SEOUL, Oct. 16 (Korea Bizwire) – The year 1954 marked a pivotal moment for Dokdo, South Korea’s easternmost islets in the East Sea. It was the year when the lighthouse on Dokdo first illuminated the waters, the Dokdo Volunteer Guard engaged in fierce battles with Japanese forces, and police began their permanent station on the islets.
Now, 70 years later, a commemorative photo exhibition is set to showcase the rich history of Dokdo and the diverse group of individuals who have dedicated themselves to protecting and preserving this small but significant piece of South Korean territory.
The exhibition, titled “70 Years of South Korea’s Love for Dokdo,” is a collaborative effort between the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology’s Ulleungdo-Dokdo Ocean Research Station, the civic group Dokdo Lovers, and members of the National Assembly, including Kim Min-jeon, Kim Tae-ho, and Lee Sang-hwi.
Starting October 22, the exhibition will be held at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building in Seoul, before moving to the Gaon Gallery in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, from October 28 to November 8. It will conclude its run at the Dokdo Promotion Center in Goyang from November 11 to December 31.
The exhibition features approximately 50 photographs that capture the essence of Dokdo’s history and the people who have played crucial roles in its preservation.
Images on display include the iconic Dokdo lighthouse, members of the Dokdo Coast Guard and Volunteer Guard, Choi Jong-deok (a resident of Dokdo), Jeong Gwang-tae (a singer known for his Dokdo-themed songs), passenger ships bound for Dokdo, long-distance swimmers traversing the waters between Ulleungdo and Dokdo, and various research activities conducted on the islets.
“This exhibition aims to remind us of the significance of Dokdo, which has been protected through the collaborative efforts of both the government and civilians,” said a representative from the Ulleungdo-Dokdo Ocean Research Station.
Dokdo (image: Min. of Foreign Affairs)
The exhibition not only celebrates South Korea’s sovereignty over Dokdo but also highlights the ongoing dispute with Japan over the islets.
It serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of South Koreans from all walks of life — including police officers, lighthouse keepers, residents, fishermen, artists, ferry operators, civic groups, and researchers — who have contributed to maintaining South Korea’s presence on Dokdo over the past seven decades.
This aerial file photo, taken Sept. 2, 2021, shows South Korea’s easternmost islets of Dokdo. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Image credit: The Ulleungdo-Dokdo Ocean Research Station / photonews@koreabizwire.com
