
Google Maps Sparks Controversy with 'Liancourt Rocks' Label for Dokdo; Government Intervention Urged
Google Maps is once again facing international backlash for its inaccurate labeling of Dokdo, with the territory being referred to as 'Liancourt Rocks' in 42 countries.
This latest controversy follows a previous incident where the Dokdo Museum was misidentified as the 'Kim Il-sung Memorial Hall'. Professor Seo Kyeong-duk of Sungshin Women's University initiated a global inquiry, receiving submissions from followers across numerous nations confirming the widespread 'Liancourt Rocks' designation.
Professor Seo highlighted that this erroneous labeling persists, similar to findings from three years prior. While Korea displays 'Dokdo' and Japan uses its claimed 'Takeshima', the international version defaults to 'Liancourt Rocks'.
A more alarming issue discovered is that searching for 'Dokdo Airport' redirects users to Tsushima Airport in Japan, despite no such airport existing on Dokdo. Professor Seo criticized Google for failing to rectify these persistent errors despite multiple complaints, urging the South Korean government to lodge a strong protest and demand correction.
The misrepresentation of Dokdo's name directly impacts territorial sovereignty, necessitating diplomatic action.
Professor Seo Kyeong-duk is a prominent figure actively engaged in promoting Korean culture and history globally. He has spearheaded numerous campaigns and projects addressing critical issues such as the Dokdo territorial dispute and historical distortions. His persistent efforts aim to bolster Korea's national identity and territorial integrity on the international stage.