Dokdo-or-Takeshima?

The following Korean map showed Usando (于山島) just northeast of Ulleungdo (鬱陵島), suggesting again that Usando was just an old name for Ulleungdo's neighboring island of Jukdo. The map also gives 100 ri for the area (地 方百里) of Ulleungdo, which matches that written in many other Korean documents. It also says that the distance to Ulleungdo was "two days travel time by sea" (水路二日程) from the mainland, which also matches what was written on several other Korean maps and in Korean documents. Since there was no travel time mentioned for Usando, we can safely assume that it was just a nearby, neighboring island of Ulleungdo, not Dokdo (Liancourt Rocks), as many Koreans claim. The date of the map is unknown, but, according to the Takeshima Research Center, HERE, it is similar to other Korean maps made in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In June 1905, after the defeat of the Russian navy in the Sea of Japan, the Japanese Warship Hashidate was sent to Takeshima (Liancourt Rocks) to determine the suitability of building a watch tower on the island. On June 13, the Hashidate and her crew arrived at Takeshima, where they found about thirty-five fishermen from Oki Island hunting sea lions with guns and nets. The man in charge of the fishermen was Nakai Yozaburo, the Japanese businessman who petitioned the Japanese government in September 1904 to incorporate the islets into Japanese territory. (Takeshima was incorporated into Japanese territory on February 22, 1905. You can read an English translation of Nakai Yozaburo's petition HERE.)

Saito Hosen's "Onshu Shicho Goki" can be seen at the following site:
http://www.pref.shimane.lg.jp/soumu/web-takeshima/takeshima04/takeshima04_01/takeshima04c.data/4-4-5-01.pdf

The famous sentences are included in the fourth page. I myself copied the original sentences here:

隠岐ノ国ト名付賜フ之

其府者周吉郡南岸西郷豊崎也　従是南至雲州美穂関三十五里

辰巳伯州赤崎浦へ四十里　未申至石州温ノ津五十八里　自子至卯無可往地　戌亥間行フ二日一有松嶋　又一日程有竹嶋　（俗言磯竹嶋多竹魚海鹿）　此二嶋無人之地　見高麗如自雲州望隠州　然則日本乾地以　此州為限矣

To follow is the translation:

…named “Oki no kuni” (Country of Oki ).

Its center is Saigo Toyosaki, south bank of
Suki-gun（周吉郡）.

If you go 35-ri south you will get to Miho-no-seki of Unshu.

If you go 40-ri Southeast you’ll get to Akasaki of Hakushu (mid-west of Tottori prefecture).

If you go 58-ri Southwest you’ll get to Yu-no-tsu of Sekisyu (west of Shimane prefecture).

From north to east there is no place to go.

If you go to northwest you will get to Matsushima in 2 days, and you’ll get
to Takeshima in one more day. (This is so-called Iso-takeshima. Rich in bamboo,
fish and sealions) These two are uninhibited islands. From there you can view Korea, it is just like you view Onshu (Oki island) from Unshu (east of Shimane prefecture, mainland of Japan). So then, the northwest of Japan, we make this place to be the boundary.

Pro-Korean people has used this document as a proof that "Japan admitted Oki islands were boundary, Liancourt rocks belonged to Korea", but it's not true.

Please note that the text says that the center of Oki is Saigo (at Togo of Oki islands) . Then the author explains south, southeast, southwest, north to east, and northwest, where Matsushima (Liancourt rocks) and Takeshima (Ulleungdo) locate. And the author thought that this place (Ulleungdo) must be the boundary because he could see Korea from the island. Korea looked very near just like seeing Oki island from the mainland of Japan. So the boundary Saitoh Hosen thought was apparently Ulleungdo, not Oki islands.

The following are excerpts from the 1th edition of the China Sea Directory, Vol. 4, which was published by Hydrographic Office of the British Admiralty in 1884:

The SEA of JAPAN, bounded on the east and south by the Japan islands, and on the west and north-west by the coasts of Korea and Russian Tartary is about 900 miles long, NNE and SSW, and 600 miles East and West, at its broadest part. Surrounded by land on all sides, this sea is only accessible by the following narrow passages:- To the south by the Korea strait, which connects it with the China sea; to the east by La Perouse and Tsugar straits, by which it communicates with the Pacific; and to the north by the gulf of Tartary, through which it communicates with the sea of Okhotsk by the gulf of Amur; this sea is, as far as is known, clear of rocks or dangers with the following exceptions:

- Liancourt Rocks, Matsu Sima(Dagelet island) and Waywoda Rock.

LIANCOURT ROCKS are named after the French ship Liancourt, which discovered them in 1849; they were also called Menalai and Olivutsa rocks by the Russian frigate Pallas in 1854, and Hornet islands by H. M. S. Hornet in 1855. Captain Forsyth, of the latter vessel, gives their position as lat. 37°14′N. long. 131°55′E., and describes them as being two barren rocky islets, covered with guano, which makes them appear white; they are about a mile in extent N. W. by W. and S. E. by E., a quarter of a mile apart, and apparently joined together by a reef. The western islet, elevated about 410 feet above the sea, has a sugar-loaf form; the easternmost is much lower and flat-topped. The water appeared deep close-to, but they are dangerous from their position, being directly in the track of vessels steering up the Sea of Japan for Hakodate.

The following are excerpts from the 3th edition of the China Sea Directory, Vol. 4, which was published by Hydrographic Office of the British Admiralty in 1894:

Table of Contents

Chapter I. General remarks. Korea. Siberian Maritime province. Japan. (1-39). Chapter II. West, South-West, and South Coasts of Korea; and Korea Strait. (40-135). Chapter III. Sea of Japan. - East Coast of Korea and the Maritime Province. - Gulf of Tartary and River Amur. - Tartary Strait. - Sea of Okhotsk, and Kamchatka. (136-190). Chapter IV. Mariana or Ladrone Islands. - Islands South-East of Japan. - Meiaco Sima, Liu Kiu, and Linschoten Groups. (191-236). Chapter V. The Japan Islands, Comprising the South and East Coasts of Kiusiu, Sikok, and Nipon, and the Islands lying South of Tokyo Gulf. (237-340). Chapter VI. The Seto Uchi, or Inland Sea; and its Approaches. (341-442). Chapter VII. Japan Islands. - The Goto Islands, and the West Coasts of Kiusiu and Nipon. (443-557). Chapter VIII. Japan Islands. - Tsugaru Strait; North Coast of Nipon; Yezo Island; Saghalin and Kuril Islands. (558-641). Glossary of Japanese words used in the Charts and Sailing Directions (642). Index (643-695). List of Sailing Directions, &c., published by the Hydrographic Department of the Admiralty (697-704).

In Chapter 3

JAPAN Sea, bounded on the east and south by the Japan islands, and on the west and north-west by the coasts of Korea and the Russian Maritime Province is about 900 miles long, NNE and SSW, and 600 miles East and West, at its broadest part. Surrounded by land on all sides, this sea is only accessible by the following narrow passages:- To the south by the Korea strait, which connects it with the China sea; to the east by La Perouse and Tsugar straits, by which it communicates with the Pacific; and to the north by the gulf of Tartary, through which it communicates with the sea of Okhotsk by the gulf of Amur; this sea is, as far as is known, clear of rocks or dangers with the following exceptions:

- Liancourt Rocks and Matsu Sima(Dagelet island).

LIANCOURT ROCKS are named after the French ship Liancourt, which discovered them in 1849; they were also called Menalai and Olivutsa rocks by the Russian frigate Pallas in 1854, and Hornet islands by H. M. S. Hornet in 1855. Captain Forsyth, of the latter vessel, gives their position as lat. 37°14′N. long. 131°55′E., and describes them as being two barren rocky islets, covered with guano, which makes them appear white; they are about a mile in extent N. W. by W. and S. E. by E., a quarter of a mile apart, and apparently joined together by a reef. The western islet, elevated about 410 feet above the sea, has a sugar-loaf form; the easternmost is much lower and flat-topped. The water appeared deep close-to, but these rocks are dangerous from their position, being near the track of vessels steering up the sea of Japan for Hakodate.

MATSU SIMA (Dagelet island) is a collection of sharp conical hills, well clothed with wood, crowned by an imposing peak, 4000 feet high, in the centre, in lat.37'30'N., long. 130"53'E. The island is 18 miles in circumference, and semicircular in shape.　 A rock, with a depth of only 2 to 3 feet on it,lies on the north-east side of Matsu sima, with Boussole rock S.S.W 1･4W.about 2+3/4miles. (Reported by the German steamer Wirmar, 1888. See chart #2347.)　

There are several detached rocks along the shore of Matu siima, principally, however, on the north and east sides, some reaching an elevation of 400 to 500 feet. With the exception of the rock already mentioned, they are all, like the island, steep-to, and the lead affords no warning, but none of them are more than a quarter of a mile from the cliffs, except the Boussole rock, the largest , which is 7 cables from the east shore of the island. Hole rock on the north shore is remarkable, from having a large hole, or rather a natural arch way through it, while nealy abreast in on the shore is a smooth but very steep sugar-loaf hill, apparently of bare granite, about 800 feet high. A small rock lies off Seal point, the southern extreme of the island.

The sides of the island are so steep, that soundings could only be obtained by the Actaeon's boats, almost at the base of the cliffs, while at 4 miles to the southward, no bottom could be found at 400 fathoms; and 2+1/4 miles north none at 366 fathoms. Landing may be effected in fine weather, with difficulty, no some small shingly beaches which occur at intervals, but the greater part of the island is inaccesible.

During the spring and summer months some Koreans reside on the island, and build junks, which they take across to the mainland; they also collect and dry large quantities of shell fish. Except for a few iron clamps, their boats are all wood-fastened, and they do not appear to appreciate the value of seasoned timber, as they invariably use quite green wood.

I noticed that the directory mentioned the rock off Seal Point, which is at the southern tip of Ulleungdo.

The following are excerpts from the 1904 edition of Sailing Directions, which was published by Hydrographic Office of the British Admiralty. It replaced the publication China Sea Directory.

Table of Contents

Chapter I. General Remarks (1-37): Korea: Population. -Trade. -Treaty ports. -Climate (1-4). Russian Maritime Province: Population. -Trade. -Buoyage. -Railways. -Climate (4-11). Japan: General remarks. -Rivers. -Earthquakes. -Productions. Treaty ports. -Dockyards. -Communications. -Storm signals. -Buoyage. -Pilots. -Climate (11-19). Winds, typhoons, &c., general remarks on (19-27). Currents. -Tides. -Passages (27-37).

Chapter II. West and South Coasts of Korea, with off-lying islands (38-87).

Chapter III. Quelpart island, and South and South-East Coasts of Korea (88-126).

Chapter IV. Sea of Japan, west shore. -East Coast of Korea and Russian Maritime province to lat. 45.5°N. (127-205).

Chapter V. Gulf and Strait of Tartary, Amur gulf, Sakhalin island, sea of Okhotsk and Kamchatka coast to lat. 55°N., including the Komandorski islands (206-268).

Chapter VI. Islands southward of Japan; Ogasawara(Bonin) and Okinawa(Liu Kiu) groups, &c. (269-299).

Chapter VII. Japan, comprising the South Coasts of Kiusiu, Shikoku, and Honshu or Nipon, to Suruga gulf (300-352).

Chapter VIII. Japan: Honshu or Nipon, south coast. -Suruga gulf. -Tokio gulf, and islands lying south of; and east coast of Honshu or Nipon (353-407).

Chapter IX. Japan: The Naikai (Seto Uchi) or Inland sea and its approaches. Eastern portion, Kii channel to Harima nada (408-454).

Chapter X. Japan: The Naikai (Seto Uchi) or Inland sea, continued. Western portion, Bingo nada to Simonoseki strait (455-516).

Chapter XI. Japan: West coast of Kiusiu and the off-lying islands. -From Osumi (Van Diemen strait) to Yeno sima, lat. 33°N. (516-563).

Chapter XII. Japan: Goto Islands and the west coasts of Kiusiu, from Yeno sima (lat. 33°N.) to Simonoseki strait (564-614).

Chapter XIII. Japan: Honshu or Nipon, north-west coast, from Simonoseki strait to Tsugaru strait (615-682).

Chapter XIV. Japan: Tsugaru Strait. -Hokoshu or Yezo island. -The Kuril islands (683-768).

Appendix:

Harbour regulations in Japan (769-771).

Meteorological Tables (772-784).

Index (785-863):

List of Sailing Directions published by the Hydrographic Department of the Admiralty (865-870).

List of Chart Agents at Home and Aboard (871-872).

In Chapter 4

>JAPAN Sea, bounded on the east and south by the Japan islands, and on the west and north-west by the coasts of Korea and the Russian Maritime Province, is about 900 miles long, NNE and SSW, and 600 miles East and West, at its broadest part. Surrounded by land on all sides, this sea is only accessible by the following narrow passages:- To the south by the Korea strait, which connects it with the China sea; to the east by La Perouse and Tsugar straits, by which it communicates with the Pacific; and to the north by the gulf of Tartary, through which it communicates with the sea of Okhotsk by the gulf of Amur; this sea is, as far as is known, clear of rocks or dangers. The following high rocks and islets are situated in it: -Liancourt Rocks and Matsu Sima(Dagelet island).

LIANCOURT ROCKS are named after the French ship Liancourt, which discovered them in 1849; they were also called Menalai and Olivutsa rocks by the Russian frigate Pallas in 1854, and Hornet islands by H. M. S. Hornet in 1855. Captain Forsyth, of the latter vessel, gives their position as lat. 37°14′N. long. 131°55′E., and describes them as being two barren rocky islets, covered with guano, which makes them appear white; they are about a mile in extent N. W. by W. and S. E. by E., a quarter of a mile apart, and apparently joined together by a reef. The western islet, elevated about 410 feet above the sea, has a sugar-loaf form; the easternmost is much lower and flat-topped. The water appeared deep close-to, but these rocks are dangerous at night from their position, being near the track of vessels steering up the sea of Japan for Hakodate. Position. -From observations of the U.S. flagship New York, made in 1902, the rocks are situated in 37°9′ 30″N., long. 131°55′E., or about 4 miles southward of the former position.

The following are excerpts from the 1th edition of the China Sea Directory, Vol. 4, which was published by Hydrographic Office of the British Admiralty in 1873:

Table of Contents

Chapter I. General Remarks. Climate, Prevailing Winds and Weather, Fogs, Storms, Gales, Typhoons, and Currents; and Remarks on making Passages. (1-30). Chapter II. West, South-West, and South Coasts of Korea; and Korea Strait. (31-74). Chapter III. Sea of Japan. East Coast of Korea and Russian Tartary. Gulf of Tartary and River Amur. Tartary Strait. Sea of Okhotsk, and Kamchatka. (75-115). Chapter IV. Mariana or Ladrone Islands; Islands South-East of Japan; Meiaco Sima, Liu-Kiu, and Linschoten Groups. (116-158). Chapter V. The Japan Islands, Comprising the South and East Coasts of Kiusiu, Sikok, and Nipon, and the Islands lying South of Yedo Gulf. (160-200). Chapter VI. The Seto Uchi, or Inland Sea, and its Approaches. (201-265). Chapter VII. Japan Islands. The Goto Islands, and the West Coasts of Kiusiu and Nipon. (266-324). Chapter VIII. Japan Islands. Tsugar Strait, North Coast of Nipon, Yezo Island; Saghalin and Kuril Islands.

In Chapter 1

On the east coast of Korea and in the Japan Sea, from January to March, inclusive, northerly winds prevail on the Korean coast, hauling to the westward, in the middle of the Japan sea; on the coast of Tartary southerly and south-westerly winds prevail, and on the East coast of the Japan sea westerly and north-westerly winds and calms are experienced. From April to June, inclusive, the winds are variable, but light southerly winds prevail with frequent calms, and fine weather, especially between the parallels of 40° and 45°N.; the wind hauls to the eastward on the coast of Japan, and is accompanied by mist, it, however, sometimes freshens to a stormy breeze, with squalls, from the north-eastward; the weather however is generally fine. Fogs prevail during the whole of this season (April to June inclusive) all over the sea of Japan, especially on the northern coast of Korea and coast of Tartary, and are most dense in June; they are however generally dispersed by S.W. winds. Rain falls in May and June on the Japan coast. From July to September, inclusive, on the Korean coast moderate northerly winds prevail, with fine weather, in September; on the coast of Tartary southerly and easterly winds with calms are experienced and during the whole of this season, between the parallels of 40° and 45°N., calms are most frequent. In the northern part of the sea, fogs and rain last until August, the former generally being dispersed by S.W. winds, and decrease in density as the summer advances. Gales occur at the equinoxes, generally commencing at S.E. on the coast of Japan, and veering to the southward and westward, excepting when they are associated with a Typhoon, the centers of which as a rule pass south of Japan, when the wind veers from South to S.E., East, and North, generally clearing up at N.W. These latter gales are generally very heavy, and have been known to last three days; these however are rare. From October to December, inclusive, north-westerly winds prevail, and heavy gales are sometimes experienced, generally commencing at South, veering to West, and ceasing at N.W., they are fierce and short duration; the weather is generally fine, but easterly wind brings rain and snow; gales of the same description as those occurring from July to September, being the outer limit of a Typhoon, sometimes occur in October, but they are apparently rare.

In Chapter 2

Korea Strait divides the south-east coast of Korea from the south-west coasts of the Japan islands; it is split into two channels by Tsu sima. The Western Channel is 34 miles wide, between Sentinel island and the south point of Tsu sima, narrowing to 25 miles between the north point of that island and Tsau-liang-hai; its greatest depth is 90 fathoms near the west coast of Tsu sima. H.M.S. Dove in crossing the Korea strait from the Goto islands in 1861, after decreasing the soundings from 83 to 53 fathoms in 15 miles on the parallel of 33°N., obtaining a sounding of 23 fathoms in long. 127°38′E. On sounding again one mile N.N.E. of this position, there were 56 fathoms, deepening again to 81 fathoms at 11 miles in the same direction. The Eastern Channel is 25 miles wide at its narrowest part, between the south point of Tsu sima and Iki island; its greatest depth is 65 fathoms.

In Chapter 3

The SEA of JAPAN, bounded on the east and south by the Japan islands, and on the west and north-west by the coasts of Korea and Russian Tartary, is about 900 miles long, N.N.E. and S.S.W., and 600 miles East and West, at its broadest part. Surrounded by land on all sides, this sea is only accessible by the following narrow passages: To the south by the Korea Strait, which connects it with the China Sea; to the east by La Perouse and Tsugar straits, by which it communicates with the Pacific; and to the north by the Gulf of Tartary, through which it communicates with the Sea of Okhotsk by the Gulf of Amur; this sea is, as far as is known, clear of rocks or dangers with the following exceptions: Liancourt Rocks, Matusima (Dagelet Island) and Waywoda Rock. GULF of TARTARY. From Cape Disappointment, in lat. 45°40.5′N., the coast of Manchuria trends to the north-east, and forms with the west coast of Saghalin island a long channel named the Gulf of Tartary, which communicates with the Gulf of Amur to the northward by Tartar Strait.

LIANCOURT ROCKS are named after the French ship Liancourt, which discovered them in 1849; they were also called Menalai and Olivutsa rocks by the Russian frigate Pallas in 1854, and Hornet islands by H.M.S. Hornet in 1855. Captain Forsyth, of the latter vessel, gives their position as lat. 37°14′N. long. 131°55′E., and describes them as being two barren rocky islets, covered with guano, which makes them appear white; they are about a mile in extent N.W. by W. and S.E. by E., a quarter of a mile apart, and apparently joined together by a reef. The western islet, elevated about 410 feet above the sea, has a sugar-loaf form; the easternmost is much lower and flat-topped. The water appeared deep close-to, but they are dangerous from their position, being directly in the track of vessels steering up the Sea of Japan for Hakodate.

MATU SIMA, or Dagelet island, is a collection of sharp conical hills, well clothed with wood, supporting an imposing peak in the centre, in lat. 37°30′N., long. 130°53′E. It is 18 miles in circumference, and in shape approximates a semicircle, the northern side, its diameter, running nearly E. by N. and W. by S. 6.25 miles. From each end the coast trends rather abruptly to the southward, curving gradually to the east and west, with several slight sinuosities until meeting at Seal Point, the south extreme of the island, off which is a small rock. There are several detached rocks along its shores, principally, however, on the north and east sides, some reaching an elevation of 400 to 500 feet. They are all, like the island, steep-to, and the lead affords no warning, but none of them are more than a quarter of a mile from the cliffs, except the Boussole rock, the largest, which is 7 cables from the east shore of the island. Hole rock on the north shore is remarkable, from having a large hole, or rather a natural archway through it, while nearly abreast it on the shore is a smooth but very steep sugar-loaf hill, apparently of bare granite, about 800 feet high. The sides of the island are so steep, that soundings could only be obtained by the Actaeon's boats, almost at the base of the cliffs, while in the ship at 4 miles to the southward no bottom could be found at 400 fathoms, and 2.25 miles north none at 366 fathoms. Landing may be effected in fine weather, with difficulty, on some small shingly beaches, which occur at intervals, but the greater part of the island is quite inaccessible. During the spring and summer months some Koreans reside on the island, and build junks which they take across to the mainland; they also collect and dry large quantities of shell-fish. Except a few iron clamps, their boats are all wood-fastened, and they do not appear to appreciate the value of seasoned timber, as they invariably use quite green wood.

The following is an excerpt from the 2th edition of China Pilot, which was published by Hydrographic Office of the British Admiralty in 1858:

Chapter IX, in Sea of Japan, Hornet Islands: These two barren rocky islets, in lat. 37°14′N. long. 131°55′E., were discovered by H.M.S. squadron, 25th April 1855. They are about a mile in extent, about a quarter of a mile apart, and apparently joined together by a reef. The westernmost islet, about 410 feet high, has a sugar-loaf form and is the highest; the easternmost is flat topped and much lower. The water appeared deep close to, but they are dangerous from their position, being directly in the track of vessels steering up the Sea of Japan for Hakodadi.

Korean Translation:

제9장, 일본해에서, 호넷 섬: 매마른 두 바위섬의 위치는 북위 37도 14분, 동경 131도 55분인데, 영국함정에 의해서 1855년 4월 25일 발견되었다. 그들의 길이는 약 1해리(1.852km) 정도이고, 약 반의 반 해리(약 0.5km) 정도 떨어져 있는데, 아마도 암초로 연결되어 있는 듯 하다. 서도(西島)는 높이가 약 410피트 정도이고, 원추형이며, 제일 높다. 동도(東島)는 정상부가 평평하고 서도보다 낮다. 섬 주변의 수심은 깊은 듯 하지만 동해를 거쳐 하꼬다데로 가는 항로상에 위치하기 때문에 항해상 위험하다.

In Chapter VII

QUELPART ISLAND, extending about 40 miles in an E.N.E. and W.S.W. direction, and 17 miles wide, is of considerable height, and detached from the Korean Archipelago and smaller islands which face the coast of Korea, and it is thought to be subject to the Government of Japan. This island was surveyed by Captain Sir E. Belcher of H.M.S. Samarang in 1845, from whose remarks the following observations are taken:

- The general outline of Quelpart is that of an oval, with few deep indentations to affect its regularity. Its general appearance, as viewed from the sea, is inviting, there being a pleasing variety of hill and dale, and on the northern and eastern sides much cleared land, cultivation rising probably to the level of 2,000 feet. Above this all appears to be buried in thick forests of pines and other northern trees, even to the highest peak of the island, which was named Mount Auckland, and which is 6,544 feet above the level of the sea. Towards the northern and eastern parts some of the cones, which reach elevations of from 500 to 800 feet, are so very smooth and circular, that, with their little batteries or watch towers on the summit, appear almost to be the work of art. This probably results from their method of cultivating the sides, as all the furrows appear to be made horizontally, which in process of time, by the constant falling down of the ridges, would effect such a regular outline. The space on which the city stands is a broad valley, situated about the centre of the northern coast of Quelpart, having a conspicuous flat eminence on its eastern side, and a small river or copious stream on the western, the country immediately surrounding it on all sides being peculiarly barren. The city wall, on the sea face, occupies a line of about 500 yards, containing seven bastions, apparently with embrasures throughout, but no guns were noticed. The eastern extreme of Quelpart is a peninsular promontory, named Cape Dundas, 2 miles north of which is Bullock island. Between this island and the city on the north coast, the depths in-shore vary from 6 to 27 fathoms. There appears a second city nearly opposite the former, on the south shore of the island, with a small bay on its west side, fronted by two small islands, named Hooper and Burnet islands, the latter being outside the former. West of Burnet is Richardson island, and east of it the islands of Mahon and Barrow, the latter surrounded by a reef. These four islands occupy a space of about 8 miles in an east and west direction parallel with the coast, and not more than one or two miles distant from it. Towards the west end of Quelpart, on its south shore, is a projecting promontory named Loney bluff, on the east side of which is a deep bay, with an island in it, called Marryat island, surrounded by a reef, lying about 2 miles N.E. of the bluff. South of the bluff are Barlow and Giffard islands, at the respective distances of 1 and 4 miles from it; they are both low and flat, and the former is surrounded by a reef. The Samarang rock lies W. b. N. about 2 miles from Barlow island, and S.W. about the same distance from Loney bluff.

Supplies. - The productions of Quelpart do not appear to be at all equal to the wants of the population and are in very small variety. Rice, wheat, barley, sweet potato, large Russian radish, maize, and small garden produce, comprise all that was noticed, either in the grounds, under cultivation, or among the people. This does not appear the result of any deficiency in land fit for cultivation, but rather in the very poor nature of the soil. Water appears to abound on the southern side of Quelpart, but only on Hooper island could it be procured easily. It can be easily obtained on Barlow island, but there is not safe and convenient anchorage near it. Wood was procured by purchase from the authorities, but in such small portions that it did not repay the trouble of sending for it; it is, however, abundant on the mountains, and on two of the off-lying islets it is to be obtained by slight labour. The manners of the population, excluding the superior class, are filthy in person and habit. Their fishing vessels are few, and of the most miserable construction. It is highly probable that Quelpart occupies the position of one of the penal settlements of Korea, and viewing it in this light, accounts for the gross manners complained of, and it will readily account for the variety in the races of beings which were found assembled, and for the low state of cultivation.

Anchorage. - Quelpart, throughout its extent, has but one safe anchorage, and that is off the southern bay of Bullock island, which here forms a channel with Quelpart, about 2 miles wide, and through which the current set strongly to the southward. The second temporary roadstead is off the city on the northern shore of the island, but a vessel would be compelled to seek any offing at the first symptom of a N.W. breeze. The third is at the western extreme of Quelpart, within Eden island, and affords shelter from North, round easterly, to N.W., and offers an escape to leeward if requisite. A fourth temporary but dangerous anchorage is off Hooper island, near the city on the southern shore; but this is open from West to S.E., and is too confined to admit of beating out, should wind and sea come in suddenly.

The following is an excerpt from the 3th edition of China Pilot, which was published by Hydrographic Office of the British Admiralty in 1861:

Table of Contents

Chapter I. Monsoons, Typhoons, Gales, and Tides in the China Sea, and on the East Coast of China; and General Remarks on Making Passages. Chapter II. Approaches to Canton River, including Hong Kong. Chu Kiang or Canton River, and Si Kiang or West River. Chapter III. East Coast of China. Hong Kong to Amoy. Chapter IV. East Coast of China. Amoy to the White Dog Islands, including the Pescadores. Chapter V. East Coast of China. White Dog Islands to Nimrod Sound. Chapter VI. East Coast of China. Nimrod Sound to the Yang-tse Kiang, including the Chusan Archipelago. Chapter VII. East Coast of China. Whang-Hai or Yellow Sea; Gulfs of Pe-chili and Liau-tung; and West and South Coasts of Korea. Chapter VIII. Pratas Island and Reef: North Coast of Luzon; and Babuyan, Bashi, Formosa, Meiaco-sima, and Lu-chu Islands. Chapter IX. Islands South-East, East, and North of the Lu-chu Group; and off the South-East Coast of Nipon. Chapter X. Japan and Kuril Islands, and South-East Coast of Kamchatka. Chapter XI. Sea of Japan; Gulf of Tartary; Gulf and River Amur; Saghlin Island; La Perouse Strait; and Sea of Okhotsk.

In Chapter 11

The SEA of JAPAN is bounded on the east and south by the Japan islands, and on the west and north-west by the coasts of Korea and Tartary. It is about 900 miles long, N.N.E. and S.S.W., and 600 miles wide, East and West, at its broadest part. Surrounded by land on all sides, this sea is only accessible by the following narrow passages: To the south by the Korea Strait, which connects it with the China sea; to the east by Laperouse and Tsugar straits, by which it communicates with the Pacific; and to the north by the Gulf of Tartary, through which it communicates with the Sea of Okhotsk by the Gulf of Amur. The Boungo and Kino channels which lead into the Suwo Nada, at the south-west end of Nipon, and the connection of the Suwo Nada with Korea strait north of Kiusiu island, are as yet little known(page 376). GULF of TARTARY. From Cape Disappointment, in lat. 45°40.5′N., the coast of Tartary trends to the north-east, and forms with the west coast of Saghalin island a long channel named by Laperouse, the Manche or strait of Tartary. Strictly speaking, however, it should still be the Gulf of Tartary, as the strait can hardly be considered to begin until the parallel of about 51°N. On the parallel of Castries bay the coasts of Tartary and Saghalin converge rapidly; and abreast of Cape Catherine, in 51°57′N., they are only 7 miles apart; 17 miles farther north, between Capes Lazaref and Pogobi, they approach to within 3.5 miles; and this is the gorge of the strait, and the entrance into the Gulf of Amur(page 400).

MATU SIMA (Dagelet island of the French and Dajette of the Russian charts) is by the Russian frigate Pallas in lat. 37°22′N., long. 130°56′E. It is of circular form, about 20 miles in circumference, and its peak, rising from the centre of the island, is 2,100 feet above the sea level. Its shores are cliffy and almost inaccessible.

LIANCOURT ROCKS are named after the French ship Liancourt, which discovered them in 1849; they were also named Menalai and Olivutsa rocks by the Russian frigate Pallas in 1854, and Hornet islands by H.M.S. Hornet in 1855. Captain Forsyth, of the latter vessel, gives their position as lat. 37°14′N., long. 131°55′E., and describes them as being two barren rocky islets, about a mile in extent N.W. by W. and S.E. by E., and a quarter of a mile apart, and apparently joined together by a reef. The western islet, elevated about 410 feet above the sea, has a sugar-loaf form; the easternmost is much lower and flat-topped. The water appeared deep close-to, but they are dangerous from their position, being directly in the track of vessels steering up the Sea of Japan for Hakodadi.

TAKO SIMA or Argonaut island, marked doubtful on the charts, does not exist in the position assigned to it, in 37°52′N., and 129°53′E. In the year 1852, the French corvette Capricieuse twice crossed this position without perceiving any land.

The following are pages from the 1886 Japanese sea lanes directory, 寰瀛水路誌 第二巻第二版 韓露沿岸. Can someone please tell me if the pages look like they are direct translations of the 1864 British Publication, "China Pilot"?

The map of Ulleungdo below was included in the 1883 report, "Concerning the Report by Ministry of Interior Secretary Higaki, who was despatched to Chosun's Ulleungdo" (朝鮮国蔚陵島出張桧垣内務省書記官復命ノ件). It was made when the Japanese residents were evacuated from Ulleungdo in 1883.





There are a few interesting things about this map. One is that that Jukdo is labeled as 竹島 ("Takeshima" in Japanese & "Jukdo" in Korean) instead of 竹嶼. Many Japanese maps had labeled the island as 竹嶼. Another interesting thing about the map it that it shows Gwaneumdo as a cape (觀音崎) instead of an island (觀音島). Also, the map shows five or six rocks off the southern coast of Ulleungdo, which is similar to what many old Korean maps of Ulleungdo show.

The following is an excerpt from the 4th edition of the China Pilot, which was published by Hydrographic Office of the British Admiralty in 1864:

Table of Contents

Chapter I. Monsoons, Typhoons, Gales, Currents, and Tides in the China Sea, and on the East Coast of China; and General Remarks on Making Passages. Chapter II. Approaches to Canton River, including Hong Kong. The Chu Kiang or Canton River; the Si Kiang or West River; and the Western Channels of Canton River. Chapter III. East Coast of China. Hong Kong to Amoy. Chapter IV. East Coast of China. Amoy to the White Dog Islands, including the Pescadores Islands. Chapter V. East Coast of China. White Dog Islands to Nimrod Sound. Chapter VI. East Coast of China. Nimrod Sound to the Yang-tse Kiang, including the Chusan Archipelago. Chapter VII. East Coast of China. The Yang-tse Kiang Chapter VIII. East Coast of China. From the Yang-tse Kiang to Pe-chili Strait. The North Coast of the Yellow Sea. Chapter IX. Gulfs of Pe-chili and Liau-tung. Chapter X. West, South-West, and South Coasts of Korea. Chapter XI. Pratas Island and Reef. North Coast of Luzon. Babuyan, Bashi, Formosa, Meiaco-sima, and Lu-chu Islands; and Islands S.E., East, and North of the Lu-chu Group. Chapter XII. Japan Islands; Comprising the South Coasts of Kiusiu and Sikok; the South-East and East Coasts of Nipon; and the Seto Uchi or Inland Sea. Chapter XIII. Japan Islands. The West Coasts of Nipon and Kiusiu; and Directions from the Yang-tse Kiang to Nagasaki, &c. Chapter XIV. Japan Islands. Tsugar Strait, and South Coast of Yezo. The Kuril Islands, and South-East Coast of Kamchatka. Chapter XV. Sea of Japan; Gulf of Tartary; Gulf and River of Amur; Saghlin Island; La Perouse Strait; and Sea of Okhotsk.

In Chapter 15, Pages 590 - 591

The SEA of JAPAN, bounded on the east and south by the Japan islands, and on the west and north-west by the coasts of Korea and Manchuria, is about 900 miles long, N.N.E. and S.S.W., and 600 miles East and West, at its broadest part. Surrounded by land on all sides, this sea is only accessible by the following narrow passages: To the south by the Korea Strait, which connects it with the China Sea; to the east by Laperouse and Tsugar straits, by which it communicates with the Pacific; and to the north by the Gulf of Tartary, through which it communicates with the Sea of Okhotsk by the Gulf of Amur(page 556).

GULF of TARTARY. From Cape Disappointment, in lat. 45°40.5′N., the coast of Manchuria trends to the north-east, and forms with the west coast of Saghalin island a long channel named the Gulf of Tartary, which communicates with the Gulf of Amur to the northward by Tartar Strait. This strait may be considered to begin on the parallel of about 51°N.; on the parallel of Castries bay the coasts of Manchuria and Saghalin converge rapidly; and abreast of Cape Catherine, in 51°57′N., they are only 7 miles apart; 17 miles farther north, between Capes Lazaref and Pogobi, they approach to within 3.5 miles; and this is the gorge of the strait, and the entrance into the Gulf of Amur.

LIANCOURT ROCKS are named after the French ship Liancourt, which discovered them in 1849; they were also called Menalai and Olivutsa rocks by the Russian frigate Pallas in 1854, and Hornet islands by H.M.S. Hornet in 1855. Captain Forsyth, of the latter vessel, gives their position as lat. 37°14′N., long. 131°55′E., and describes them as being two barren rocky islets, about a mile in extent N.W. by W. and S.E. by E., and a quarter of a mile apart, and apparently joined together by a reef. The western islet, elevated about 410 feet above the sea, has a sugar-loaf form; the easternmost is much lower and flat-topped. The water appeared deep close-to, but they are dangerous from their position, being directly in the track of vessels steering up the Sea of Japan for Hakodadi.

MATSU SIMA, or Dagelet island, is a collection of sharp conical hills, well clothed with wood, supporting an imposing peak in the centre, in lat. 37°30′N., long. 130°53′E. It is 18 miles in circumference, and in shape approximates a semicircle, the northern side, its diameter, running nearly E. by N. and W. by S. 6.25 miles. From each end the coast trends rather abruptly to the southward, curving gradually to the east and west, with several slight sinuosities until meeting at Seal Point, the south extreme of the island, off which is a small rock. There are several detached rocks along its shores, principally, however, on the north and east sides, some reaching an elevation of 400 to 500 feet. They are all, like the island, steep-to, and the lead affords no warning, but none of them are more than a quarter of a mile from the cliffs, except the Boussole rock, the largest, which is 7 cables from the east shore of the island. Hole rock on the north shore is remarkable, from having a large hole, or rather a natural archway through it, while nearly abreast it on the shore is a smooth but very steep sugar-loaf, apparently of bare granite, about 800 feet high. The sides of the island are so steep, that soundings could only be obtained by the Actaeon's boats, almost at the base of the cliffs, while in the ship at 4 miles to the southward no bottom could be found at 400 fathoms, and 2.25 miles north none at 366 fathoms. Landing may be effected in fine weather, with difficulty, on some small shingly beaches, which occur at intervals, but the greater part of the island is quite inaccessible. During the spring and summer months some Koreans reside on the island, and build junks which they take across to the mainland; they also collect and dry large quantities of shell-fish. Except a few iron clamps, their boats are all wood-fastened, and they do not appear to appreciate the value of seasoned timber, as they were using quite green wood.

ARGONAUT ISLAND. H.M.S. Actaeon in June 1859 passed over the position given to Argonaut as nearly as, from the want of observations, it was possible to judge; the weather was rather thick, but a radius of 5 miles, at least, could be commanded, and nothing was seen. This island has been searched for by both French and Russian ships of war, but has not been found; whalers also ignore its existence; it may therefore with confidence be expunged from the charts. Its supposed discoverers, probably, owing to current, were much out in their reckoning, and sighting Dagelet re-named it. The Actaeon experienced a weak current setting to the northward. A Russian gunboat at an earlier period of the year visited Dagelet, and after obtaining observations left, under sail, in a light breeze, to pass over the supposed position of Argonaut. A dense fog ensued, and about the time when, if Argonaut existed, it might have been expected to be seen, land was made; fortunately an opportunity offered of obtaining observations, when it was discovered that the island was still Dagelet, a proof of her having experienced a strong south-westerly current.

Ahn Yong-bok mispresented himself as a Korean official in 1696 to deceive the Japanese government (Shogunate). He went from Oki island to the mainland on their ship with a fake banner that claimed he was a Korean tax official. The banner say said, "Tax General of the Two Islands of Joseon's Ulleungdo (朝鬱), Vassal An on Board (朝鬱両島監税将 臣 安同知騎).

The following is from the book, “Special Chronicle of Inaba County (因府歴年大雑集), written by Okajima Masayoshi (1784-1859).

I do not know exactly why the flag of this ship was left, but it has been kept at the house of Chaya Heisuke in Aoya since he brought it back home. In the Chronicle of Inaba, it was written that the two islands of “朝欝” may have meant Ulleungdo, which we call Takeshima in Japan, and Jasando (Usando), which we call Matsushima in Japan. I find it is hard to believe this theory, however. since Takeshima and Ulleungdo were originally different islands. Takeshima is located offshore of Tongrae-hyeon in Gyeongsang Province (慶尚道東莱縣), and Ulleungdo is located in the sea off Myeongju (Gangneung) in Gangwon Province (江原道溟州). Its old name was Usanguk. I think the Korean official has been probably dispatched each year to the island to inspect whether the crops are good or bad and then was sent to Hakushu (of Japan) as an envoy. I think “朝” of “朝欝” must be an abbreviation of “朝鮮” (Chosun). I hope somebody with extensive knowledge will comment on this. By the way, Takeshima is an uninhibited and isolated island, and not suitable for farming so that you guess whether it [the theory] is right or not.

Notice that the author thought that Takeshima and Ulleungdo were different islands. Notice also that he believed Ulleungdo could be farmed, but Takeshima could not. He also said that Ulleungdo was east of Myeongju (Gangneung) in Gangwon Province, but said that Takeshima was farther south, offshore of Dongrae in Gyeongsang province. Though he seems to have understood the location of Ulleungdo, it seems that he may have thought Takeshima was Liancourt Rocks since he did not give an opinion on Matsushima and since Liancourt Rocks are southeast of Ulleungdo and unsuitable for farming.

-

Another interesting thing about the passage is that Mr. Okajima Masayoshi apparently had not heard that An Yong-bok was an impostor, which was most likely why An left his fake banner in Japan. He probably feared getting caught with it back in Korea.

Japan essentially gave up its claim on Ulleungdo in the 1690s, so why did Western maps in the 1800s show Ulleungdo as Japanese territory? Look at the following maps from the David Rumsey Map Collection and notice the color of the islands:

1847 - Benedetto Marzolla; Society for the Diffussion of Useful knowledge; John Arrowsmith


Notice that the above map shows Argonaut and Dagelet painted in the same pink color as Japan. Argonaut did not exist because it was a mismapping of Ulleungdo, and Dagelet was the real Ulleungdo, which Japan had conceded to Korea in the 1690s. Liancourt Rocks does not appear on the map. So why was Argonaut and Dagelet shown as Japanese territory if Japan had given up its claim on Ulleungdo?

Argonaut and Dagelet may have been mapped as Japanese territory because Korea's Ulleungdo and Usando were already represented on the map at a different place?

The two islands just next to the Korean coast labeled as "Fan-ling-tao" and "Tchian-shan-tao" were the Chinese pronunciations for "Ulleungdo" and "Usando" (千山島 - 천산도). Notice that "Tchian-shan-tao" (Usando) is the to west of "Fan-ling-tao" (Ulleungdo), which was also how the two islands were mapped on early (pre-An-Yong-bok) Korean maps. Maybe the mapmakers assumed that since "Fan-ling-tao" and "Tchian-shan-tao" accounted for Korea's territory then any other islands in the sea of Japan were Japanese?

By the way, notice on the Korean peninsula the words "Impero Chinese," which seems to be claiming that Korea was part of the Chinese empire.

1875 - Adolf Stieler


The above 1875 map show "Matsu sima" (Ulleungdo) and Liancount Rocks to be Japanese territory. Ulleungdo was not only colored in the same blue color as Japan, but there was also a line drawn separating Ulleungdo from Korea. If Japan had recognized Ulleungdo to be Korean territory, then why did the mapmaker show it to be Japanese?

I think the Mapmaker may have shown Ulleungdo to be Japanese because he had heard that "Matsushima" was Japanese territory and did not realize that it was used to refer to Liancourt Rocks whether than Ulleungdo. Also, there was a Japanese marker on Ulleungdo dated 1869 that claimed the island was called "Matsushima" and was Japanese territory. This misunderstanding was most likely caused by the mismapping of Ulleungdo as "Argonaut." Japanese must have assumed that Argonaut was Ulleungdo (Takeshima) and that the island east of Argonaut was their Matsushima (Liancourt Rocks).

1881 - Richard Andree


Notice that the above 1881 map also shows "Matsu" (Ulleungdo) as Japanese territory since it is colored in the same yellow color as Japan. The map also shows Liancourt Rocks. Again, the mapmaker may have assumed that since the island was called "Matsushima," it was Japanese territory.

1895 - Richard Andree; Times - London, England


The above 1895 map also shows a smudge of pink on Matsushima (Ullleungdo), which again shows it to be Japanese territory. The map also shows Liancourt Rocks. As mentioned above, the mapmaker may have assumed that Ulleungdo was Japanese territory based on the name "Matsushima," which he must have known to be Japanese.

1897 - Rand McNally and Company (1)


The above 1897 map shows both Matushima (Ulleungdo) and Liancourt Rocks to be Japanese territory since they are marked in yellow. Though you may not see the yellow marked on Liancourt Rocks on the above map, you can see it marked on the following map, which was part of the same map.

1897 - Rand McNally and Company (2)


As the above maps show, many Westerners in the 1800s, for whatever reason, believed Matsushima (Ulleungdo) and Liancourt Rocks to be Japanese territory. For example, in an 1876 letter, HERE, arguing for the development of "Matsushima," Japanese businessman Mutoh Heigaku (武藤平学) quoted an American staying in Vladivostok as saying the following:

“There is an island that belongs to Japan called Matsushima, which Japan has not started developing yet.”

For whatever reason, many Westerners believed that "Matsushima" was Japanese, and I think it was mainly because of the mismapped Ulleungdo (Argonaut), which caused Japanese and others to assume that the real Ulleungdo was Japan's "Matsushima" since it was southeast of the mismapped Ulleungdo. These maps are evidence that the Japanese and others associated the name "Matsushima" to Japanese territory, which suggests that the original Matsushima (Liancourt Rocks) was Japanese.

P.S. If you look HERE, you can see what the 1873 edition of the Bristish publication "China Sea Directory" said about Liancourt Rocks and Ulleungdo.

The following is a translation of a Daejeon Ilbo news article entitled, "The Life of Dokdo Guardian An Yong-bok":

"The Life of Dokdo Guardian An Yong-bok"

Academic Symposium at Chungnam University

An academic symposium on the activities of An Yong-bok in Japan and Korea will be held in the Professor Conference Room of the College of Humanities at Chungnam University at 5 p.m. on the 5th. Chungnam University Professor Gwon O-yeop, Paichai University Professor Gwon Jeong, and Korea Defense University Professor Kim Byeong-ryeol will be among those attending.

In particular, professor and distinguished scholar Seichu Naito is scheduled to give a presentation on the life of An Yong-bok in Japanese documents, which is generating interest in academic circles.

Chungnam University Professor Gwon O-yeop stressed, "Setting the record straight on the life of An Yong-bok is one issue that clarifies that Dokdo is our land." He added, "I hope more people become interested in the importance of Dokdo."

By the way, Seichu Naito is a Japanese scholar who said, "Korea's position on the Dokdo issue seems reasonable," and HERE are some other things he said, all of which seem to support the Korean claim.

I do not know understand why Korea bothers to have "academic" symposiums on Dokdo if the only scholars they invite are the ones who support their claims. I do not call that an academic symposium; I call it a "pep rally."

A Korean scholar, Kim Byung Ryull, wrote in the book “史的検証　竹島・独島” (Historical examination of Takeshima/Dokdo; published in April 2007 in Japan) that Usando had not meant Liancourt rocks until the 15^th century (it meant Ulleungdo at first but changed to mean Jukdo) but that it became to mean Liancourt rocks in the 17^th century. (* This book was co-written with Naito Seichu, the pro-Korean scholar in Japan.) However, the reason he thought to be so seems to be groundless because he didn’t show any evidences but only mentioned Ahn Yong-bok’s statements. As we’ve already shown, Ahn Yong-bok’s statements are not credible at all. But anyway, the scholar admitted that Usando was not Liancourt rocks at least until the 15^th century, this must be a progress.

We will take a look at the old documents concerning Usan/Usando here. Please think yourself whether Usando was Liancourt rocks or not, and whether Korea has a right to own it or not.

(1) From “三国史記” (it means “the record of the history of the three countries” ) that was edited in 1145:[『三国史記』巻第四新羅本紀智証麻立干紀]

The Usan country yielded to us in June 512 and they had paid tribute to us with its products every year. The Usan country located at the island in the sea at the east side of 溟州 and it was also called as Ulleungdo and its circumstance is 100-ri (40km).

They hadn’t yielded to us depending on the difficulty for us to make a voyage. Isabu (異斯夫) of I (伊) who became the head of the troops of 何瑟羅州 said that people of Usan were ignorant and brutal.

(He also said that) it was difficult to threaten
them but was easy to subdue them with a stratagem. So
they made many wooden statues of lion and distributed them on each of the
battleships and reached the coast of the country.

As they said menacingly “If you will not yield to us we will soon release these fierce animals and let them stomp on you and kill you”, the people of Usan shuddered in fear and surrendered
immediately.

The text clearly proves that Usan in the 6^th century was not Liancourt rocks but it was Ulleungdo.

(2) From “太宗実録” (Annals of King Taejong) that was edited in 1431:[『太宗実録』第二十三之四十二年; about the 12^th year of Taejong, 1412]

http://toron.pepper.jp/jp/take/15C/rusan.html

http://dokdo-or-takeshima.blogspot.com/2007/09/koreans-on-ulleungdos-neighboring.html

The inspecting official of 江原道 reported that 12
people of Yusanguk-do (流山國島) including白加勿 came to
stay at Eorajin (於羅津) in Goseong (高城). He said, “We were born and lived in Muleung (武陵). The 60 men and women from the 11 families in the island now moved to this island (Yusanguk-do).
The length of the island is 2-sok (2息=about 16km) from
east to west and the same from south to north. The circumference is 8-sok (about
64km). There are no bulls or horses or paddy fields. Only 1-to (about 18 litter)
of seed bean will produce 20-koku or 30-koku (3600 – 5400 litter) of bean. The
1-koku (180 liter) of barley will produce 50-koku or more (over 9,000 litter) of
barley. The bamboo are as big as rafters, and there are all kinds of sea
products and fruit trees ”.

They were very concerned about them and made them dwell at通州, 高城
and扞城 for a while.

This document means that there were Yusan-guk island and the island called Muleung (武陵), both of which were inhabitable islands. It has been thought that Yusan was the same as Usan. So Usan was not Liancourt rocks, the uninhibitable rocks, still in the early 15^th century. It was Ulleungdo or its neighboring island Jukdo.

(3) From “太宗実録”: [『太宗実録』第三十三之四十七年: about the 17^th year of Taejong, 1417]

The officer (按撫使) Kim In-u returned
from Usando and brought local products as tribute, including large bamboo, seal
skins, raw yams, cotton yarn, and geombak wood (trees). He also brought back three residents of the place.
There were fifteen families living on the island for a total of 86 men and
women. On his way back from the island, Kim In-u ran into two typhoons and
barely made it back alive.

(reference)

http://www.occidentalism.org/?p=319

This is the first record in which the word “Usando” was used. Apparently, Usando in this document was not Liancourt rocks, but Ulleungdo or Jukdo because no bamboos available on Liancourt rocks..

(4) From “高麗史” (The history of Koryo) that was completed in 1451: [『高麗史』巻五十八　地理三欝陵島]

Ulleungdo is located
at just east of the prefecture (県) in the sea. It was
called as Usanguk in the Shilla’s era (57 BC – AD 935).
Some say it was called as Muleung, some say it was called as Uleung
(羽陵). Its circumference was 100-ri (40km).

People of the island sent 白吉 and gave beans as
an offering which were produced in the place during the time from the
12^th year of 智證王 (512) to the 13^th year of 太祖 (930). In the 11^th year of 穀宗(1207?) the king heard that there was broad and productive land in
Ulleungdo and it was a county or a prefecture where they could make people
dwell. The king ordered 倉金 of 溟州道 to go and inspect the island.

He said, “ There is a big mountain in the middle of the island. If
you go from the top of the mountain to east, you will reach the sea shore on
10,000 steps. If you go to west it will be 13,000 steps, if you go to south it
will be15,000 steps and if you go to north it will be 8,000 steps. There are
seven ruins of villages. There are stone Buddhist images, iron bells and stone
towers. There are 柴胡 (a Chinese herb),
mugwort and rhododendron. There are lots of rocks so that people couldn’t
live there but we managed to sleep there”. There is a view that Usan and Muleung are two islands and the distance between them is not far and visible on windy and fine day (一云　于山　武陵　本二島　相距不遠　風日清明則可望見).

As to the last sentence, the text says it is “a view” (or a theory) which means the editor of the book had not seen the islands himself. At the first part of the text, the author treated Usando and Muleungdo as equal but there is no island of the same rank around Ulleungdo today. So there is a possibility that the editor only wrote about the imaginary island relying on hearsay. Pro-Korean scholars are saying that the sentence means that Liancourt rocks can be seen from Ulleungdo on fine days, but there is no mentioning about Liancourt rocks in the text. Pro-Japanese scholars think that it means that the Ulleungdo can be seen form the mainland of Korea. Anyway, Usanguk in the text is Ulleungdo and there is no evidence here that Usando was Liancourt rocks.

(5) From “世宗実録” (the real record of Sejong, or Annals of King Sejong) which was edited in 1454; [『世宗実録』世宗七年十月乙酉條: Under the heading concerning October the 7^th year of Sejong]

The officer (按撫使) of Usan-Moleung
(于山茂陵) and others, Kim In-u, arrested 20 men and women at the island who were evading compulsory labor.
He came to report about this. He went to Moleungdo (茂陵島) at first with two
soldier ships but a ship with 46 soldiers was lost in typhoon. The upper (king)
said, “Although In-u captured about 20 people and came back, he lost about 40
people. How useless”.

In the text Ulleungdo was written as 茂陵. There is no explanation about Usan here, but some scholars think that Usan and Moleung （茂陵）is indicating the same island, Ulleungdo.

By the way, 10 of the lost soldiers drifted ashore to Nagahama of Iwami county (Simane prefecture) in October 1425. Japanese fishermen found them and fed them. And the lord of the district prepared a ship to send them back. The king of Chosun (Sejong) was pleased with this news and gave presents to the lord. He went to Chosun several times after that. A lion-head （獅子頭） which　he got in Chosun at that time is still present in Hamada city, Shimane prefecture.

http://www.pref.shimane.lg.jp/soumu/web-takeshima/takeshima04/sugi/takeshima04g_01.html

(6) From “世宗実録” (Annals of King Sejong): [『世宗実録』地理志　江原道蔚珍縣　the topography; 江原道蔚珍縣]

The two islands Usan and Muleung locate at just east of this prefecture in the sea. The two islands left each other but not far. They are visible on windy and fine day.

(于山武陵二島在県正東海中二島相去不遠風日清明則可望見)　

As every one notices, the text is quite similar to the History of Koryo (高麗史; please see the item (4)). The difference from the original text in the History of Koryo is that the character “去” is used instead of “距” (相去不遠 instead of相距不遠), these two words sound the same but meaning is not the same. (“去” means to leave while “距” means to make a distance.) However, rest of the text is almost same to the original text of the History of Koryo, although I won’t repeat here. So the difference in one word may not have important meanings. Anyway, it is apparent that the author didn’t see Usan and Muleung himself. And again, there is no evidence to show that Usan was Liancourt rocks.

(7) From “新増東国輿地勝覧” that was edited in 1530: [巻之四十五 蔚珍縣; Vol.45]

Usando Ulleungdo

Some say Muleung (武陵), some say Ulleung (羽陵) – the two islands locate at just east of the prefecture in the sea. Three peaks support the sky, the south peak is slightly lower than others. On a windy and fine day, one can clearly see the trees on the top of the hills and the sea shore at the foot of a mountain. If wind is high,
one can reach the island(s) in two days. There is a view (theory) that Usan and
Ulleung are one island and its circumference is 100-ri (40km).

There was a map of Gangwondo attached in the book. Usando was depicted at west of Ulleungdo in the map. They apparently had no exact information about the isla nds around Ulleungdo. Usan in the text was not Liancourt rocks, as it didn’t locate at west of Ulleungdo and no one would mix up it with Ulleungdo, the island located far as 92 km.

(8) From “春官志” written by李孟休 in 1745:

This island is called as Bamboo island (竹島Jukdo, or
Takeshima in Japanese) because of its product bamboo. They also call it as
Sambongdo (三峯島) as it had three peaks. Usan, Ulleung (羽陵), Illeung
(蔚陵), Muleung (武陵) and 磯竹島（Isotakeshima in
Japanese）are all corrupted names.

Even in 18^th century, Usan was one name of Ulleungdo. It was not Liancourt rocks.

(9) From “旅菴全書” edited by申景濬 in 1756. [巻之七「疆界考」十二鬱陵島: Vol.7, No.12 Ulleungdo]

Thinking about ”輿地志”, it says that
there is a view (theory) that Usan and Ulleungdo are one island, but considering
other topographies they were two islands and one was so-called Matsushima.
Probably the two islands were Usan-guk.

Here you can see the effect of Ahn Yon-bok’s wrong statement about "so-called Matsushima" in the “粛宗実録” which was edited 28 years beforehand (1728). But as many readers have already read, his statement was not credible at all.

http://dokdo-or-takeshima.blogspot.com/2007/09/1696-ahn-yong-boks-second-visit-to.html

By the way, the old document “輿地志” has been lost for many years and not available today.

(10）From “ 承政院日記” (Diary of 承政院 ): [高宗 19年 4月 初7日條; April 1882]

To follow is the translation by Gerry (Occidentalism):

The king called Lee Gyu-won forward to give his pre-departure
greeting.

The king said, “It is said that these days there is the evil
practice of foreigners freely coming and going to Ulleungdo and doing as they
please. Also, Songjukdo (松竹島 – 송죽도) and Usando (于山島 – 우산도) are next to Ulleungdo, but there are still no
details on the distance between them and what products they have. You were
chosen especially for this trip, so pay particular attention to your inspection.
Also, we have plans to establish a settlement there, so be sure to prepare a
detailed map with your report.”

Lee Gyu-won replied, Usando is just Ulleungdo. Usan was the name of
the ancient country’s capital. Songjukdo is a small island about
thirty ri offshore (相距爲三數十里 = 1.2km~4km). The products there are rosewood trees and pipestem bamboo.”

The king said, “It is called either Usando or Songjukdo
(敎曰 或稱芋山島 或稱松竹島), which are both written in the Yeojiseungram
(輿地勝覽 – 여지승람). It is also called Songdo (松島 – 송도) and Jukdo (竹島 – 죽도). Together with Usando, there are three islands
that make up what is called Ulleungdo. Inspect the situation on all of them.
Originally, the Samcheok commander (三陟營將 – 삼척 영장) and the Wolsong commander (越松萬戶 – 월송 만호) took turns searching Ulleungdo, but they were
all careless, inspecting only the exterior of the island. This has led to these
evil practices.

Lee Gyu-won said, “I will go deep inside and conduct my inspection.
Some say that Songdo and Jukdo are east of Ulleungdo, but there is only
Songjukdo, no separate Songdo and Jukdo.”

The king asked, “Did you possibly hear that from previous
inspectors?”

Lee Gyu-won said, “I have not yet talked with previous inspectors,
but that is the gist of what I have heard.”

http://www.occidentalism.org/?p=741

Gerry’s comment on “鬱陵島検察日記” (1882):

When Lee Gyu-won returned from his survey of Ulleungdo, he reported
finding two small islands off the east shore of Ulleungdo. One was called Jukdo, which was
present-day Jukdo, and the other was called Dohang (島項), which was present-day Gwaneumdo. The two islands can be seen on the map to the right, which is a cutout of Lee’s 1882 map of Ulleungdo. Lee said that he could not find any island named Usando, though he climbed to the highest peak on the island on a clear day and looked for one.
Ulleungdo residents told Lee that they had heard Ulleungdo had a neighboring
island called Usando, but they did not know where it was. Lee concluded that
Usando was just another name for Ulleungdo.

Apparently Usando was not Liancourt rocks even in the 19^th century.

(11) From the “Hwangseon Shinmun” (1899):

To follow is from Gerry’s posting at Occidentalism:

an 1899 article from the Korean newspaper, “Hwangseong Shinmun ,” described Ulleungdo as follows:

In the sea east of Uljin is an island named
Ulleung. Of its six, small neighboring islands, Usando/Jukdo
(于山島竹島) are/is the most prominent (崔著者). The Daehanjiji says that Ulleungdo is the old Country of Usan. It has an area of 100 ri. Three peaks stand out (律兀).

(12) From “Daehanjiji (大韓地誌)” (1899):

To follow is from Gerry’s posting at Occidentalism:

In 1899, Korean historian Hyun Chae
(玄采) published a geography text entitled, Daehanjiji
(大韓地誌), which means “Geography of the Korean Empire.”
In the text, he included the following map, which was made by what was
considered to be Korea’s Education Ministry (學部).

According to the geography text that the map
appeared in, the easternmost boundary of Korea was 130
degrees, 35 minutes, which means that the map showed Ulleungdo and Usando to be
inside Korean terroritory. We know that Usando was not Dokdo (Liancourt Rocks)
since Dokdo is located at an east longitude of 131 degrees 52
minutes.

http://www.occidentalism.org/?p=670

The updated version of the book “大韓新地誌” (1907) also defined the Korean territory as the same as the 1899 version. So Korean Empire didn’t think that Liancourt rocks to be their territory. You have to remember that the incorporation of Takeshima (Liancourt rocks) happened in 1905 which means it was during the Korean Empire era.

(13) From “Maeil Sinbo” (June 22, 1913)

To follow is from Gerry’s posting at Occidentalism:

Kim Won-jun, a resident of Seo-myeon
(西面) in Uldo County (鬱島郡), wanted to gather people to migrate to Usando
(an uninhabited island), which was supposedly forty to fifty ri northeast of
Uldo [Ulleungdo], and decided to search for the island. However, he said that
Koreans on the island [Ulleungdo] had tried conducting a joint search for the
island [Usando] ten or more years earlier, but were unable to find it. He also
said that the island was uncharted, and that even after several trips in search
of it, he could not find it, so he gave up.

Maeil Sinbo, June 22, 1913

Even after the incorporation of Takeshima (Liancourt rocks) into Shimane prefecture of Japan, people of Uldo county believed that there may have been an island called Usando. So Usando was basically not Liancourt rocks.

(14) From “朝鮮常識問答 (Qs & As about common sense of Chosun)” (by 崔南善) 1947 and “朝鮮常識” (by the same author) 1948:

The former book defined Korean eastern boundary to be from an east longitude of 130 degrees 56 minutes 23 seconds to 124 degrees 11 minutes, and the latter defined as the same (130 degrees 56 minutes 23 seconds) which includes Ulleungdo and Jukdo. And it says the eastern limit （極東) is Ullengdo's Jukdo. BTW, Liancourt rocks locate at 131 degrees 51 minutes, which is apparently out of the Korean territory.

After looking at all the Korean documents, there was no evidence to show that Usan or Usando was Liancourt rocks. Pro-Korean people only believed Ahn Yong-bok’s groundless statement that Usando was Matsushima. We hope all the people will think logically. Please think yourself whether Korea really has a right to own Liancourt rocks or not.