Is Dokdo Airport Located on Tsushima Island? ... Absurd Error on Google Maps

Professor Seokyeongdeok "Error Related to Dokdo on Google Maps"

It has come to light that the map application Google Maps contains incorrect information about Dokdo, sparking controversy.

On the 11th, Professor Seokyung Deok of Sungshin Women's University stated on his Facebook, "A major error regarding Dokdo has occurred on 'Google Maps,' provided by the world's largest search site, Google." He explained, "When you enter the Google Maps app and search for Dokdo with a space after it, the related search list shows 'Dokdo Airport.' Under 'Dokdo Airport,' the address 'Nagasaki Prefecture, Tsushima City, Mitsushima Town...' in Japan is written, and clicking on it directs you to 'Tsushima (Daemado) Airport.'"

Dokdo. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Professor Seo pointed out, "After verifying through reports from netizens, an absurd situation was found on Google. There is no airport on Dokdo. The fact that the item 'Dokdo Airport' itself is included is problematic, but directing users to 'Tsushima Airport' upon clicking is an even bigger issue."

He also noted, "Google Maps labels Dokdo as 'Dokdo' only within South Korea, while in Japan it is labeled as 'Takeshima,' showing a dual attitude. Furthermore, worldwide on Google Maps, Dokdo is labeled as 'Liancourt Rocks,' which is also a significant problem."

The Liancourt Rocks name originates from 1849 when the French first discovered Dokdo and named it after the French whaling ship Liancourt. Additionally, before Japan labeled Dokdo as 'Takeshima' (the Japanese name claimed for Dokdo), this term was spread internationally as a neutral name between Korea and Japan.

[Image source=Seokyungdeok, Professor at Sungshin Women's University, Facebook]

Professor Seo announced that he will demand Google Maps remove the 'Dokdo Airport' entry and send a protest email regarding the labeling of Dokdo as 'Liancourt Rocks' and 'Takeshima.'

Netizens who learned of this news responded with comments such as, "It's absurd to say there is an airport on Dokdo, and even more absurd to direct to Tsushima Airport," "I will send a protest email to Google," "Isn't Japan belittling our country?" and "No matter how much they insist it's their land, Dokdo is our land."