Although South Korea is not among the first countries that come to mind when we think of diving, scuba diving and freediving are attracting more and more attention here. Korea is a very suitable country for domestic diving courses and international diving organizations due to its proximity to South Asian countries as well as being a peninsula.
My introduction to the South Korean diving industry dates back to 2016. When I was planning a two-month trip to South Korea before going to Palau, I started to wonder if I would have the opportunity to do a few courses during my stay there. When I was about to give up after contacting several dive centers and not even getting an answer, I received a reply from the most active dive center in South Korea. Actually, the answer was in a way I never expected.
-We were thinking of visiting to Turkey, can you help us?
While I was on a search in South Korea, I suddenly found myself looking for a hotel to accommodate the owner of the biggest diving center in Korea. To be honest, I received another email while I was thinking that they would not be of any use to me and would not even come to Turkey.
-On Wednesday, my girlfriend and I will be in Kaş. We can’t wait for the beautiful dives we will do.
This was the introduction that opened the doors of the South Korean diving industry for me. I still keep in touch with my friend who is a PADI Course Director as well as a very good underwater photographer and Mentor.
Now it is time for me to go to Korea. When I went to Korea, we made a good deal with BeeDiversDiving. And the Korean adventure started.
Being a diving instructor in Seoul is not so different from being an instructor in other big cities. So it is more focused on doing courses. Seoul has a very developed infrastructure in this regard. It is possible to find pools designed only for diving training and practice in different locations.
K-26 is the deepest pool in Asia. With platforms that deepen step by step, it is very suitable for shallow water skills. If you want, classes are also possible for your theoretical trainings.
We prefer the pool in Jamsil area because it is closer to the diving center. It is 5 minutes away and everything we need is provided. Also, since there are very few foreign instructors in South Korea, the diving professionals in the pool give us some privileges.
In short, all the theoretical and shallow water training is available in Seoul at the standards we want.
What about Open Water Practices?
If we prefer a place closer to Seoul, YangYang/Namae is just a short drive away. I will write about it in more detail in other articles, but Namae is a small coastal town completely ready for divers. There is only one coffee shop and it is very common to see divers coming in and out of the town wearing wetsuits. The advantage of YangYang is its proximity to Seoul. It is very convenient even for day dives.
If we want a warmer, more vibrant dive, Jeju Island in the south of the country is the best option. For me, it is the most beautiful place in South Korea. After a 40-minute flight, it is a lush green island with volcanic rocks surrounding tangerine groves.
Jeju Island has dive sites for every level. Depending on the program, we can do the whole course here, or Jeju Island is a very enjoyable place for Open Water studies or other PADI Programs.
Another market to follow for diving professionals in South Korea is diving equipment. It is a market that develops very fast and consumption is very fast. During my time here, I have developed good relationships with Fourth Element and Aquaz and I continue this relationship in the same way.
In short, being a diving instructor in South Korea requires not only being an instructor but also having a good organization. Following the sector and establishing close relations with other diving centers are very important here.
If you are ever in South Korea, don’t forget to get to know this beautiful geography from underwater.
Take Care of Yourself
