East Sea

American  

[eest see] / ˈist ˈsi /

noun

1. a South Korean name of preference for the Sea of Japan: considered an official designation by South Korea.

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Etymology

Origin of East Sea

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

"The North has launched an unidentified ballistic missile toward the East Sea," it said, referring to a body of water also known as the Sea of Japan.

From Barron's • Jan. 3, 2026

Consequently, the intensified descent of cold air from the Arctic strengthens the internal circulation, leading to a heightened uptake of carbon dioxide in the East Sea.

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2024

This week, China attended the Vostok 2022 joint military exercises held by Russia in the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea.

From Washington Post • Sep. 7, 2022

The official said the group is in the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea, for exercises with Japanese forces to reassure allies and partners in the region.

From Reuters • Apr. 12, 2022

The moon meanwhile had risen entirely, and silvered the wide expanse of the East Sea, the bare cliffs, the green ravines, but a cold wind swept from the north.

From Withered Leaves. Vol. I. (of III) A Novel by Gottschall, Rudolf von