뉴스레터

The Dokdo Museum opened a special exhibition titled 「1947, Journey of Academic Investigation to Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo Island」 on August 16, 2023. This exhibition marked the first special exhibition held by the Dokdo Museum since the museum expanded and moved to Yeongdeungpo. It consisted of materials related to the academic investigation of Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo Island, donated to the foundation by the Corean Alpine Club in 2021.

Donation of Materials from the Corean Alpine Club

  During preparations for the expansion and relocation of the Dokdo Museum, while I was researching relevant materials, I discovered that the original document of 「The First Plan of Academic Investigation for Ulleungdo Island」 is held by Corean Alpine Club. This led to an opportunity to meet with representatives from the Corean Alpine Club. When I visited the office of the Corean Alpine Club to see the original document of the investigation plan, I discovered that a substantial amount of materials related to the academic investigation of Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo Island were stored there, in addition to 「The First Plan of Academic Investigation for Ulleungdo Island」. Under the condition that we promise to manage and preserve the valuable materials and actively utilize them for the exhibition, they donated 72 documents related to the National land investigation project, including the academic investigation of Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo Island, as well as 122 digital materials, such as photographs. As a result, in November 2021, the foundation and the Corean Alpine Club signed a business agreement.

Discovery of Unreleased Documents

  Among the materials donated by the Corean Alpine Club, some documents were purchased by Byun Kitae, the current president of the Corean Alpine Club. These documents appear to have been written and collected by Song Seokha (1904-1948), the inaugural president of the Corean Alpine Club (then known as the Joseon Alpine Club) and the leader of the first academic investigation team of Ulleungdo Island. Within these documents are round-trip correspondence letters between the Joseon Alpine Club and the Coast Guard discussing the provision of vessels for the dispatch of the first academic investigation of Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo Island, letters from the Japan Section of the Interim Government’s Foreign Affairs Department requesting a visit by the president of the Joseon Alpine Club, and a business trip order from the US Army Military Government authorizing Korean officials of the Interim Government to travel to Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo Island. These documents have not been known to academic communities until now. According to research by Hong Sung-geun, manager of the Foundation’s Education and Public Relations, these documents reveal new facts about the process of the dispatch of the first academic investigation team of Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo Island in 1947 and the role of the Interim Government. Additionally, these documents carry historical significance as they serve as public proof of the Interim Government’s dispatch of the Dokdo Island investigation team.

Meeting with a Member of the Academic Investigation Team

  Among the materials donated by the Corean Alpine Club, there was a diary titled 『Dokdo Expedition Diary』. 『Dokdo Expedition Diary』 is a diary of member Kim Yeondeok, who participated in the third academic Investigation of Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo Island in 1953. It recorded the daily weather, journey, and his feelings from October 11, 1953, when he departed from Seoul to October 17, when he returned from the investigation. It is not an exaggeration to say that this vivid record of the youngest member, Kim Yeondeok, who was an engineering student at Seoul National University at the time, was the starting point for the planning of this exhibition. We had a chance to interview the team member, Kim Yeondeok, and the video of the interview can be seen at the exhibition. As a living witness of the academic Investigation of Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo Island, Kim Yeondeok also honored the opening ceremony of the Dokdo Museum with his presence.

Opening of the Exhibition

  On August 16, 2023, the day the first academic Investigation team of Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo Island departed Seoul 76 years ago, the Dokdo Museum’ special exhibition 「1947, Journey of Academic Investigation to Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo Island」 opened. The exhibition showcases documents related to the academic investigation plan, the far and rough routes to Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo Island, and various academic investigation activities.

  The period from 1947 to 1953, during which the first to third academic investigations were conducted, was marked by significant events in modern Koreanhistory, including the U.S. Army military government rule, the Korean War, and the armistice. It was a time of chaos, with even basic survival being a challenge. Nevertheless, both the Corean Alpine Club and the Korean government continued their efforts to conduct investigations of Dokdo Island. I hope the will of the many people who tried to defend Dokdo Island even in difficult times can be conveyed to the visitors of the exhibition.