October Wonju 'Dokdo Experience Center' Opens... Seoul Experience Center Also Preparing for Expansion and Relocation

Opening in Busan Next Year and Expansion/Relocation in Jeonbuk
Dokdo Experience Centers Established in 17 Cities and Provinces in 2022
Dokdo Experience Center Event for One Month Starting from the 15th

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] In October, the Dokdo Experience Center will open in Wonju, Gangwon Province.

On the 13th, the Ministry of Education and the Northeast Asian History Foundation announced that following this year's opening in Wonju, Gangwon Province, a new Dokdo Experience Center will be established in Busan next year, and another will be relocated to Jeonbuk. By 2022, Dokdo Experience Centers will be completed in all 17 metropolitan cities and provinces.

The Dokdo Experience Centers have been operating at 14 locations nationwide since the first one opened in Seodaemun, Seoul in 2012. For six of the already established centers, improvement projects are underway to enhance educational materials (content) and the overall experience.

The Seoul Dokdo Experience Center is relocating and expanding to Times Square in Yeongdeungpo and is preparing to reopen as a future-oriented center utilizing smart technology.

The Ministry of Education, the Foundation, and NH Nonghyup Bank will conduct a nationwide promotional event for the Dokdo Experience Centers for one month starting from the 15th. This is to respond to Japan's unjust territorial claims over Dokdo and to strengthen promotion of the centers to students and the public, providing opportunities to understand and experience that Dokdo is clearly Korean territory.

Promotional materials will be distributed at NH Nonghyup Bank branches nationwide, and a visit certification event to the Dokdo Experience Centers will be held. During the event period, the Northeast Asian History Foundation will hold a drawing among visitors who upload visit certification photos and supportive comments for Dokdo on social networking services (SNS), awarding 200 people with small prizes.

The Ministry of Education will develop and distribute Dokdo teaching and learning materials that can be used flexibly in both in-person and remote classes this year, support school Dokdo education through the operation of Dokdo Guardian Schools (120 schools nationwide), and conduct Dokdo Education Week.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye said, "I appreciate the participation of the Northeast Asian History Foundation and private companies in promoting the Dokdo Experience Centers, and I hope many students and citizens visit the centers to spread a shared love for Dokdo."

Lee Young-ho, Chairman of the Northeast Asian History Foundation, stated, "We will work harder on Dokdo education and promotion using the Dokdo Experience Centers to correct Japan's territorial sovereignty violations and historical distortions."