Liancourt Rocks

The Liancourt Rocks consist of two main islets and numerous surrounding rocks. The two main islets, called Seodo () and Dongdo () in Korean and Ojima (男島; "Male Island") and Mejima (女島; "Female Island") in Japanese, are apart. The Western Island is the larger of the two, with a wider base and higher peak, while the Eastern Island offers more usable surface area. Altogether, there are about 90 islets and reefs, volcanic rocks formed in the Cenozoic era, more specifically 4.6 to 2.5 million years ago. A total of 37 of these islets are recognized as permanent land. The total area of the islets is about , with their highest point at on the West Islet. The western islet is about ; the eastern islet is about . The western islet consists of a single peak and features many caves along the coastline. The cliffs of the eastern islet are about high. There are two large caves giving access to the sea, as well as a crater. In 2006, a geologist reported that the islets formed 4.5 million years ago and are (in a geological sense) quickly eroding. == Tourism ==

Restricted public access to the rocks for a variety of purposes is provided by ferry from Ulleungdo. In 2025, 192,122 tourists visited the islands, averaging 500 visitors per day. ==Distances==

The Liancourt Rocks are located at about . The western islet is located at and the Eastern Islet is located at . The Liancourt Rocks are situated at a distance of from the main island of Japan (Honshu) and from mainland South Korea. The nearest Japanese island, Oki Islands, is at a distance of , ==Climate==

Owing to their location and small size, the Liancourt Rocks can have harsh weather. If the swell is greater than 3 to 5 metres, then landing is not possible, so on average ferries can only dock about once in forty days. Overall, the climate is warm and humid, and heavily influenced by warm sea currents. Precipitation is high throughout the year (annual average—), with occasional snowfall. Fog is common. In summer, southerly winds dominate. The water around the islets is about in early spring, when the water is coldest, warming to about in late summer. ==Ecology==

s at Liancourt Rocks during a Japanese sealing operation in 1934 The islets are volcanic rocks, with only a thin layer of soil and moss. About 49 plant species, 107 bird species, and 93 insect species have been found to inhabit the islets, in addition to local marine life with 160 algal and 368 invertebrate species identified. Although between 1,100 and 1,200 litres of fresh water flow daily, desalinization plants have been installed on the islets for human consumption because existing spring water suffers from guano contamination. Since the early 1970s trees and some types of flowers were planted. According to historical records, there used to be trees indigenous to Liancourt Rocks, which have supposedly been wiped out by overharvesting and fires caused by bombing drills over the islets. A recent investigation, however, identified ten spindle trees aged 100–120 years. It is ecologically significant as a habitat for numerous seabirds as well as diverse plant and marine life. Because of its unique vegetation, geological features, and wildlife habitat, the Republic of Korea designated it as Natural Monument in November 1982, recognizing its high natural and scientific value under the country’s cultural heritage protection framework. There has been on-going efforts to protect and preserve the surrounding environment. ==Construction==

South Korea has carried out construction work on the Liancourt Rocks; by 2009, the islands had a lighthouse, helicopter pad, and a police barracks. In 2007, two desalination plants were built capable of producing 28 tons of clean water every day. Both of the major South Korean telecommunications companies have installed cellular telephone towers on the islets. ==History==

) Whaling U.S. and French whaleships cruised for right whales off the rocks between 1849 and 1892. Demographics and economy As of March 2026, there are three office staffs, two lighthouse managers, and twenty police personnel living on the islets. In March 1965, Choi Jong-duk moved from the nearby Ulleungdo to the islets to make a living from octopus fishing. He also helped install facilities from May 1968. In 1981, Choi Jong-duk changed his administrative address to the Liancourt Rocks, making himself the first person to officially live there. He died there in September 1987. His son-in-law, Cho Jun-ki, and his wife also resided there from 1985 until they moved out in 1992. Meanwhile, in 1991, Kim Sung-do and Kim Shin-yeol transferred to the islets as permanent residents, still continuing to live there. In October 2018, Kim Sung-do died, followed by Kim Shin-yeol in March 2026. The South Korean government gave its approval to allow 1,597 visitors to visit the islets in 2004. Since March 2005, more tourists have received approval to visit. The South Korean government lets up to 70 tourists land at any given time; one ferry provides rides to the islets every day. Tour companies charge around 350,000 Korean won per person (about US$310 ). Sovereignty dispute Sovereignty over the islands has been an ongoing point of contention in Japan–South Korea relations. There are conflicting interpretations about the historical state of sovereignty over the islets. South Korean claims are partly based on references to an island called Usando () in various medieval historical records, maps, and encyclopedia such as Samguk Sagi, Annals of Joseon Dynasty, Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam, and Dongguk munhon bigo. According to the South Korean view, these refer to today's Liancourt Rocks. Japanese researchers of these documents have claimed the various references to Usan-do refer at different times to Jukdo, its neighboring island Ulleungdo, or a non-existent island between Ulleungdo and Korea. The first printed usage of the name Dokdo was in a Japanese log book in 1904. North Korea also regards the islands as Korean, and as it claims the entirety of Korea, North Korea claims the islands as its own and contests Japan's claim to the islands alongside South Korea. File:South Korean "Tokto" postage stamps, c. 1954.png|South Korean stamps depicting the Liancourt Rocks from 1954 File:Dokdo-Police boat.jpg|A South Korean police boat approaches the dock on the Liancourt Rocks' East Islet. Natural Monument of South Korea The Liancourt Rocks were designated as a breeding ground for band-rumped storm petrels, streaked shearwaters, and black-tailed gulls as Natural Monument #336 of South Korea on November 29, 1982. == See also ==

References • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ==External links==