`French atlas publisher uses both East Sea & Sea of Japan`

"French publisher Atlas` adoption of both East Sea and Sea of Japan serves as a huge turning point."

So said Li Jine-mieung, a Korean studies professor at France`s Lyon 3 University in an interview with The Dong-A Ilbo. Atlas used both names printed in letters of the same size in eight maps among 200 at its world atlas for 2012 published early this year.

The Atlas of the World`s eighth and ninth editions of the U.S.-based National Geographic had used both names but Sea of Japan was printed larger with East Sea in a parenthesis in small letters, giving the impression that Sea of Japan was the primary term. Germany`s Bertelsmann had adopted the use of both names, but East Sea was marked small and Sea of Japan was used as the official term when necessary. Due to the Japanese government`s pressure, the next edition used only Sea of Japan.

Li said Atlas` equal use marks the third stage of the use of East Sea, with the first stage using only Sea of Japan, the second the incomplete use of both names, and the third completely equal use.

The French book is expected to have much influence on French-speaking European countries such as Switzerland and Belgium, and other nations including the U.S., Canada and those in Africa, to precisely describe Korean place names, including the equal use of East Sea and Sea of Japan.

Li said other leading atlas publishers are expected to follow suit.

baek@donga.com