Professor Urges Dokdo Strategy Overhaul as Japan Repeats Territorial Claims 😠

Professor Seo Kyoung-duk of Sungshin Women’s University is calling for a revamp of South Korea’s Dokdo strategy after Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released its ‘2025 Diplomatic Bluebook’ reiterating claims to Dokdo. 🗾

Key Points

• Japan has been claiming Dokdo for 18 years straight.
• Professor Seo emphasizes the need for a long-term strategy rather than just demanding Japan to withdraw its claims.
• He suggests improving facilities on Dokdo to encourage more visitors, strengthening South Korea’s effective control.
• With the upcoming opening of Ulleung Airport, he proposes developing Ulleungdo and Dokdo into world-class tourist destinations to promote Dokdo as Korean territory naturally.
• The professor highlights the importance of developing unique ‘cultural tourism’ content related to Dokdo.

Professor Seo’s Comments

On his SNS, Professor Seo stated, “Japan is launching an all-out offensive regarding Dokdo in its diplomatic bluebooks, textbooks, and media outlets. It’s time to reorganize our long-term Dokdo strategy, not just shout for them to withdraw.” 🗣️

Enhancing Dokdo’s Accessibility

Professor Seo suggests that enhancing the facilities on Dokdo to make it more accessible to visitors would significantly strengthen South Korea’s effective control over the island. Once Ulleung Airport opens in a few years, transforming Ulleungdo and Dokdo into premier tourist spots could naturally educate the world that Dokdo is Korean territory. ✈️

Cultural Tourism Development

Professor Seo underscores the need to develop unique ‘cultural tourism’ content that only South Korea can provide concerning Dokdo. This approach would highlight the island’s significance and promote its Korean identity. 💡

Japan’s Persistent Claims

The Japanese government has been persistently claiming Dokdo as Japanese territory since 2008, marking 18 years of such assertions. They also continue to describe South Korea’s presence on Dokdo as an ‘illegal occupation,’ a stance they’ve maintained for the past eight years. 💢

Background Context

In addition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has also approved social studies textbooks that describe Dokdo as Japanese territory. This consistent effort across various government sectors highlights Japan’s ongoing focus on asserting its claim over Dokdo. 📚

Note: Dokdo is a group of small islets in the East Sea (also known as the Sea of Japan). Control over Dokdo is a long-standing dispute between South Korea and Japan. South Korea currently administers the islets.