This book is the story of the history and geography of “Ulleungdo” and “Dokdo,” part of Korea’s territory located in the “East Sea” which I, as a scientist and reporter, visited as a member of a group of international visitors. Ulleungdo is known as the Hawaii of Korea and is synonymous with dreams, romance, and mystery, while Dokdo, an island to which Japan has long made groundless territorial claims, is Korea’s natural monument and a rich repository of sea creatures and valuable minerals as well as the symbol of Korea’s independence from Japan’s colonial rule. In this book there are over 150 pieces of original illustrations, photos, and copies of historical records classified as official documents. All these materials are likely to have a positive impact on the perception of Russian readers, whose country has maintained amicable relations with Korea in diverse fields for more than 25 years. The publication of this book was directed at experts on territorial issues as well as to the general readership in the Asia and Pacific region.

Preface
Chapter 1 Encounter in Seoul
Chapter 2 East Sea: Sphere of Contradiction
Chapter 3 Ulleungdo: A Journey of History and Geography
Chapter 4 Ulleungdo: An Island of Dreams, Romance, and Mystery
Chapter 5 Dokdo: Korea’s Island Since Ancient Times
Chapter 6 Russians who have been to Dokdo
Closing Remarks
References and sources of electronic information