Dokdo Islands have always been the far outpost of our territory.

Located only 54 miles from Ulleungdo (Ulleung-gun county) in the East Sea, The Dokdo Island Natural Reserve (Korea's Natural Monument No. 336, preserved as a 'Natural Preservation Area') is a group of 89 islands with two main islands -- East Island (동도), with an elevation of 98.6m, and West Island (서도), with an elevation of 168.5m -- and is currently under the protective jurisdiction of Gyeongsangbuk-do Dokdo Security Police Force.

Dokdo Islands are a "significant size under-water mountain," with the highest region rising above sea level, surrounding waters an average depth of 2,000 meters.

Dokdo and Ulleungdo began their formation from underwater volcanic activity about 4.6 million years ago, and finally surfaced above water about 2.95 million year ago, according to the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (한국해양과학기술원), based on analysis of volcanic rocks at Dokdo Islands.

According to Ulleungdo residents, upon Japan's occupation of Ulleungdo and Dokdo Islands following their victory in the Russo-Japanese War (1904 – 1905), irreplaceable trees from ancient forests, including some cedars hundreds and thousands of years old, which are highly valued for their slow growth under the harsh climate of the East Sea and famously revered for their intense fragrance when burned as incense, were chopped down along with other huge lumber trees traditionally used in building the islands' fishing boats. Top quality lumber trees were lost forever due to the careless deforestation in Ulleungdo.

In addition, Dokdo Islands had been home to the Dokdo Sea Lion (독도 강치), which were heavily hunted by the Japanese starting in the early 1900's and methodically slaughtered during the Japanese colonial period. The Sea Lions have since vanished from the islands.

The area around Dokdo Islands has always been a great fishing ground, and many fishing boats are still operating in the area day and night.

On June 8, 1948, fishing boats operating near Dokdo Islands became casualties of U.S. military bombing exercises. Officially, 16 were killed, but some claim 150-200 casualties from the U.S. bombing incident. As of yet, no official report has been made public, with many injured survivors no longer alive. There is a memorial for the deceased fishermen on the island to remember their sacrifice.

In line with Korea's reputation for IT prowess, LTE cell phone signals are strong all over the East Sea, including Dokdo Islands.

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