8 out of 10 Koreans Say "Ieodo is the Southernmost Island of Korea"… Important Role as a Marine Science Base

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] It has been found that 8 out of 10 people recognize Ieodo as the southernmost island in South Korea. The role of Ieodo as an advanced base for marine science is also highly valued.

The National Oceanographic Research Institute under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the 11th that 89% of respondents were aware of Ieodo, according to a nationwide survey conducted last year in collaboration with the Ieodo Research Association to assess public awareness of maritime territorial sovereignty.

While 82% of respondents knew that Ieodo is located south of Marado, the southernmost point of the national territory, only 52% knew that Ieodo is a submerged reef.

Ieodo is a submerged reef located 149 km southwest of Marado. It can only be momentarily seen when waves over 10 meters high crash, which is why it is sometimes called the "island of legend." Ieodo hosts South Korea's first unmanned marine science station, established and operated to monitor marine and weather phenomena such as typhoons approaching Korea and climate change.

69% of respondents knew about the role of the Ieodo Marine Science Station, and 87% said its role is important. The marine science station manages the marine environment in real time and supports typhoon forecasting and jurisdictional sea area research through observation equipment. When asked about the image of the Ieodo Marine Science Station, respondents associated it with an advanced marine science base (47%), a symbol of maritime sovereignty (27%), and marine conflicts and disputes (14%).

Regarding management measures the government should pursue to manage maritime territories like Ieodo, 33% chose "active negotiations on maritime boundary delimitation with neighboring countries" as the most important. This was followed by "strengthening crackdowns and penalties on illegal fishing by foreign vessels" (29%), "improving and strengthening laws and systems" (15%), and "enhancing maritime police patrol capabilities" (14%). 91% agreed with the assertion "Ieodo is our sea," similar to the slogan "Dokdo is our land."

The National Oceanographic Research Institute plans to continue operating the service that allows real-time viewing of Ieodo observation footage and will regularly check public utilization to supplement any lacking information. They will also run research support programs targeting related fields using the Ieodo Marine Science Station and strengthen promotional efforts.

Hong Raehyung, Director of the National Oceanographic Research Institute, said, "This nationwide awareness survey was meaningful in gauging the public's level of awareness about Ieodo and the Ieodo Marine Science Station, as well as in determining future policies and promotional directions to protect maritime territorial sovereignty." He added, "We will continue to conduct regular surveys and make multifaceted efforts to raise awareness about Ieodo and the Ieodo Marine Science Station."