Dokdo Island Natural Reserve

Dokdo Island consists of two islets, Dongdo (East Islet) and Seodo (West Islet), together with 89 smaller islets and rocks scattered around them. Dokdo lies on a migratory route for birds and is the only place along Korea's East Sea coast where large colonies of Swinhoe's storm-petrel, streaked shearwater and black-tailed gull breed, so it was designated the "Dokdo Seabird Breeding Ground" on 16 November 1982 and has been protected ever since. However, because Dokdo supports distinctive plant life, has great geological value as an island formed by volcanic eruption, and its surrounding marine life is highly distinctive compared with other regions, its designation was changed to "Dokdo Island Natural Reserve" in December 1999. Dokdo has been Korean territory since the reign of King Jijeung of Silla (r. 500–514), and as an island of great historical significance as well as natural-scientific value, it is designated and protected as a Natural Monument. Dokdo's entire area has been managed as a restricted-access zone, which could be entered only for management or research purposes with the permission of the Administrator of the Korea Heritage Service. However, in response to growing public interest in Dokdo, part of the restricted zone has been lifted since 2005 to improve access and welcome visitors, allowing the public to view the island (restrictions on Dongdo were partially lifted in March 2005, and on part of Seodo in June 2009).

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Ulleung, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물