Liancourt Rocks dispute Japan. In 1954, Japan proposed a reference to the International Court of Justice, which South Korea rejected, believing that the Liancourt Rocks are irrefutably South Korean territories, and thus should not be dealt through diplomatic negotiations or judicial settlement between South Korea and Japan. There are conflicting interpretations about the historical state of sovereignty over the islets. Korean claims are partly based on references to a Korean island called "Usan-do" in various historical records, maps and encyclopedias such as the "Samguk Sagi", "Annals of the Joseon Dynasty", "Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam" (), and "Dongguk munheon bigo" (). According to the Korean
Liancourt Rocks based on references to an island called "Usan-do" (우산도, 于山島/亐山島) in various medieval historical records, maps, and encyclopedia such as "Samguk Sagi", "Annals of Joseon Dynasty", "Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam", and "Dongguk munhon bigo". According to the Korean view, these refer to today's Liancourt Rocks. North Korea and South Korea agree that the islands are Korean territory and reject Japan's claim. Liancourt Rocks The Liancourt Rocks are a group of small islets in the Sea of Japan. While South Korea controls the islets, its sovereignty over them is contested by Japan. South Korea classifies the islets as Dokdo-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung County,