Austria First Publish Textbook Using 'East Sea' & 'Sea of Japan' Labels

Austria has published the textbook that labels the waters between South Korea and Japan as both the ���East Sea��� and the ���Sea of Japan.���

The South Korean Embassy in Austria said Thursday that the OeBV and Freytag and Berndt publishing companies will use both terms in revised textbooks of society and geography for fifth and eight graders starting this fall semester.

Freytag and Berndt is one of Austria���s top three atlas publishers in the society and geography market and, until now, had not published revised textbooks in 24 years.

It is highly expected to spread the use of both labels and adopt an official name, as one of the experts that produced the maps for the revised textbooks was found to be a member of Austria���s committee on the labeling of geographical landmarks.

An official at the Korean Embassy said active efforts are being made for joint labeling of the waters through contacts with Austria���s government, academic fields and publishing companies. The official said Austria���s committee on the labeling of geographical landmarks is said to be positively considering using both labels for the waters between Korea and Japan.