I am writing to discuss an issue I noticed on your website regarding the naming of the body of water commonly known as the "East Sea," incorrectly referred to as the "Sea of Japan." I would like to share some historical insights and kindly ask for a correction in future publications.
The term 'East Sea' has a deep-rooted history in Korean culture, supported by historical references and ancient maps. On the other hand, the term 'Sea of Japan' can be traced back to Matteo Ricci's "Gonyeo Mangukjeon" of 1602, but its establishment in the 19th century is disputed, as contemporary Japanese maps referred to these waters as the 'Sea of Joseon.'
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Japan's influence in Asia grew, the 'East Sea' gradually became known as the 'Sea of Japan,' especially during Japan's colonial rule over Korea, leading to international acceptance of this designation.
Despite challenges, Korea has consistently advocated for the rightful recognition of the 'East Sea,' especially after the Korean War. For example, the 1965 Korea-Japan Fisheries Agreement saw both nations agree to use 'East Sea' and 'Sea of Japan' in their respective languages. Efforts continued with Korea formally raising the East Sea labeling issue at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Geographical Names Standardization.
The term 'East Sea' holds immense cultural significance for Koreans, spanning over two millennia and finding mention in the opening verse of our national anthem. Unlike Japan, we propose a balanced approach, suggesting the use of both 'East Sea' and 'Japan Sea.'
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