A part of “Program for proper understanding of Dokdo’s history” of University Innovation Support Project

Since implementation in 2008, 14th this year 

Conducted by YU’s Dokdo Research Institute, pre-training on Dokdo’s geographical characteristics and natural ecosystem 

[August 21, 2023] 

 “Dokdo is our land! If you are a citizen of the Republic of Korea, shouldn’t you step on our land Dokdo?”

 On the 19th, 40 students from YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) visited Dokdo and strengthened their will to protect Dokdo.

 This Dokdo exploration was conducted as a part of “Program for proper understanding of Dokdo’s history” implemented by University Innovation Support Project. The purpose is to establish a correct view of history and importance of defending the homeland in students. This is the 14th implementation since the first implementation of YU’s Program for proper understanding of Dokdo’s history in 2008. This program has been implemented every year except for 2020 and 2021, when COVID 19 spread.

 Students who participated in this program learned about Dokdo and Ulleungdo's geography, natural ecosystem, and Dokdo's historical significance through preliminary teaching on Dokdo and Ulleungdo prior to the exploration. The teaching was hosted by YU’s Dokdo Research Institute. 

<YU students who visited Dokdo are showing a performance on entering Dokdo>

Starting on the 18th, the students who participated in the exploration program for 2 nights and 3 days organized a total of 8 teams of 5 people, established plans to visit Ulleungdo and Dokdo, and prepared a performance to enter Dokdo. They plan to promote social media by producing short video contents containing Dokdo exploration activities. Especially, at the Dokdo Museum visited on the third day of the tour, curator KIM Gyeong-do, who graduated from YU Department of Cultural Anthropology, explained the background of Dokdo Museum and historical facts of Dokdo, and received a great response from the students.  

 KIM Ha-rin (3rd year, Department of Police Administration), who participated in the exploration, said, “I participated because I wanted to learn more about Dokdo rather than learning in the textbooks and to experience it directly. I will never forget the panoramic view of Ulleungdo and Dokdo from the observatory and the experience of stepping on the land directly. I really want to visit Dokdo, our land, with her family and friends.” LIM Hyun-soo (4th year of Business Administration) said, “This is my second visit to Dokdo after a family trip. Before visiting Dokdo, I was taught about Dokdo and prepared a Dokdo entrance performance with other students. It is felt different from other trips. I think I'll never forget the thrill of stepping on the land of Dokdo. I’d like to encourage other students to participate in Dokdo Exploration Program before graduation.”

 HAN Yong-hee, YU Dean of Student Affairs planned Dokdo exploration this time said, “We have been implementing the Dokdo exploration program every year to foster students’ correct historical awareness and affection for our land Dokdo. It would have been an opportunity for students to participate in the program, learn about Dokdo on their own, and explore Dokdo on their own to inspire love for Dokdo. The university plans and implements various programs to help students to develop character and develop leadership skills.  I hope that many students will have the opportunity to actively participate and develop their capabilities.”