Liancourt Rocks
The Liancourt Rocks, also known by their Korean name of Dokdo or their Japanese name of Takeshima, are a group of islets in the Sea of Japan between the Korean peninsula and the Japanese archipelago administered by South Korea. The Liancourt Rocks comprise two main islets and 35 smaller rocks; the total surface area of the islets is 0.187554 square kilometres (46.346 acres) and the highest elevation of 168.5 metres (553 ft) is on the West Islet. The Liancourt Rocks lie in rich fishing grounds that may contain large deposits of natural gas. The English name Liancourt Rocks is derived from Le Liancourt, the name of a French whaling ship that came close to being wrecked on the rocks in 1849.
| Disputed islands | |
|---|---|
Location of the Liancourt Rocks in the Sea of Japan between Japan and South Korea | |
| Other names | Liancourt Islets, Liancourt Islands, Takeshima, Dokdo, Tok Islets |
| Geography | |
| Location | Sea of Japan |
| Coordinates | 37°14′30″N 131°52′0″E |
| Total islands | 91 (37 permanent land) |
| Major islands | East Islet, West Islet |
| Area | 18.745 ha (46.32 acres) East Islet: 7.33 hectares (18.1 acres) West Islet: 8.864 hectares (21.90 acres) |
| Highest elevation | 169 m (554 ft) |
| Highest point | West Islet |
| Administration | |
| County | Ulleung County, North Gyeongsang |
| Claimed by | |
| Town | Okinoshima, Shimane (Japan) |
| County | Ulleung County, North Gyeongsang |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Approximately 34 |
While South Korea controls the islets, its sovereignty over them is contested by Japan. North Korea also claims the territory. South Korea classifies the islets as Dokdo-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung County, North Gyeongsang Province, while Japan classifies the islands as part of Okinoshima, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture.