Ieodo 'protector' sparks imagination of Jeju islanders > 언론 속 이어도

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For Jeju islanders, Ieodo, a submerged rock 4.6 meters below sea level south of Jeju Island, is much more than disputed maritime territory.

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It is a rare combination of their hope and desperation, Professor Koh Choong-suk of Jeju National University department of public administration said Friday.

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“Over the past years, the majority of the islanders have relied heavily on the ocean for their living. The maritime area near the submerged rock is endowed with abundant fishery resources,” Koh told The Korea Times over the phone.

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“Therefore, many fishermen were encouraged to go there for fishing to feed their families. But treacherous sea waves and stormy weather conditions near the island often swallowed them up, leaving them never to return home.”

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Amid deep frustration, bereaved families tried to find hope among anguish.

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They consoled their grief, trying to believe that their lost family members rest in peace in a place where everything needed for sustaining their life is so plentiful that they don’t need to go fishing any more.

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The islanders’ centuries-old deep-seated attachment to the rock has led Koh, who taught public policy to students, to become a “protector” of Ieodo.

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“Back in 2007, the Japanese government stepped up its claim over the Dokdo islets. I was serving as president of Jeju National University back then. I thought I needed to do something to protect our territory,” Koh, 60, said.

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He established a small think tank, dubbed the Society of Ieodo Research based in Jeju, in 2007 to protect the rock from China’s territorial claims.

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The institute has compiled historical and scientific evidence to support that the rock is part of South Korea’s territory.

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As chairman of the group, Koh has also hosted seminars and forums with experts.

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To raise awareness of Ieodo among the general public, he has contributed several opinion articles to several local newspapers.

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His strenuous efforts to safeguard the island followed the Chinese government’s claim over the territory back in 2008 on its website.

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The Korean government demanded China drop the claim, which was later accepted by the Chinese government.

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Earlier, South Korea established the Ieodo Ocean Research Station on the rock. The state-of-the-art ocean, weather and environment observation systems were built to collect and provide information needed for ocean and weather forecasts, fishery forecasts and responses to global environmental challenges on a real-time basis.

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The Society of Ieodo hosted a seminar in Seoul, Friday.

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A group of historians and experts from the think tank gathered to discuss ways to better protect the island from the rekindling of a territory dispute.

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hkang@koreatimes.co.kr

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Professor Koh Choong-sukof Jeju National University

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By Kang Hyun-kyung

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2010/ 12/ 10 - The korea times
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