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South Korea

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Dive Sites

Dive Sites

Wildlife

Wildlife

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Dive Trips

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© Shutterstock/Travel Take Photos

Explore South Korea

South Korea offers a unique diving experience, blending its rich cultural heritage with the beauty of its underwater landscapes. Divers can explore the waters around Jeju Island, known for its volcanic rock formations and vibrant coral reefs. Jeju’s marine life is diverse and colorful, featuring soft corals, sea fans, and a variety of fish species. The island's temperate climate and clear waters make it a prime spot for shore dives, allowing easy access to its underwater wonders right from the beach.

In addition to Jeju, South Korea's east coast is popular for wall and wreck diving. Sites like the famous ‘Ulleungdo’ provide dramatic underwater cliffs and shipwrecks that attract seasoned divers. The waters here house seasonal visitors like giant pacific octopuses and jellyfish. South Korea's distinct seasons offer varied diving conditions, with spring and autumn providing the best visibility. These regional and seasonal features make South Korea a fascinating destination for divers seeking adventure beyond the typical tropical experience.

Power Plug Type
C, F
Payment Method
AMEX, JCB, Cir, Plus
Tipping
0-10%
Airports
CJU, PUS, ICN, GMP
Currency
KRW
Dial Code
+82
Electricity
220 V / 60 Hz
Time
UTC+9

Upcoming Events

    • Dive Centers

    UDIT, 박성운

    UDIT, 박성운

    (서울시 강남구 일원로3길 78 지하1층), 06342 Seoul, Republic Of Korea
    SLP CLUB

    SLP CLUB

    B01 855-13 Siheung-dong Geumcheon-gu, 153-030 Seoul, Republic Of Korea
    FREEDIVING LAB

    FREEDIVING LAB

    284, Gilju-ro, 14548 Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic Of Korea
    프리다이빙 라이센스, DropTheDiving

    프리다이빙 라이센스, DropTheDiving

    16-27, Dongbaek-gil, Ilgwang-eup, Gijang-gun,, 46040 Busan, Republic Of Korea

    이안스쿠버, https://www.eanscuba.com/

    서울특별시 송파구 정의로 7길 13 B동301/302호 (문정동, 에코 송파 힐스테이트), 05835 SEOUL, Republic Of Korea

    풀식스 다이빙풀, POOL6

    20, Guseojungang-ro 15beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, 46230 Busan, Republic Of Korea

    JMJ DIVING SCHOOL

    1035-8 Dongsam 2-dong Yeongdo-gu, 606-804 Busan, Republic Of Korea

    FreedivingProClub

    goyangsi, 00000 고양시덕양구, Republic Of Korea

    Team Kay Freediving

    35, Jeongbangyeon-ro, Seogwipo-si,, 63597 Jeju-do, Republic Of Korea

    MINDSET

    64, Dongbaek 8-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic Of Korea

    WHALESDIVING, 웨일스다이빙

    5-2, Jangnyang-ro 114beon-gil, Buk-gu, 37588 Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic Of Korea

    WATERHOLIC FREEDIVING

    24, Jungdong-ro 377beon-gil, Bucheon-si, 14513 Gyeonggi-do, Republic Of Korea

    SCUBA ACADEMY KOREA, GTK

    443, Dosan-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea, Daejeon, Republic Of Korea

    Dive Sites

    Minjae K. (#3880737)
    홍도 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

    홍도 (★4.1)

    Located 50 minutes to 1 hour by boat south of Tongyeong, the area is mostly composed of cliff terrain and is a great spot to observe marine life. It has generally clear visibility and offers a diving environment that can be enjoyed by beginner to advanced divers.
    Mares
    문섬 새끼섬 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.0)</span>

    문섬 새끼섬 (★4.0)

    Jeju Island’s most representative dive site, with the highest year-round water temperature in Korea and a rich biodiversity. There are also shipwrecks in the area and the chance to encounter a working submarine, making it a popular spot for divers.
    Aqualung
    범섬 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

    범섬 (★4.1)

    This point has the typical topography and beauty of a volcanic island. During the summer and fall seasons, it has an environment that resembles a tropical ocean and you can see a wide variety of creatures. It has both calm areas and advanced points for current diving.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    대풍감 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    대풍감 (★4.4)

    As a typical volcanic island, it is a point with many volcanic rocks and cliffs underwater. The terrain varies from shallow to deep water, with good visibility on average. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna depending on the season, and occasionally offers bird diving.
    Mares
    스텔라 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.9)</span>

    스텔라 (★3.9)

    On May 7, 2020, the 2,400-ton Russian trawler Stella was sunk off the coast of Gangneung as part of a project to create an underwater park. The wreck, located a 10-minute boat ride from the nearby port, has a deck depth of 15 to 18 meters and a maximum depth of 33 to 35 meters.

    Top Wildlife Sightings in South Korea

    South Korea's marine life offers a rich tapestry for divers to explore. Common reef fish such as damselfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish populate the coastal waters, providing colorful displays around the rocky reefs and kelp forests. These species are frequently encountered in areas like Jeju Island, known for its clear waters and abundant marine biodiversity.

    Seasonal highlights include sightings of larger marine animals. During warmer months, divers may encounter migratory species such as whale sharks and various types of rays near the southern coasts. Sea turtles, particularly the endangered loggerhead turtle, can occasionally be spotted around Jeju and Ulleungdo, though these sightings are less common and depend on the time of year and water conditions.

    Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 600

    iStock/ultramarinfoto
    Wrasse

    Wrasse
    32 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    2
    M
    0
    J
    4
    J
    0
    A
    12
    S
    0
    O
    14
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 300

    Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
    Octopus

    Octopus
    10 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    1
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    8
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 12

    iStock/cinoby
    Lionfish

    Lionfish
    65 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    1
    A
    1
    M
    2
    J
    11
    J
    2
    A
    0
    S
    22
    O
    18
    N
    5
    D
    3

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-wrangel
    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish
    54 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    1
    M
    0
    J
    6
    J
    0
    A
    20
    S
    9
    O
    16
    N
    0
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Alamy-Andre Seal
    Damselfish

    Damselfish
    51 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    1
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    14
    S
    13
    O
    21
    N
    0
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
    Boxfish

    Boxfish
    27 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    12
    O
    15
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-Hoatzinexp
    Jackfish

    Jackfish
    15 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    14
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    iStock-bearacreative
    Emperor

    Emperor
    14 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    1
    M
    0
    J
    3
    J
    0
    A
    10
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3000

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Nudibranch

    Nudibranch
    13 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    4
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    8
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Rich Carey
    Angelfish

    Angelfish
    12 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    2
    A
    0
    S
    4
    O
    6
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish
    11 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    3
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    8
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 28

    Udo Kefrig
    Clownfish

    Clownfish
    9 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    1
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    2
    A
    0
    S
    5
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 15

    Shutterstock-Al McGlashan
    Tuna

    Tuna
    6 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    3
    J
    0
    A
    3
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 50

    Shutterstock_Dewald Kirsten
    Sea Wasp

    Sea Wasp
    4 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    2
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0