The small island is mainly volcanic rock with patches of lush grass. The two islets that make up Dokdo, each have their own particular features. Seodo West islet, the smaller of the two, is where the fisherman and his wife live. Their house is at the bottom of the steep cliffs. Dongdo East islet has a large crater at the top that runs right to the water. The other highlight is the "Hyeongje" Cave. It is also where the security officers are stationed. Between the two is another cave, the "Cheonjang-gul".
Because the warm and cool currents converge in the surrounding area, a great variety of fish thrive there. Also Dokdo is home to a multitude of birds. One of the reasons the island was closed off to the public was to preserve the natural ecology.
