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Dokdo Island >>
◎ Address
San 1~37, Dokdo-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
◎ Description
 Dokdo is an isolated island in the eastern reaches of the nation's territory. It is located 87.4km southeast of Ulleungdo Island.
Dokdo Island (180.902㎢) 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.
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.
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.
◎ Source: Korea National Tourism Organization (http://tour2korea.com)
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