Dokdo is an isolated island in the eastern reaches of the nation's territory. It is located 87.4㎞ southeast of Ulleungdo Island.

Dokdo Island (180,902m²) is formed from volcanic rock. The island is located at a latitude of 37° 14' north and a longitude of 131° 52' east.

Along with Ulleungdo Island, Dokdo Island was one part of a country called Usanguk.  According to records, Usanguk became part of the Silla dynasty (57B.C. ~  935 A.D.) in June of the 13th year that King Jijeung ruled Silla .  Isabu (a general and politician of Silla) gained enough strength at that time to take over Usanguk.

In the Seongjong Memoir of the Joseon dynasty, there are passages of a Kim Jaju describing Dokdo Island (called Sambongdo at that time). Dokdo was called 'Sambongdo', 'Gajido' or 'Usando', but the name was changed to Dokdo in 1881. The name 'Dokdo' was first used in 1906 by the Ulleung county headman Sim Heungtaek. In 1914, Dokdo Island officially became an administrative district of the Gyeongsangbuk-do province.

After Imjin War (1592), Japanese fishermen often came near Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Sukjong Sillok, the Annals of King Sukjong(1674-1720), records that An Yongbok went twice to Japan in order to protest against Japanese nationals trespassing into Korean territory. He asked the Japanese authorities to recognize Korea's sovereignty over these islands and to forbid Japanese nationals to sail to these islands.

Dokdo Island is composed of two main islets, Dongdo (East Island)and Seodo (West Island), as well as 36 rock islets. Dongdo (98 meters above sea level) has a crater. Seodo (168 meters above sea level) does not have a crater but it is also made of volcanic rocks. Between Dongdo and Seodo is the Hyeongjegul Cave, and there is the Cheonsanggul Cave on Dongdo. Over time, other caves and topographic features of the island have formed due to weathering and erosion.

Japan acknowledged the value of Dokdo Island after the Russo-Japanese War of 1905. Japan unilaterally transferred Dokdo Island to Shimane Prefecture, Japan and renamed it "Dakesima". They have continuously declared their dominion, which led to diplomatic problems between Korea and Japan. It still has not been solved.

Presently there are security guards on Dokdo Island.  Houses were built on the rocks and a small harbor as well.  Several fresh water sources have also been found on the island, supplying safe drinking water for its inhabitants.

How to go to Dokdo island

Until recently, only researchers, reporters and other special cases were given permission to tour Dokdo.  Now, anyone interested in visiting the island can apply at the Ulleung-gun Administrative Office (+82-54-790-6420/Kor).  Interested persons can only visit the island after permission has been granted and must apply 15 days prior to their desired tour date.

Visitors wishing to take a ferry ride around the island may do so at anytime.  Ferries run twice a day, the first at 7 am and the second at 2 pm.  You can catch the Sambongho ferry at Dodong Harbor on Ulleungdo Island.  The trip lasts for approximately four hours and costs 37,500 won for those 19 years and over.  Approximately 30~40 minutes of the ferry trip are spent exploring the coastline of Dokdo.

The Sunflower Ferry (Daeah Express Shipping Company) has regular rides between Pohang and Ulleungdo.  There are also extra rides to Ulluengdo, but they are only available if you make reservations one month prior to your trip.  It is 87.4㎞ from Ulleungdo to Dokdo and takes an hour and twenty minutes.