The Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK) has launched a Metaverse Dokdo Exhibition Hall on the ZEP platform, a virtual world, to help Korean youth learn about Dokdo, correct widespread misinformation about the island, and promote its significance to the global community. This initiative aims to empower young Koreans to become modern-day Ahn Yong-bok figures, advocating for Dokdo’s rightful place as part of Korea.
Unlike traditional educational resources, the Metaverse Dokdo Exhibition Hall goes beyond simply providing historical knowledge. It focuses on equipping users with the skills to explain Dokdo’s significance to foreigners and to rectify inaccuracies found in international textbooks and websites. The platform also offers immersive experiences that convey what Dokdo means to Koreans.
One of the key strengths of VANK’s Metaverse Dokdo platform is that it provides access to those unable to visit Dokdo in person, such as students from elementary to high school across Korea and the 7.5 million overseas Koreans, including teachers and students at Korean heritage schools worldwide. Through this platform, they can develop the ability to explain, with historical, geographical, and legal accuracy, why Dokdo is an integral part of Korea.
The platform is divided into two main exhibition halls: Daehan Hall and Usan Hall, named after Dokdo’s two main peaks, Daehanbong and Usanbong. This naming underscores the historical continuity of Dokdo as Korean territory.
Located on the western islet of Dokdo, Daehan Hall consists of three themed exhibition areas designed to naturally introduce Dokdo’s significance as if explaining it to an international friend.
1. Five Messages About Dokdo for the World
This section conveys five key messages about Dokdo’s meaning:
Dokdo Korea – Dokdo is part of the Republic of Korea.
Dokdo Heart – Dokdo embodies the spirit of independence fighters.
Dokdo Peace – Dokdo represents peace in Asia.
Dokdo Light – Dokdo is a beacon for global change.
Dokdo Dream – Dokdo symbolizes the dreams of future generations.
2. “The Heart of Independence Fighters! Dokdo”
This section highlights the role of Korea’s independence fighters—Yu Gwan-sun, Yun Bong-gil, Ahn Jung-geun, and Ahn Chang-ho—who resisted Japanese imperialist aggression. It also emphasizes that today’s efforts to promote Dokdo’s rightful status are a continuation of the independence movement, making participants the independence activists of the 21st century.
3. “Guardians of Korea’s Maritime Territory”
This section showcases historical figures who defended Korea’s maritime sovereignty, including:
— Goguryeo’s King Gwanggaeto
— Baekje’s King Geunchogo
— Silla’s Generals Isabu and Kim Si-duk, Monk Hyecho, and Admiral Jang Bogo
— Goryeo’s King Wang Geon and scientist Choe Mu-seon
— Joseon’s Admiral Yi Sun-sin and civilian diplomat Ahn Yong-bok
— The Jeju Haenyeo (women divers) independence activists
Located on the eastern islet, Usan Hall is composed of four themed exhibition areas, offering a structured explanation of why Dokdo is historically, geographically, and legally part of Korea.
1. Dokdo Protection Activities
This section presents VANK’s two-decade-long efforts to correct inaccuracies about Dokdo and the East Sea in global textbooks, maps, and websites. It also provides concrete strategies for:
— Explaining Dokdo to foreigners unfamiliar with the issue.
— Distributing world maps with Dokdo correctly labeled.
— Correcting errors in international websites, textbooks, and maps.
2. “21st-Century Ahn Yong-bok”
This section introduces:
— The historical evidence proving Dokdo’s status as Korean territory.
— The various names Dokdo has been mistakenly called internationally.
— Japan’s territorial claims over Dokdo and Korea’s counterarguments.
It also organizes key historical records chronologically, helping students understand the issue comprehensively. Visitors are guided on how to use official sources when referencing Dokdo-related documents and images.
3. Dokdo Quiz with the Sea Lion (Gangchi)
This interactive section offers 100 bilingual (Korean-English) quiz questions about Dokdo and the East Sea. The quiz is designed as a fun and engaging way to learn about Dokdo, with the extinct Gangchi (Dokdo sea lion) acting as a guide.
4. Dokdo Resource Center
The final section provides a collection of educational videos in Korean and English for a quick and effective understanding of Dokdo. Content includes short clips like “Explaining Dokdo in One Minute” to enhance accessibility.
The Metaverse Dokdo Exhibition Hall has been named the “21st-Century Ahn Yong-bok School” to reflect its mission. Just as Ahn Yong-bok, a private citizen in the Joseon era, defended Dokdo without official government authority, this initiative encourages individuals today to take the lead in protecting and promoting Dokdo on the global stage.