>

South Korea

Courses

Courses

Dive Sites

Dive Sites

Wildlife

Wildlife

Dive Trips

Dive Trips

Events

Events

Centers

Centers

Courses

© 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

SLP CLUB

SLP CLUB

B01 855-13 Siheung-dong Geumcheon-gu, 153-030 Seoul, Republic Of Korea
UDIT, 박성운

UDIT, 박성운

(서울시 강남구 일원로3길 78 지하1층), 06342 Seoul, Republic Of Korea
FREEDIVING LAB

FREEDIVING LAB

284, Gilju-ro, 14548 Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic Of Korea
풀식스 다이빙풀, POOL6

풀식스 다이빙풀, POOL6

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

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

MINDSET

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

JMJ DIVING SCHOOL

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

Team Kay Freediving

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

FreedivingProClub

goyangsi, 00000 고양시덕양구, Republic Of Korea

WATERHOLIC FREEDIVING

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

SCUBA ZONE, SCUBA ZONE DIVECENTER

266-44, Chilbongsan-ro 168beon-gil, 11464 Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic Of Korea

YOUROCEAN

66, Baengnyong-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea, 34652 Daejeon, Republic Of Korea

Dive Sites

Minjae K. (#3880737)
홍도 (★4.1)

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 (★4.0)

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 (★4.2)

범섬 (★4.2)

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 (★4.4)

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 (★4.1)

스텔라 (★4.1)

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.: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus

Octopus
162 Sightings
J
11
F
18
M
6
A
10
M
14
J
35
J
13
A
14
S
20
O
11
N
3
D
7

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
64 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
4
M
0
J
5
J
16
A
12
S
10
O
14
N
3
D
0
Alamy/BIOSPHOTO
Ocean Sunfish

Ocean Sunfish
8 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
5
A
0
S
0
O
2
N
1
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
240 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
2
A
1
M
0
J
27
J
31
A
20
S
83
O
58
N
12
D
5

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

Total number of species approx.: 120

AdobeStock-Composer.
Flounder

Flounder
223 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
3
J
0
J
24
A
17
S
7
O
82
N
89
D
1

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
81 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
0
J
6
J
0
A
27
S
29
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
67 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
2
M
3
J
3
J
2
A
19
S
13
O
23
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.: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp
Jackfish

Jackfish
40 Sightings
J
9
F
0
M
9
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
2
S
5
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.: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
Bannerfish

Bannerfish
35 Sightings
J
9
F
0
M
9
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
11
S
3
O
0
N
3
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish

Pufferfish
34 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
5
A
21
S
5
O
2
N
1
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
33 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
11
J
4
A
6
S
5
O
7
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
29 Sightings
J
0
F
3
M
0
A
1
M
1
J
0
J
8
A
7
S
5
O
2
N
1
D
1

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
28 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
5
J
0
A
10
S
12
O
0
N
1
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
28 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
3
M
4
J
1
J
3
A
1
S
0
O
13
N
3
D
0

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.: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish

Angelfish
26 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
10
A
4
S
5
O
6
N
0
D
1
AdobeStock_Sean
Lion’s Mane Jellyfish

Lion’s Mane Jellyfish
25 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
9
A
16
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.: 2

Shutterstock-Miroslav Halama
Pollock

Pollock
23 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
4
A
7
S
6
O
3
N
3
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish
18 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
17
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.: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab

Crab
15 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
6
J
6
J
3
A
0
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.: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross
Shrimp

Shrimp
15 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
4
A
0
S
11
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.: 190

Alamy-Water Frame
Conger Eel

Conger Eel
14 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
14
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.: 950

Unsplash-Sonia Kowsar
Sea Urchins

Sea Urchins
12 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
12
A
0
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.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets
12 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
3
A
6
S
2
O
1
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
Alamy-WaterFrame
Common Seahorse

Common Seahorse
9 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
2
J
3
A
0
S
4
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.: 85

iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish
7 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
3
J
3
A
0
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.: 2

iStock-stock_colors
Tarpon

Tarpon
7 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
1
O
4
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.: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper

Snapper
6 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
6
A
0
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.: 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
Alamy-WaterFrame
Spiny Seahorse

Spiny Seahorse
6 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
6
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

Curated by Interest

Events by Lifestyle Category

Scuba Enthusiasts

Aqualung