Correcting History: How to Address the ‘Sea of Japan’ Mislabeling at Greenwich Observatory

A globe and a world map at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London — the site of the Prime Meridian — labeled the East Sea as the “Sea of Japan,” sparking controversy.

On the 19th, Professor Seo Kyung-deok of Sungshin Women’s University posted on his social media that British travelers alerted him, and officials confirmed that a large globe and a world map inside the Royal Observatory had mislabeled the East Sea as the Sea of Japan.

The submitted photos show clear scratch marks above the words Sea of Japan, as if someone had tried to scrape them off.

Professor Seo expressed concern about the vandalism. He said he understands the impulse to remove an incorrect name, but he called such actions property damage and warned that similar incidents have occurred repeatedly at museums and exhibitions worldwide, including the Royal Observatory. He cautioned that those acts could harm the reputation of Korean visitors.

Instead, Professor Seo recommended a proper response. He advised that anyone who finds a map labeling the East Sea as the Sea of Japan should send a formal complaint email to the institution explaining why the East Sea designation is correct.

The problem is not limited to the observatory. Reports indicate that a giant world map embedded in the floor of the nearby National Maritime Museum in Greenwich also mislabels the East Sea as the Sea of Japan.

Professor Seo said he plans to send official letters soon to the Royal Observatory and the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich outlining the justification for the East Sea label, and he said sustained efforts should lead to positive change.