The Dokdo islets have been at the center of diplomatic disputes between Korea and Japan for centuries due to its rich fishing grounds and geographic location.
For the first time international journalists were invited by North Gyeongsang Province to visit Dokdo in the sea separating Korea and Japan.
The chance of actually reaching the islets is under 30 percent so unfortunately the weather conditions prevented the 20 press members from going any further than Ulleung Island… known for its breathtaking scenery and fresh seafood.
[Interview : Oleg Kiriyanov, Bureau chief Rossiyskaya, Russia] "It is famous for its unspoiled nature and also because of the Dokdo dispute, that is why I came as a journalist."
[Interview : Steve Barber, Canadian freelance journalist] "It's nice to see and to get a real feeling of ground level and to attach something physical to old documents and records I've been reading. So it's great to be here at the ground level and experience it."
The foreign media members attended lectures on sovereignty issues, international law and ancient maps at the Dokdo Museum on Ulleung and listened to security efforts by Koreans in the past to preserve its control over the islets. One of the lecturers was an 85-year-old former volunteer guard.
[Interview : Chung Wondo, Former Dokdo Loyal Defense Squad] "Most of the Koreans have a strong mission in securing the islets. And looking back on my experiences, even the foreigners who visit Dokdo say that they definitely belong to Korea. The reason why I makes these speeches is because I want the next generation to remember this."
The public's interest regarding the islets is at an all-time high. The Ulleung County government says the number of yearly visitors reached 260-thousand in 2007 and predicts the number of tourists to rise as the increased media attention continues to raise public awareness.
[Reporter : Kim Jiyoung jennie84@arirang.co.kr] "Setting the record straight regarding Dokdo begins with shoring up historical misunderstandings and the lack of knowledge internationally regarding the islets. And organizers of this event say this visit from the foreign press is a great starting point to get to the truth.
Kim Jiyoung, Arirang News, Ulleung Island."
NOV 10, 2008
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Friday, SEP 03, 2010, (KST) 
