VISIT JEJU

There are three sparsely populated islands in the southernmost part of Seogwipo. Let us introduce a place with high academic and environmental value because of its well-preserved natural ecosystem. Also, let’s take a look at the hidden gems it has to offer!

After being recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2007, Jeju Island began to attract attention as a repository of clean nature recognized by the world. It started when it was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 2002.

What is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve?

In order to find a way for nature to coexist with humans without being destroyed, UNESCO created a program called Biosphere Reserve in 1971 according to the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. In the Biosphere Reserve, humans are tasked with preserving nature, and encouraged to enjoy the richness of nature and benefit from it in a sustainable manner.

Recognized for its rich biological species and unique ecosystem, Jeju Island was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2002. In 2019, the conservation area, which was limited to areas 200 m above sea level centered on Hallasan Mountain, was extended to the entire island, including Gotjawal forests, oreum volcanic cones, and Chujado Island.

In particular, in the sea of these islands are soft coral colonies known as the “flowers of the sea,” forming a spectacular view. Since it is an area where warm currents flow, you can see subtropical fish all year round, making it a popular scuba diving point. The islands are uninhabited, but they are not desolate because of the many divers who visit.

The scuba diving experience in the natural monument site and Biosphere Reserve is quite impressive. You can go into the mysterious sea of Jeju, which can’t be seen from outside and feel the nature of Jeju with your entire body. Now, let's go to Beomseom, Munseom, and Seopseom Islands, the main sites of the Biosphere Reserve, where the vitality of life grows.

The name Beomseom (tiger island) came from the shape of the island, which looks like a tiger crouching down. You can get to the island by taking a boat at Seogwipo Port or Beophwan Port. Columnar joints are well developed around the island, and the depth of water ranges from shallow to deep, so people come for diving experiences as well as for diving lessons.

About Beomseom Island

Beomseom is 1.3 km south of Beophwan-dong, Seogwipo-si, and consists of a large island and a baby island. The island is 87 m in height and trachytes (fine-grained volcanic rock) are found all over the island. There are well-developed columnar joints, and around the island are big and small sea caves. The top of the island is flat, and spring water springs up from the southern edge. There are records that show people lived on the island 50 to 60 years ago, grazing livestock and farming.

It is also a place of historical value. Mongol Malchin, the last power of the Yuan Dynasty that ruled Goryeo in the past, started a revolt and took Munseom as their last stronghold. And General Choe Yeong led his troops to Jeju and annihilated them, ending the 100-year history of Mongol rule.

When you dive at Beomseom, you won’t find the large variety of coral reefs as you would in Munseom, but you will see diverse schools of fish. The biggest plus of scuba diving at Beomseom is that you will see huge soft corals.  It’s spectacular to see the 2-meter-tall soft corals holding onto the red cliffs and swaying with the current as if dancing. Because the overall appearance of the coral resembles that of pines on land, it is also called a “pine of the sea,” or “sea pine.”

When you enjoy diving at Beomseom, you will meet diverse species of fish. You will see blackfin sweeper and azurio tuskfish swimming between the small rocks. You can also meet small fish that swim among the soft corals, especially the lionfish, which boasts a splendid appearance. Beomseom, being a relatively easy diving point, welcomes first-time divers to have a comfortable underwater experience.

Munseom, which can be reached in about 10 minutes by boat from Seogwipo Port, is one of the islands representing the beauty of Seogwipo’s Chilsimni coast. The marvelous scenery underwater is so beautiful that it attracts divers from all over the country. The island was named Munseom (mosquito island) because there used to be a lot of mosquitoes. The island has diving points with different depths of water where you can meet various animals, plants, and marine plants.

About Munseom Island

Munseom is 1.3 km south of Seogwipo-si and has plenty of fine-grained volcanic (trachytic) rocks around. The island is 73 m in height and has well-developed sea stacks, columnar joints, and wave-cut benches. In the sea of Munseom, subtropical fish inhabit all year round, and various rare corals grow, so it is called a repository of the aquatic ecosystem. The island has a thick forest of warm temperate evergreen trees such as Elaeocarpus trees, which are designated and protected by Jeju Island as Monument No. 45.

In the sea of Munseom, you will meet colonies of colorful soft corals and small fish. There are 92 species of anthozoans from Korea inhabiting the sea, and it is also called a coral garden as it has one of the world’s top level of colonies. The coral species that represents Munseom is dendronephthya. There are various types such as dendronephthya castanea, dendronephthya puetteri, and dendronephthya spinulosa in different shapes, colors, and sizes.

Between the sweet laver, gulfweed, and soft corals, you will see a variety of fish including threespot dascyllus, yellowtail amberjack, clownfish, spottedfin puller, stripey, and fugu. If you are lucky, you might be able to witness the awesome group dance of spottedfin pullers swimming in the sea of Seogwipo.

The diving points of Seopseom Island are not as fancy as those of Munseom or Beomseom but surely have their own charm. Seopseom may be a small island, but there are several diving points around the island. In particular, there are many hard corals that resemble tree branches, so it offers a different sight.

About Seopseom Island

Seopseom, meaning an island with a thick forest, is located 450 m south of Bomok-dong, Seogwipo-si. The island is made up of trachytes (fine-grained volcanic rock) and is 155 m above sea level. The island is mostly covered with high slopes and has a topography where columnar joints, tors, and wave-cut benches are developed. Designated in 1962 as Natural Monument No. 18, Seopseom Island is Korea’s only natural habitat of spleenwort and the northernmost region where it grows naturally, so it has a very high academic value.

The diving courses on Seopseom Island include the beginner’s course, “Little Hangaechang Point,” and the intermediate course, “Large Hangaechang Point,” so divers of any proficiency level can find a spot that is suitable for them.

Surrounded by the sea on all sides, Jeju is a scuba divers' paradise. Among them, we have introduced underwater trips to the three major islands of Seogwipo, Munseom, Beomseom, and Seopseom, which are considered the diving mecca of Jeju Island. However, words and photos alone can’t describe the true beauty and mystery of the sea of Jeju. How about feeling the sea of Jeju in person, seeing beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish with your own eyes? Jump into the sea and discover the hidden gems that you weren’t able to see from shore!