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The government planned in April to register the names with the IHO but agreed to hold off on the project in return for Japan’s promise to stop a planned hydrographic survey in Korean territorial waters near Dokdo, where the seafloor has had only Japanese names for 30 years.

Of 18 seabed features, five that were to be given names of historical figures under the previous plan will be given other names instead. "As a general principle, the naming committee at the IHO rejects use of names of individuals," the official said. The five features were to have been named after historical figures who contributed to securing and maintaining Dokdo as Korean territory. They included general Lee Sa-bu from the reign of Shilla king Jijung, and fisherman An Young-bok from the reign of Chosun's King Sukjong, who was able to get an apology from the Japanese government for illegal fishing by Japanese vessels near the islets.

The resumption of the plan is likely to renew friction over the issue with Japan.

Seoul and Tokyo in April agreed to address the issue “at an appropriate time.”

A national flag flutters on a Korea Coast Guard ship/Yonhap

(englishnews@chosun.com )