The Korea Times and the Northeast Asian History Foundation invite foreigners as well as Koreans to participate in an English-language essay contest on the territorial sovereignty over the Dokdo islets.

The essay contest is aimed at exploring Korea’s and Japan’s claims, and the root cause of the territorial dispute over the rocky islets sitting halfway between the two neighboring countries.

Applicants are required to submit an essay of about 800 words on the theme “Why was Dokdo omitted in the final version of the San Francisco Peace Treaty?”

A total of 12 winners will be selected. The Gold Prize winner will receive 1.5 million won; two Silver Prize winners will each receive 500,000 won; and three Bronze Prize winners will each receive 300,000 won. There will also be six notable mentions with a prize of a 50,000-won goods coupon for each.

The winners will be announced on June 4 and will be individually informed of the schedule for the award ceremony.

The winning essays will be published in The Korea Times, in a booklet and an e-book.

The deadline for submissions is May 13 and will be accepted online through email to lim@koreatimes.co.kr. Entrants must also submit a passport-size color photo in jpg format and a 50 word self-introduction. Inquiries will be answered through the above email.

Theme: “Why was Dokdo omitted in the final version of the San Francisco Peace Treaty?”

Deadline: May 13

Announcement of successful entries: June 4