By Honorary Reporter Monika Toth from Hungary

Photo = Yonhap News, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

President Moon Jae-in on June 16 visited the Spanish Senate Library to see the Royal Map of Korea from the 1730s. 

President Moon Jae-in on June 16 looks at the Royal Map of Korea at the Spanish Senate Library in Madrid. (Cheong Wa Dae)

Made by French geographer and cartographer Jean Baptist Bourguignon d'Anville (1697-1782), this map is the oldest surviving map of the Joseon Dynasty made by Westerners and clearly shows Dokdo Island as Korean territory. 

The Royal Map of Korea clearly marks Dokdo Island as part of Joseon territory.

Why is Dokdo important? Japan has claimed sovereignty over the Korean island, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul said Dokdo is an integral part of Korean territory "historically, geographically and under international law."

A promo sign for Dokdo made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul

Dokdo has long been a part of Korean history. Records from as far back as the ancient Silla Kingdom about 1,500 years ago show how the island belongs to Korea. 

One Korean visitor said, "As a Korean, I've always wanted to come here once in my life." To the Korean people, the island is a sacred symbol of peace.

Spring on Dokdo Island  

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.