According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for South Korea, the name Donghae (동해, literally East Sea) has been used in Korea for over 2,000 years, including in History of the Three Kingdoms (三國史記, 1145), the monument of King Gwanggaeto, and "Map of Eight Provinces of Korea" (八道總圖, 1530).
Menurut Kementerian Luar Negeri Korea Selatan, nama 'Donghae' (동해, secara harfiah Timur Laut) telah digunakan di Korea selama lebih dari 2.000 tahun, termasuk dalam Sejarah Tiga Kerajaan (三國史記, 1145), monumen Prasasti Raja, dan "Peta Delapan Provinsi di Korea" (八道總圖, 1530).