Getting Closer with the Beauty of Dokdo Island Through Dokdo Security Police’s Experiences
Dokdo island, an island with a surface area of 187,544 m2 with 2 main island, namely Dongdo island with 73,297 m2 and Seodo island with 88,740 m2 is a great place that presents the best spots for you to enjoy sunrise and sunset moment.
The island, which was formerly known as Usando or Gajido, is a home to endemic rare birds such as The Fork Tailed Storm Petrel, The Striped Shearwater, The Red-Footed Eagle, The Swallow bird and many other species of owls, seagulls and geese. In addition, Dokdo Island also stores 80 species of plants and more than 100 species of insects also it rich in marine life containing 100 species of fish and plankton.
Discussing the beauty of Dokdo Island which is also known as a symbol of peace on the east coast of Korea will never end and we will not be able to feel its beauty right now, because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is an honor for me to be able to interview Mr. Lee Jeong Hyung, also known as The Wild Chef. He was once a member of the Dokdo Security Police unit and on this occasion, he was pleased to introduce Dokdo Island much closer from his experience for us.
Questions : Could you explain the activities of the Dokdo Island Security Police?
Answers : First, the primary task of the Dokdo Security Police is Keeping the Dokdo as a guard in the bad weather. As a goodwill ambassador for Dokdo, responsible for the safety of tourists to visit Dokdo Island is number one. Sometimes, when you come ask a question about Dokdo, It’s our role to answer them. Therefore, for the funfact, After i joined the army, i studied Hard Common sense and history about Dokdo.
Questions : Could you tell us whats your experience while being part of the Dokdo Security Police veterans unit?
Answers : The experience of serving in the army is remembered as a recollection which I never to forget it. And Since it’s a place where it’s always a diplomatic issue, During the military service, I worked with great responsibility. Trully, By me this situasion makes dokdo island look so poor, The members were considerate and cooperative with each other and overcame it well. Also on sunny days while on duty, I was able to see the great sunrise and sunset. Like the modifier “home of birds”, I was able to observe various types of birds Closely. ‘Dokdo’ is the most beautiful place in Korea, I recommend you to visit if You have a chance.
Questions : Is there are most memorable experience that you got while being kept on Dokdo Security Police?
Answers : Before joining the army, I liked to enjoy and explore nature, so I often traveled to remote areas around the world, The unspoiled nature of Dokdo was so beautiful compared to any other place that I ever seen before. Sunrise, sunset, and clear constellations in the night sky, I still remember it vividly. Dokdo is located in the Republic of Korea’s easternmost, I also had a special experience of welcoming the sunrise first, mark as its one of my memorable experience to enjoy dokdo landscape.
Questions : At the end of last month, in June to be exact, I heard the news that again and again Japan claimed Dokdo Island as a part of the Japanese Archipelago after displaying a map of Dokdo Island in the opening video of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, how do you respond to this incident?
Answers : Japan constantly distorts history, They’re falsely claiming that Dokdo is their Territory. The shameful attitudes shown at the last Tokyo Olympics are just very disappointing spesifically me as a Korean. Against this distorted argument, As a person of the Korean, I will continue to resist it.
Questions : What does Dokdo Island mean to you as a South Korea citizen?
Answers : Unfortunately, Dokdo is always a diplomatic issue, be a topic of conversation. Dokdo is a historic fact alone shows a clear the territory of the Republic of Korea. Therefore, by me Dokdo Island is a Korea’s precious asset and future that must be kept in the future.
Questions : Currently, is Dokdo Island not allowed to be visited by tourists? If its not true, How the condition of Dokdo Island when visited by tourists and which part is visited by tourists the most?
Answers : No, it’s a wrong fact. Usually, After the new year came, It has never controlled tourists’ visits. And There are some photo spots that are popular with tourists in pier. First, the most popular spot is stone monument (easternmost land of Korea) and the street sign (‘Dokdoisabugil’). Also you can take some pictures of memories as a different pleasure with cool Dokdo Security Police.
Questions : Has there been a lot of community activity on Dokdo Island, which Incidentally is one of the outer islands of South Korea directly Adjacent to Japan? And is access to Dokdo Island easy to reach by visitors?
Answers : Every year, many community groups and tourists are being held various events to visit Dokdo Island. This condition is describe that the enthusiasm for visiting Dokdo Island by local and tourist is still very high. Dokdo Island is accessible only by ferry, because it is a small island, It is never easy to access because the island affected by the sea weather that changes frequently, we don’t know when would it be. Therefore, in Korea, there is even an expression that “the three Generations must build virtue to enter”.
Questions : Is there any military training held on Dokdo Island, if so, what is the kind of military training?
Answers : Yes, various military training and physical training are being conducted in Case of an emergency. It will be difficult to answer the details due to military Confidentiality.
Questions : What your hopes for the future especially for Dokdo Island conflict (if it Still continues) and what are your hopes for both countries, both Japan And South Korea, regarding the activity of claiming this Dokdo Island?
Answers : I hope that the forced argument that distorted history by Japan will stop. But i know that Japan’s argument will not change easily, both the Korean government and the people will resist and keep it until the end.
Lastly, Thank you for a lot of Interest in Dokdo. Please come and play, if you have a chance, you will enjoyed Dokdo Landscape with the best view of nature.