Is Ulleungdo Now Japanese Territory? ... Overseas Famous Mountaineering Site's 'Absurd Labeling'

Seokyeongdeok "Will Send Protest Emails to Request Correction"

A controversy has arisen after it was revealed that a famous website used by mountaineers worldwide labeled Ulleungdo as Japanese territory.

Professor Seokyeongdeok from Sungshin Women's University stated on his Facebook on the 4th, "Many netizens reported this to me, so I became aware of the fact that Ulleungdo was labeled as Japanese territory. Upon checking, I found errors in the country labeling and photos."

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

The site in question is 'mountain-forecast,' a website providing mountain weather forecasts worldwide. When searching for 'Ulleungdo' on this site, the Japanese flag appears. Moreover, the background photo used is of Dokdo, not Ulleungdo, which could mistakenly lead people to believe that Dokdo is also Japanese territory.

Professor Seo pointed out, "In 2020, a site that informed the world about Japan's COVID-19 situation labeled Ulleungdo as part of Shimane Prefecture, Japan, causing controversy," adding, "There have been many errors labeling Ulleungdo on famous global websites." He emphasized, "I plan to send a protest email soon to strongly request correction, and together with Korean netizens worldwide, we will strengthen the campaign to correct erroneous labeling of the territory of the Republic of Korea."

Netizens who learned of this news responded with comments such as "Professor Seo is a true patriot," "The government should take strong action," and "If left alone, they might end up calling Korea Japanese territory."

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

Previously, in 2020, the labeling of Ulleungdo and Dokdo on the WHO (World Health Organization) website was also problematic. At that time, Professor Seo pointed out, "Maps introducing Korea did not show Ulleungdo and Dokdo," adding, "This labeling could lead foreigners to mistakenly believe that Ulleungdo and Dokdo are Japanese territory."

He added, "Taking the WHO's country-specific map situation as a lesson, I will continue to investigate the labeling of the East Sea and Dokdo in all international organizations and major global media outlets and consistently work to correct any errors."