New 360-degree footage of Jeoncha Rock added; educational content for children expanded

The Dokdo Comprehensive Information System. [Provided by KIOST]
The Dokdo Comprehensive Information System. [Provided by KIOST]

Anyone curious about the underwater world around Dokdo can now explore it with a single click. The islets' coastal seascapes, marine life and ocean science research findings are all available in one place online.

The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) announced Tuesday that it has fully revamped the Dokdo Comprehensive Information System to make the islets' natural environment, marine ecosystem and research results more accessible to the public.

The platform is operated by KIOST on behalf of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries as a comprehensive ocean science information hub for Dokdo-related content. Since its launch in 2008, it has provided data on marine environmental surveys, ecosystem information and scientific research findings from the waters surrounding Dokdo.

The overhaul significantly strengthens visual content so users can experience Dokdo and its surrounding waters more vividly online. Information has been reorganized around photos and videos of the islets and nearby seas, with natural environment, marine ecosystem and research data linked together so users can easily navigate to areas of interest.

The revamp also introduces virtual reality content that simulates diving beneath Dokdo's surface. New underwater footage of the Jeoncha Rock area has been added to the existing underwater VR offerings, letting users explore the seafloor terrain and marine ecosystem of Dokdo's coastal waters — areas that are difficult to access in person — through 360-degree video.

Underwater VR footage of Jeoncha Rock. [Provided by KIOST]
Underwater VR footage of Jeoncha Rock. [Provided by KIOST]

Educational content for children and teenagers has also been expanded. A newly released e-book, "Hukdom Pureum-i and the Story of Dokdo," introduces the marine life and natural environment of the Dokdo waters through a narrative format. An English edition is also available, allowing overseas users to learn about the ecological value of the islets.

KIOST has continuously monitored changes in the marine environment and ecosystem around Dokdo since being designated as the islets' dedicated research institution in 2006. The institute also conducts research to identify the distribution characteristics of marine organisms and track environmental changes in the area.

"The Dokdo Comprehensive Information System is a channel for sharing with the public the research findings we have accumulated over many years," said Kim Chang-hwan, director of KIOST's Dokdo Research Center. "We will continue to investigate Dokdo's marine environment and ecosystem and ensure the public can closely experience the results of that research."

KIOST President Lee Hee-seung said the deeper the scientific understanding of Dokdo, the clearer its value becomes. "We will continue our research and outreach so that future generations can develop a proper understanding of Dokdo and a genuine appreciation for it," he said.


nbgkoo@heraldcorp.com