Newsletter

Dokdo advertisements in Time Square and a New York newspaper

While the Korean people were following the news of the naval ship that sank in the West Sea, Japan authorized a textbook that claims Dokdo is Japanese territory. It is all the more agitating given that this is not Japan's first attempt at geographical and historical distortions. What is worrisome, however, is that Korea will merely repeat the cycle of public anger followed by apathy or that the issue will die out after a bout of heated debates.

There are divergent views on the recent billboard advertisements in New York City and along some U.S. highways advocating Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo. Those that support active overseas promotion of Dokdo stress the need to provide foreigners with accurate information about the island. However, opponents call for an end to such promotional activities, arguing that making an issue out of Dokdo over which Korea has de facto control may backfire.

It is not desirable for Korea to simply lash out whenever a Dokdo-related issue breaks out. Korea needs to approach the issue in a more systematic fashion and develop a coherent argument defending Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo. Providing accurate information overseas is especially important.

Dokdo promotion tailored to the target audience.

We frequently read about how Korean businesses are making successful entries into overseas markets in all corners of the globe. The secret of their success lies in high-quality products that are customized to local sensibilities and needs. How does this relate to the Dokdo promotional activities carried out by the government and the Northeast Asian History Foundation? It comes down to developing a coherent argument and carrying out promotional activities tailored to the sensibilities and needs of the target audience.

Since its founding, the Foundation has undertaken a thorough analysis of historical sources—i.e., diverse documents and ancient maps—on Dokdo and the East Sea. It has also examined pertinent institutions—i.e., regulations and international law—to shed light on historical facts and develop a coherent argument defending Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo. For instance, "East Sea and Dokdo in Old Maps," an exhibition recently held at the National Assembly Library, was the product of the Foundation's analysis of the naming of the East Sea and Dokdo in old maps published by the Japanese government. The exhibition demonstrated that Japan's claims today are groundless. The Foundation's findings were systematized and helped formulate the government's foreign policy regarding geographical naming. Thanks to the Foundation's work, the government was able to make a strong claim for the inclusion of the name "East Sea" alongside "Sea of Japan" at an international conference. Similarly, many mapmakers around the world have accepted the Foundation's argument and now include the "East Sea" in their maps.

Nevertheless, there needs to be an evaluation of whether the Foundation's overseas promotional activities are appropriate for the needs and the level of Dokdo awareness of the target audience. Given the ethnic and religious diversity in a given nation and the varied political positions and economic standings of its people, a simple, one-way transmission of information may not always be desirable. The government is surveying Korea's national image abroad. However, when it comes to the sovereignty over Dokdo and the naming of the East Sea, a survey has yet to be done to gauge the awareness level among foreigners, the target audience of the government and the Foundation's promotional activities.

Targeting foreign geography educators and Korean studies scholars

The 1st Seminar for Overseas Geography Educators organized by the Foundation was held on November 11, 2009. I did a survey to gauge the participants' level of awareness concerning Dokdo and the geographical naming of the East Sea. The participants said they had not known much about the two issues prior to the seminar but that the seminar sparked their interest in issues. In the meantime, the participants also wanted specific knowledge and information on Korean culture, history, and geography as well as on the relations between the two Koreas, the Korean educational system, and the process of Korea's democratization and economic growth after the Korean War.

The survey results point to two important considerations. First, foreign geography educators know little to nothing about Dokdo and the naming of the East Sea, two issues the government and the Foundation are trying to promote overseas. These educators are at the forefront of the dissemination of Korea-related information and knowledge. Thus, it is important to first determine the level of Korea awareness and understanding among overseas geography educators. Then, they must be provided with the information and knowledge they need and want.

Second, there must be support for the development of educational content that foreign geography educators will need in order to conduct Korea-related classes. In the long run, this is the most effective means by which Korea can secure international understanding and support for the territorial issues confronting us. We must also nurture authors of overseas geography textbooks and Korea experts and scholars abroad. We also need to develop a system through which we can provide them with historical records, statistics, photographs, and other resources that aid their dissemination of an accurate understanding of Korea.

To this end, we must move away from the unilateral assertion of our position. Rather, we must engage in the exchange of information and cooperation and base our activities on scientific evidence. When it comes to diplomatically sensitive issues such as Dokdo sovereignty and the geographical naming of the East Sea, we should consider subsuming pertinent promotional activities under the larger national policy framework of "Spreading an Accurate Understanding of Korea." It is also vital that a system is put in place for relevant research findings, experiences, and best practices to be shared among public relations officers in charge of international promotional activities.

Korea should not simply hold short-lived protests against the Japanese government whenever Dokdo and East Sea issues flare up. Rather, Korea should develop educational content and materials on Dokdo and East Sea naming that are based on historical facts and sources. The distribution of such content and materials to overseas geography educators would be a more effective method of preventing Japan's attempts at historical distortions in its textbooks. It is high time for Korea to start working on a new chapter of our efforts at spreading awareness and understanding around the world about our sovereignty over Dokdo and the geographical naming of the East Sea.