The government has named an underwater reef "Parangcho" in waters off the nation's southernmost island of Ieodo.

The foot-shaped Parangcho is 24 to 27 meters underwater, and is 372 meters long and 169 meters wide covering an area of more than 50-thousand square meters.

The reef could fuel a territorial dispute as it lies between Korea and China. The two countries have yet to decide on the boundary of their exclusive economic zones.

Parangcho is closer to Korea in a straight line, 149 kilometers from Ieodo and 247 kilometers from Chinese territory.

The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in Seoul says it will seek to register the new name with international organizations and on maps.