokdo were Japanese territory. Based on the results of this inquiry, the Daijōkan made the final decision that both Ulleungdo and Dokdo had no relation to Japan. |
■ We just saw Korean and Japanese documents and maps proving that Dokdo is part of Korea. Let’s write down the names of these documents.
Evidence classification | Evidence | |
Old document | Korea | Samguk sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms; 1145) |
Japan | Onshū shichō gōki(“Records on Observations on Oki”; 1667) | |
Old Map | Korea | Dongguk jeondo(Complete Map of the Eastern Country ; eighteenth century) |
Japan | Samguk jeobyang jido (Map of the Three Kingdoms ; 1785) |
■ Let’s try to explain international legal evidence that proves Dokdo is Korean territory.