Socotra Rock is a 4.6 meters below sea level located in the East China Sea. The rock is the subject of a territorial dispute between South Korea, which considers it to lie within its exclusive economic zone, referring to it as Ieodo or Parangdo , and , which considers it to lie within its exclusive economic zone and refers to it as Suyan Rock . The rock currently serves as the foundation for the Korean Ieodo Ocean Research Station. A helipad is also located there to allow the research station to be serviced.
The rock is located 149 km southwest of Marado, Korea, and 245 km northeast of Haijiao Island, China. It is approximately 275 kilometers from the nearest Japanese island, .
History
A possible reference to the rock exists in the the ancient book ''Shan Hai Jing'', which mentions a "Su Rock" in the East China Sea. However, it is unclear if this refers to Socotra Rock, since the book includes material. There is also no evidence that the island was ever inhabitated.
Both "Parangdo" and "Ieodo" are names for the mythical island residents of believed to house the spirits of fishermen who perished at sea. The South Korean government has asserted a direct connection between these legends and the modern-day rock, claiming that the traditional saying that "one who sees Parangdo can never return" refers to the danger facing sailors when high waves allow the rock to break the surface.
*China's Ming Dynasty nautical book ''Shun Feng Xiang Song'' records: "Ancient Japanese come to China, if they pass by the 'Suyan', it means they are far from Japan and will see the Grand Tang dynasty soon." However, it is unclear if 'Suyan' was Socotra Rock. Also, it is not evidence that the underwater reef was occupied by China in old times. The book now is kept in Bodleian Library of Oxford University.
*1880-1890 Some argues that Beiyang Fleet of China mapped Socotra Rock.
*1900: Socotra Rock was discovered by the merchant vessel ''Socotra''. This was not recognized by the PRC or other neighboring countries.
*1963: Yuejin shipwreck: The Chinese vessel "Yuejin" sank on her maiden voyage en route from Qingdao to Nagoya after striking an underwater object. The crew of the ship claimed to have been attacked by a torpedo, causing an international incident. It was later found that due to a navigational error by the crew, the "Yuejin" had actually struck Socotra Rock which was marked on navigational charts at the time. This was not recognized by the Korea or other neighboring countries.
*1963 5.1-6.3，Shanghai Riverway Bureau fleet found the shipwreck 1.5 sea miles southeast of Socotra Rock. This move was not recognised by the Korea.
*1970: South Korea's Underwater Resource Development Law was enacted, defining Socotra Rock to lie within the country's 4th mining field.
Some point out that Marado is the southernmost land of Korea, since there is a stele carved "the southernmost of Korea". It is also a slogan for local travel attraction. Socotra Rock's location is further south than Marado.
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