Dokdo

Dokdo is the small, sharply contested rocky island group in the East Sea — a pair of main islets and dozens of surrounding rocks, administratively under Gyeongsangbuk-do. For Koreans the islands carry intense national meaning as the easternmost territory of Korea and the focus of an ongoing sovereignty dispute with Japan. Public ferries run from Ulleungdo when sea conditions allow, with a strict no-overnight rule and a brief 20-minute landing window on the main pier. Most visitors don't actually land — sea conditions cancel a sizable share of trips — but circle the islands by ferry. The basalt-and-sea geology and seabird colonies are striking. Reservations and weather flexibility essential.