Using a proper name for the body of water between the Korean peninsula and the Japanese archipelago is not simply a question of changing the name of a geographical feature. It is part of the national effort by the Korean people to erase the legacy of Japanese Imperialism and to redress the unfairness that has resulted from it.

It is an absolute mistake to hear just one side of the story and to blindly follow. If we leave these kinds of things alone, it causes serious problems that disturb the order of international society.

For your reference, Dorling & Kindersley, one of biggest textbook publishers, worldatlas.com, one of prominent online map provider, and one of the biggest mapmakers, National Geographic promised us that they would now use the name 'East Sea.' In addition, these websites are already using the name, 'East Sea' on their website after we pointed out the error.

As a member of the Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK), I urge you to use 'East Sea' to describe the body of water in question or to use both Korean and Japanese designation simultaneously (e.g. 'East Sea/Sea of Japan') in all of your contents and maps.
According to IHO and UNCSGN, in case of topographical feature shared with two or more countries, yet naming differently in their own languages, all of the names in each language should be marked.

To read full sentences of these gists, please visit this website athttp://www.prkorea.com/english/e_truth/e_truth3_3.htm

Once Korea and Japan agree on a common designation, that is in accord with the general rule of international cartography, we will then follow the agreed-on designation.
Thank you for reading and we would appreciate your favorable consideration. We would be grateful for your explanation as to why you chose to use ‘Sea of Japan’.
Please email us at eastsea@prkorea.org.