Ulreung-do Dok-do Nat’l Park to be Open in 2004

Ulreung-do, a treasure house filled with rare animals and plants, will be designated as ‘Ulreung-do National Sea Park’ which will also include Dok-do, a small island located in the east-end of the national waters.

The Ministry of Environment announced on August 12 that it will set about an 300㎢ area surrounding the two scenic islands as a national park to preserve natural resources and ecosystem in the region. In particular, the plan bears significance in that it came amid a territorial dispute with Japan over the east-end island.

The Ulreung-do marine park, which will be the 21st national park, is the 3rd of its kind following Hanryosudo (510㎢) and Dadohae (2,344㎢) Sea Park. Once the area is designated as a national park, activities that can cause damage to the nature and the ecosystem such as running stores, cooking and camping will be banned. Construction, remodeling, reclamation and mining will also be strictly restricted.

The ministry conducted an extensive research on the islands twice last year. According to the results of the research, the area not only has a wide variety of fauna and flora, but also houses a number of endangered species including Uldo long-horned beetles, Crypsinus hastatus and Wasabia Koreana.

“Considering the opposition among local residents, we plan to separately set some of business and land development sections as a densely-populated area where the restrictions will be lifted. We are seeking ways to ease inconvenience and respect property rights,” said an official from the ministry.

MOE expects the national park will be open in 2004 since it takes at least two years to accommodate opinions, select areas and craft measures to support local residents.

shchung@donga.com