Dokdo Island... the Anchor of Korean People

Fight for land is the pride of each nation and struggle for heaven is the ultimate desire of everybody. Dokdo Island is just like a heaven on earth and Korean people are fighting for their land and heaven and I think they must be proud of their efforts.  Dokdo Island is the most beautiful Island I ever visited. Where, black water kisses the face of earth and mountains kisses the height of sky, where life seems in full and in true with all the possible beauty, charming and nature.“Life is so beautiful, awesome and romantic” this was my first expression when I entered Ulleungdo. I found it so amazing and impressive that I forget all my worries for those three days.

Exploring facts and studying culture is always been a source of amusement and attraction for me. This was a motivation I applied for dokdo trip. We started our journey from Seoul in a couple of groups. I know it would be fun didn’t know it would a best trip of my life. The organizers were awesome, contributed a lot to make our journey memorable. My group-7 group leader Miss Kim Park was a nice, responsible lady with a lovely smile on her face all the way.

The ferry journey was the best for me but many of my friends were not feeling well because of motion sickness. Anyway that was another nice experience. We reached at 4 PM to ulleungdo and just after check in we went to explore ulleungdo. The beauty of ulleungdo was amazing. It has many attractions for those who can really judge the beauty.

We were supposed to ride through cable car and go to dokdo observatory but it was not possible because of strong wind. After dinner we have a great hiking with our group members and that was a better time of knowing each other. The fresh air made us crazy. And the eve was special because of many things. The sea shore was appealing heart and creating emotions of romance. We went to bed at 12 as we were quite tired.

Dokdo, the land of beauty, warmness and freshness for which everybody was excited to visit. It was a wonderful day with all its beauty. We travel two and half hours to catch Dokdo. Our excitement went out when we were told, we have to stay just for twenty minutes….:( But on enquiry we have come to know that, as there are no special tours programs, visitors only have 20 minutes for sightseeing once they land on the wharf of Dongdo. Since the entire islet is designated as a Natural Preservation Zone, the key to sightseeing is the enjoyment of the natural beauty of Dokdo. You can see Seodo from the wharf or take a stroll to view uniquely shaped rocks and gulls.

Dokdo is disputed area between Japan and Korea. However, after having a little study and going through many facts, I personally think it is the part of Korea which can be easily extract from history.

After The Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, Japanese fishermen often came near Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Sukjong Sillok, the Annals of King Sukjong (1674-1720), records that An Yongbok went to Japan twice 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 the islets. Dokdo Islet is comprised of two main islets: Dongdo, or East Islet which sits 98m above sea level, and Seodo, or West Islet, which sits 168m above sea level, together with 36 smaller rock formations. Seperating Dongdo and Seodo is the

Hyeongjegul Cave, together with Cheonsanggul Cave on Dongdo. Over time,

other caves and topographic features of the

islet formed due to weathering and erosion.
Japan acknowledged the value of Dokdo Islet after the Russo-Japanese War of 1905. Japan unilaterally transferred Dokdo Island to Shimane Prefecture, Japan and renamed it "Dakesima". Several authorities in Japan have continuously declared their dominion, over the islet, which led to diplomatic conflicts between Korea and Japan. Such conflicts have yet to be resolved.

Presently there are security guards on Dokdo Islet that protect several houses that were built onto the rocks as well as a small harbor. 

We had a lunch after back ulleungdo and then we went out to explore Ulleungdo. The Islands of Ulleundgo were amazing. We have visited many places of Nari Basin specially the old houses. The excitement of participants was worth watch and they were true in their excitement. The dinner was so tasty. Soon after the dinner we had free time to move around.

While visiting Dokdo I thought many times, how true was Mr. YungTai, foreign minister of Korea while saying this, “Dokdo was the first victim of the Japanese aggression upon Korea.  Dokdo has come back to our bosom with our liberation.  Dokdo is the symbol of Korean independence.  Whoever touches this island should be prepared for the resistance of the entire Korean people!  Dokdo is not just several rocks, but is the anchor of the honor of our people.  How could we defend our independence after losing Dokdo!   The Japanese attempt to take Dokdo means the resumption of their aggression upon Korea.” 

July 8, 1953, Dr. Yung-Tai Pyun, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea.

Next day was the day to go back home but at the same time full of charm. We went to Bongrae water fall and that scene was amazing. We went to Dokdo Observatory, where it seemed like the world is in my feet. This was the best scene so far. At the same time the hiking was lovely. After that we moved to cable car and again it was a nice experience. The observatory area on the top of hill was amazing. I felt like the earth is goanna kiss the clouds and the sky was so near as I felt I can touch with a jump. Those moments stuck in my eyes. And it was something unbelievable.

The beauty of Dokdo and Ulleungdo made me think about the bloodied jacket of Yong-Gi Moon (문용기; 1878 – 1919). And I feel his presence everywhere shouting “Korean Independence Forever!” with a Korean flag in his right hand.

Wednesday 3:30 PM was the time of our home back, feelings were quite disturb. I didn’t want to go back to Seoul leaving behind the heaven, the Ulleungdo and Dokdo. It was so sad to say good bye to the lovely land. The journey was quite peaceful and we reached Seoul at 11:30 Pm with new memories, wishes, thoughts and believes. Thanks to KNUUC for making these days of my life so wonderful and amazing with good scenes and new friends.  I will just say

"If one day you want to have some time to gather yourself up or simply think about life, Ulleungdo is the perfect ideal place". Thanks KNUUC for letting me come back again.