In celebration of 71 years of independence, descendants of Korean independence activists, Korean veterans of the Vietnam War, and family members of naval and police officers who died on duty visit the westernmost island of Gyeongnyeolbiyeoldo (격렬비열도) on Aug. 11.
The Korean national flag was hoisted above the waters of Gyeongnyeolbiyeoldo Island (격렬비열도), referred to by some as the "Dokdo Island of the Yellow Sea."
In celebration of 71 years of independence, the Ministry of Public Safety and Security organized a three-day pilgrimage by sea to the country's westernmost island on Aug. 9. On board the ferry were some 100 people, including descendants of liberation movement leaders, Korean Vietnam War veterans, as well as family members of naval and police officers who died in the line of duty.
Gyeongnyeolbiyeoldo Island forms an important military and geographical base in the Yellow Sea. The island is made up of three distinct outcroppings and got its name because the rocks supposedly look like a flock of geese flying in formation. The island lies 55 kilometers west of Chungcheongnam-do Province.
Gyeongnyeolbiyeoldo Island (격렬비열도) is made up of three distinct outcroppings and is named because the rocks supposedly look like a flock of geese flying in formation.
The group began the pilgrimage in Yeosu, a coastal city in Jeollanam-do Province. During their three-day journey, the people onboard the ferry were given lectures on international law governing the seas to aid in their understanding of sovereignty of the sea. Once the team sailed into the coastal waters of Gyeongnyeolbiyeoldo Island, a giant national flag was unfurled across the front deck of the ferry. With flags in hand, the team sang the national anthem and took a moment to reflect on the significance of National Liberation Day, Aug. 15.
Kim Du-seok, director of the Korea Coast Guard Academy, said, "We organized the pilgrimage to strengthen our will to guard our ocean territories, and to increase love for our nation. We hope that such events will make the citizens aware of the importance of our seas and raise awareness of our beautiful islands."
By Lee Hana
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photo: Korea Coast Guard Academy
hlee10@korea.kr
