Korea plans to significantly increase its Dokdo budget for 2013 to effectively cope with efforts by Japan to claim the islets located in the East Sea, a government source said Sunday.
The source, who declined to be identified by name, said talks are currently underway to touch on how much money will be needed to better strengthen the country's control over its easternmost territory.
The islets that cover a combined 187,453 square meters are located 216.8 kilometers east of Jukbyeon Port in Uljin County on South Korea's eastern coast.
"The total will definitely exceed 3 billion won, but more talks are needed between the foreign ministry and state policymakers in charge of finance, that could push the total over 4 billion won," the official said. The total is much higher than the initial size of funds set aside by Seoul for next year which stood at 2.3 billion won ($2 million).
The official said most of the increase will go into better advertisement of South Korea's rightful claims to its territory and to counter arguments made by Japan.
"Once the government officials agree on the sum, it should pass parliament since there is no real disagreement on the Dokdo issue by lawmakers," he said.
The latest move comes after Tokyo announced it will spend an additional $7.5 million next year to advertise its views over the islets in the international arena.
The long-drawn debate over Dokdo flared up after President Lee Myung-bak made the first ever visit by South Korea's chief executive to the islet on Aug. 10. The visit sparked strong criticism from Japan. (Yonhap)