1. Historical Precedence and Longevity
The name "East Sea" has been used by Koreans for more than 2,000 years. It is documented in ancient historical texts such as the Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms, 1145 AD) and on various old maps. This proves that the name "East Sea" was established long before "Sea of Japan" began to appear on international maps.
2. A Result of Imperialism and Colonialism
The term "Sea of Japan" became internationally standardized during the early 20th century, specifically during the period of Japanese colonial rule over Korea (1910–1945). At that time, Korea had no diplomatic power to represent its interests in international forums like the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). Therefore, the current dominance of "Sea of Japan" is a painful legacy of Japanese imperialism.
3. International Standards for Geographical Disputes
According to the guidelines of the United Nations Conference on the Standardization of Geographical Names (UNCSGN) and the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), if countries share a common body of water but cannot agree on a single name, they should use both names simultaneously (dual naming). Therefore, until a final agreement is reached, "East Sea" must be used alongside, or instead of, "Sea of Japan."
4. Geographical Fairness and Neutrality
The sea in question is bordered by four countries: South Korea, North Korea, Japan, and Russia. Naming a shared sea after only one of those countries is not only geographically biased but also fails to reflect the shared nature of the waters. "East Sea" is a more inclusive and historically grounded term for this region.
5. Restoration of Cultural Identity
For Koreans, the name "East Sea" is not just a matter of geography; it is a matter of restoring national identity and correcting the historical distortions of the colonial era. Using the correct name is a crucial step in ensuring historical justice in East Asia.
조회 : 1
