S. Korea publishes comprehensive Dokdo atlas

SEOUL, Aug. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has published a new atlas encompassing the
geographic characteristics, economy and future development of the Dokdo islets in
the East Sea, the government said Monday.
The book by the National Geographic Information Institute (NGII) is 318 pages
long and written in both Korean and English. It can also be accessed on the Web
at http://ngii.go.kr.
The NGII, which is under the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs,
said the book is the first of its kind by the central government. Besides
geographical features, the atlas highlights the economic aspects and latest
academic studies related to the rocky islets.
Dokdo, which lies 87km southeast of Ulleung Island, is made up of two islets and
scores of rock formations. A contingent of South Korean police are stationed on
one islet, and several fishermen live on another seasonally.
Japan has claimed sovereignty over the territory for decades, although Seoul has
made clear that the islets are historically and administratively a part of South
Korea.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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