Dokdo, Residents & Visitors

Residents & Visitors

> Facts about Dokdo > Life on Dokdo > Residents & Visitors

Residents

Home to approximately 26 residents

Since March 1965, when the late Choi Jongduck became the first
ever civilian to reside on Dokdo, Dokdo continuously has been home to
a number of Korean civilians. Currently, Dokdo is home to
Kim Sin Yeol(her husband Kim Sung-do passed away in October 2018),
20 police personnel, two lighthouse managers and three Dokdo Office staffs.
(As of April 2024)

Entrance to Dokdo’s Residential Quarters

Visiting Dokdo

The number of visitors to Dongdo (East Islet) since 2005 has reached 3.2 million.

A daily average of 500 tourists visit Dongdo (As of January 2024).
Prior permission from Ulleung-gun is necessary to visit Seodo.

Number of Visitors by Year

number of visitors by year table
Year	Number
2005	41,134
2006	78,152
2007	101,428
2008	129,910
2009	135,376
2010	115,074
2011	179,621
2012	205,778
2013	255,838
2014	139,892
2015	178,785
2016	206,630
2017	206,111
2018	226,645
2019	258,181
2020	89,374
2021	143,680
2022	280,312
2023	232,380
2024.3	6,262
Total	3,210,563

Procedures for Visiting Dokdo

Entrance Procedures

Applicant : Make reservations via cruise line company → Cruise Line Co. : Entry registration → Ulleung-gun : Issue of entry permits

Note

dokdo around image

Dokdo can only be entered through Ulleungdo.
Operation times, fares, and ports of arrival are subject to change. Please confirm with the respective cruise line companies before making reservations.
Entry to Dokdo may be restricted depending on weather conditions, and sightseeing is restricted to Dongdo (East Islet).
Permission from Ulleung-gun is necessary to enter Dokdo for purposes other than tourism.
For further details, please refer to the “General Guidelines for Visitng Dokdo”.