The term 'East Sea' has been used by Koreans for over two millennia, supported by numerous historical sources and ancient maps. Conversely, the designation 'Sea of Japan' can be traced back to Matteo Ricci's "Gonyeo Mangukjeon" in 1602, as indicated in several historical records. Claims that the name was established in the 19th century are contested, particularly since contemporary Japanese maps identified these waters as the 'Sea of Joseon.'
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with Japan's regional ascendancy, the 'East Sea' gradually became widely known as the 'Sea of Japan.' Notably, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) published the first edition of "Limits of Oceans and Seas" in 1929, during Japan's colonial rule over Korea, which contributed to the international dissemination of the 'Sea of Japan' label.
Despite ongoing challenges, our nation has consistently advocated for the rightful recognition of the 'East Sea.' For example, during the 1965 Korea-Japan Fisheries Agreement, both nations reached a compromise to acknowledge 'East Sea' and 'Sea of Japan' in their respective language versions. Subsequent efforts included Korea formally raising the East Sea naming issue at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Geographical Names Standardization.
The term 'East Sea' holds profound cultural significance for the 75 million Korean people, enduring for over two millennia and even finding a place in the first verse of our national anthem. Unlike Japan, we advocate for a balanced approach, suggesting the use of both 'East Sea' and 'Japan Sea.'
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