Location of Dokdo Ilands

Dokdo, the easternmost island group of Korea, is located 87.4 kilometers southeast of Ulleungdo Island. Its exact location is 131 14' east longitude and 37ơ 52' north latitude, while its address is 1-37 Dokdo-ri, Ullung-eup, Ullung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do province. It is about 180,000 square meters in area, spanning about 400 meters in length and width.

Dokdo is a volcanic island group that was formed approximately 2 million to 4.6 million years ago by an undersea eruption. The Dokdo volcano is an enormous cone, with a huge underwater volcanic base measuring approximately 20-25 kilometers in diameter at its base, 10 kilometers in diameter at its top and standing approximately 2 kilometers in height. The island group, which was formed entirely from lava, consists of 32 large and small volcanic islands, including eastern and western islands.

	Eastern Island (Dongdo) in the right, Western Island (Seodo) in the left

Aside from a relatively small area halfway up its slope, the cliffs of the eastern island (called Dongdo in Korean) are treacherous with a severe slope of 60 degrees or greater. In the center is a large, round crater connected to the ocean by a cave that runs to the northeast. The western island (called Seodo in Korean) is considerably higher and steeper than the eastern island. The cliffs in all directions are so precipitous that it is extremely difficult to approach the summit. The reefs to the north and west of the islands are relatively wide and well-formed. Interestingly, between the eastern and western island, which stand side by side like brothers, is a strait. This strait, which is approximately 150 meters in width, 330 meters in length, and 10 meters deep, separates as well as connects the two islands. In addition to the eastern and western islands, there are 34 other volcanic islets, known as Seal Rock, Independence Gate Rock, Candlestick Rock, and Face Rock, according to their appearance.

The Dokdo Islands enjoy a moderate maritime climate due to the warm ocean currents that flow by. The average temperature is 1 Celsius in winter (January) and 23 Celsius in summer (August). The average yearly rainfall is 1,240 millimeters. There are often rainy or snowy days throughout the year, and there is also much fog, making clear days a rarity (only about 50 per year).

Due to strong prevailing sea winds and rocky, barren soil, vegetation does not grow well on the islands. The soil does not retain water very well, and if no rain or snow falls for some time, the islands suffer severe drought. The intersection of warm and cold currents around the island group is also a factor in Dokdo's unique climate.