Dokdo/Takeshima Dispute — Complete Guide: History, Geography, International Law

Dokdo (Takeshima) is the most acute territorial dispute in Korea-Japan relations. Two main islands + 89 rocks, currently under Korean effective control with a permanent police garrison.

Geography: Which Country Is Closer?

• Korea's Ulleungdo → Dokdo: ~87.4km (visible from Ulleungdo on clear days)

• Japan's Oki Islands → Dokdo: ~157.5km (not visible)

Dokdo is 1.8x farther from Oki than from Ulleungdo. Physically, Korea is overwhelmingly closer.

Note: By mainland distance, Japan's Shimane (~211km) is actually slightly closer than Korea's Pohang (~258km). But in international law, the "nearest inhabited island" comparison matters most: Ulleungdo (87km) vs Oki (157km).

Historical Evidence — Both Sides

Korea's Evidence

1. 512 AD Usan-guk: Silla's annexation. Japan counters: no proof Usan-guk included Dokdo.
2. 1454 Sejong Geography: Mentions "Usando" as separate island. Japan: Usando ≠ Dokdo proof is unclear.
3. 1696 An Yong-bok: Joseon fisherman asserted sovereignty in Japan → Edo Shogunate banned Ulleungdo voyages.
4. 1900 Imperial Decree No. 41: Lists "Seokdo (石島)" under Uldo County. Korea: Seokdo = Dokdo. Japan: No direct proof.

Japan's Evidence

1. 1905 Shimane Notice No. 40: Incorporation of terra nullius. Korea: Same year as Eulsa Treaty — imperial aggression, not legal.
2. 1951 San Francisco Treaty: Dokdo not listed in territories Japan must abandon. Korea: Early drafts included it; removal was Cold War politics.
3. Rusk Letter (1951): US stated Dokdo was never treated as Korean territory. Korea: Non-public letter, one country's opinion, no legal binding.

Why Not Go to ICJ?

Japan: Proposed ICJ in 1954, 1962, 2012. "Let international law decide."

Korea refuses because: (1) "Dokdo is not a disputed territory" — going to ICJ admits dispute exists; (2) Current controller has nothing to gain — win = status quo, lose = lose Dokdo; (3) ICJ requires both parties' consent.

Who Would Win at ICJ?

International law scholars: "Impossible to predict." Korea's strengths: 70+ years effective control, geographic proximity. Japan's strengths: 1905 incorporation validity, SF Treaty omission, Rusk Letter. Korea has zero incentive to go regardless of win probability.