Ulleung-gun Dokdo Museum to Operate 'Dokdo Academy' Education Program This Year

The Dokdo Museum in Ulleung-gun, Gyeongbuk, will operate the "2024 Dokdo Academy for Public Officials" from March 27 to November 8, 2024.

The appearance of the 352nd class of Dokdo Academy last year.

Since its inception in 2008, the Dokdo Academy has contributed to strengthening Dokdo sovereignty and raising territorial sovereignty awareness among public officials nationwide. It has coexisted with the local community and produced about 35,000 trainees over the past 16 years.

The 2024 Dokdo Academy is scheduled to hold a total of 23 sessions, including six 3-night 4-day courses that were newly introduced last year and received positive feedback from trainees. The 3-night 4-day courses include hiking to Seonginbong and Gitdaebong peaks, walking the Nari Basin Albong trail, and the Haedamgil trail, offering a closer experience of Ulleungdo's unique nature. These courses have been very popular among trainees, with applications closing within 20 minutes due to high demand.

Encouraged by the support of trainees, the 2024 Dokdo Academy has incorporated various opinions collected directly from participants in the field and adjusted the number of passengers per vehicle to 25 or fewer for their convenience.

Additionally, to realistically address the lodging issues most frequently raised by trainees, the academy will offer a dual option between standard lodging and resort upgrade accommodations.

Ulleung-gun reported that the first half of the year’s sessions, including the 3-night 4-day courses through June, received such enthusiastic responses that applications closed within a day. To accommodate those disappointed by the early closure, plans are underway to increase capacity. The academy also pledged to continuously improve and make every effort to provide better experiences for trainees.

Nam Han-kwon, the county governor, stated, “Through the Dokdo Academy, I hope trainees will enhance their awareness of Dokdo sovereignty, contribute to establishing territorial rights, and become a vanguard in protecting our country’s territory. I also hope they will help promote the value and beauty of Ulleungdo and Dokdo to the entire nation, making it a popular destination for many.”