When searching on Google for Gyeogryeolbiyeoldo, an island that serves as the baseline for Korea's territorial waters in the West Sea, it appears under an incorrect name.
Seo Kyoung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women's University, said on the 16th on his social media (SNS) that "if you type 'Gyeogryeolbiyeoldo' in the Google search bar, the result shows 'Gongnyeolbi-yeoldo.'"
The same error also appears on Google Maps, indicating that the incorrect labeling is exposed across both search and map services. Gyeogryeolbiyeoldo is an archipelago under Taean County, South Chungcheong Province, and is a key island that serves as a reference point for setting the Republic of Korea's territorial sea boundary.
Earlier, when searching for "Dokdo Airport" on Google Maps, an error occurred that directed users to an airport on Tsushima (Daemado), Japan, sparking controversy. It was corrected after continued complaints and objections.
Seo said, "Because errors in labeling related to the Republic of Korea on global search and map platforms can affect the country's image and perceptions of territory, swift correction is necessary."