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The Cyber Diplomacy Organization VANK announced on March 5 that the Crow Museum of Asian Art in Dallas, Texas, has officially acknowledged a geographic labeling error in its exhibition materials and committed to using the term “East Sea,” along with institutional measures to prevent similar issues in the future.

The decision followed an on-site review conducted by VANK researcher Koo Seung-hyun during the organization’s visit to Dallas for the 43rd Annual Conference and General Assembly of the National Association for Korean Schools (NAKS). During the visit, Koo identified a map displayed at the museum that labeled the body of water between the Korean Peninsula and Japan solely as the “Sea of Japan,” without reference to the term “East Sea.”

After confirming the issue, VANK submitted a formal correction request to the museum, citing historical background, international legal considerations, and existing international practices regarding geographic naming. The organization explained that the term “Sea of Japan” became widely used during the early 20th century, a period when Korea was unable to present its position in international forums due to Japanese colonial rule.

In its correspondence, VANK noted that several global publishers and mapmakers—including DK (Dorling Kindersley), World Atlas, and National Geographic—have adopted dual naming practices following similar requests. It also referenced educational and legislative measures in the United States, including a 2017 Virginia law requiring dual labeling of “East Sea” and “Sea of Japan” in state textbooks, as well as a recommendation issued by the New York State Department of Education in 2019.

VANK further stated that its request aligns with principles recommended by international bodies such as the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN). These organizations advise that when countries sharing a geographic feature cannot reach agreement on a single name, the use of multiple names should be considered.

In an official response dated March 5, Natalia Di Pietrantonio, Senior Curator at the Crow Museum of Asian Art, confirmed that the exhibition text in question had been prepared by an external curator specializing in Japanese art and that the terminology had not been revised during the editorial process.

She stated that the museum has removed the map in question, updated its exhibition text style guide, and will use the term “East Sea” going forward. The museum also indicated that additional attention will be given to geographic naming issues when working with external curators in future exhibitions.

VANK said the museum’s decision represents not only a correction of an individual exhibit but also an institutional adjustment reflected in its internal guidelines.

Park Ki-tae, founder of VANK, said the case illustrates how civic engagement can contribute to improving international awareness of Korean history and geography within global cultural institutions. He added that cooperation among overseas Korean communities, educators, and younger generations plays a role in sustaining such efforts.

Koo also noted that many Asian art collections in major U.S. museums remain centered on China and Japan, and expressed hope that the case would encourage broader and more balanced representation of Korean history and culture.

VANK said it plans to continue working with Korean schools worldwide, as well as with Korean diplomatic missions, cultural centers, and education offices, to promote accurate representation of Korea in international educational and cultural settings.

Source (Korean)

https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/382/0001214752?sid=102