울릉도, 영토의 상징을 넘어 역사와 자연의 성지로 거듭나다 > 뉴스

The history of Ulleungdo is inextricably linked with the territorial sovereignty of our people. From the Usan-guk period of the Three Kingdoms period to the Suto system of the Joseon Dynasty, Ulleungdo was a territory that was systematically managed within the boundaries of the history of the Korean Peninsula. However, the historical traces scattered throughout Ulleungdo currently show a sad management situation compared to their importance. Valuable historical sites, such as the Southwest Ancient Tombs, are neglected without proper accessibility, and even the carved stone gates containing records of the water and earth officials of the Joseon Dynasty are losing their appearance as they are damaged by wind and rain or obscured by modern structures. Considering that history goes beyond records and begins with on-site preservation, now is the urgent need for practical redevelopment of ruins and comprehensive conservation measures that go beyond the slogan of protecting territory.

Recently, future generations' interest in Ulleungdo and Dokdo is more intense than ever. In the educational field, practical education programs that go beyond simply learning the knowledge in textbooks and visit Ulleungdo and Dokdo and experience the sites are actively being operated. Teachers and students learn the value of territorial sovereignty through Dokdo Guardian School activities, reflect on the sacrificial spirit of the Dokdo Volunteer Guard, and learn firsthand the importance of maritime territory. This field-centered education serves as a foundation for students to grow into mature citizens who feel the importance of our territory with their hearts, rather than simply remembering it with their minds. This vibrant educational environment provided through cooperation between the public and private sectors provides the impetus for future generations to grow into reliable guardians of Korea's seas.

Ulleungdo is now attracting attention as a space where humanity's sustainable efforts toward nature and the environment are concentrated. Various organizations, including international development NGOs, are carrying out large-scale underwater purification activities in the waters of Ulleungdo and Dokdo to implement the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. This is evaluated as an important example of ESG cooperation that goes beyond simple garbage collection to restore the health of the marine ecosystem and raise public awareness of environmental protection. Additionally, tourism infrastructure utilizing Ulleungdo's natural beauty is also entering a new phase. Creative attempts to revitalize the local economy are continuing, such as developing senior-friendly sports tourism products such as park golf and providing special experiences to travelers by installing a symbolic transit station at Sadong Port.

Ulleungdo's identity is only completed when nature, which has firmly maintained its place despite the rugged terrain and isolated environment, and the humanistic values contained within it are in harmony. The clear sea of ​​Naesujeon Mongdol Beach, the mysterious columnar joints of Gwaneumdo Island, and the underwater ecosystem seen from the underwater observatory are just fragments of Ulleungdo's natural assets. Ulleungdo's challenge is to protect these natural resources while building systematic tourism content linked to historical sites. Complex cultural spaces such as Ula Welcome House provide convenient information to travelers and are contributing to turning the entire island into one huge historical and ecological museum. Now, Ulleungdo must go beyond being a simple place to visit and become Korea's greatest cultural sacred place where nature and history coexist.