South Korea

SOUTH KOREA

JEJU ISLAND

WHY JEJU?

Since old times, I made it a rule not to warn people around me, and suddenly, a few days before my birthday, to disappear in an unknown direction. Last year I celebrated and met the dawn at the top of Mount Fuji (Japan). This time I thought, opposite to climbing, to dive near Jeju (South Korea) with a view of the volcano top. I was there in May

ROUTE DETAILS

An electronic visa to Korea is processed on the website, but no less than 72 hours before arrival. Midnight Khabarovsk - Beijing, rest in an airport hotel and afternoon flight direct to Jeju. Arrival in 17 hours and you immediately learn that all money exchange offices work until 16:00. Near the kiosk with SIM cards (a week of unlimited internet 35$), in a machine, you scan your passport and get a very cheap debit card valid for 5 years. You put cash on it and pay for literally everything. You can top it up at large hotels and shopping centers. It works only on the territory of South Korea.

If you plan to stay near a dive center and especially not explore the area - you can skip renting a car. But in general, it is a must option. For me, for a week of use, a full-size car cost 300$. I booked in advance. Getting it is fast and easy. A trip to the main dive sites takes about an hour. The roads are excellent. The island reminded me of Hawaii.

DIVING

Earlier, on WhatsApp, I wrote and agreed with the company Jeju Diving Club. It turned out that, even though it's a bit more expensive, they are the most advanced in working with foreigners. I only took my underwater camera because I flew as a low-cost passenger with a 15 kg weight limit. One two-dive day with equipment rental costs 125$. In total I planned four dives, which take place near small islands in the area of Seogwipo city.

General meeting, near the dive center, at 8:30. Briefing and we go out on a small truck to the port nearest to the planned island. The road takes about 20 minutes. After each dive, we return to the port for a short break and rest. Walking to the dive sites takes no more than 15 minutes. Water temperature is 25-27 degrees.

KOREAN DIVING FEATURES

The tourist diving season is quite short, so there are no special boats. All the gear is from old fishing boats. You jump from a height of one meter. The most unusual tuning is a lift for two people that pulls you out of the water after. Very convenient!

Usually there are groups from several dive centers. There are 2-4 divers per one instructor. They divide by certificate level. Visibility is from 7 to 25 meters depending on weather and waves. What I saw is shown in the photos. They don't really let you focus on any object. Even though they talk about not rushing, everyone is always moving. They try not to lose the group. I was surprised that a buoy is not included in the standard set. I got lost on my last dive and, with active boat traffic on the surface, I came up making bubbles.

ON LAND

I recommend three main dive spots for a must visit. They are beautiful and easy to reach. I couldn't resist and went to the top of the volcano that rises in the center of the island. If you are lucky with weather, it's a good reason to test yourself for strength and look at the surrounding areas. The whole trip takes about half a day. I looked at the stadium where the World Football Championship took place, watching a local team game against rivals from the mainland. You can park right inside the stadium. And in general, parking everywhere is free or costs very little.

Every evening we visited local restaurants, many of which are near hotels and roads. Black pork meat (which they are very proud of) is in almost all of them and, of course, a large choice of seafood. Korean water beer and good soju are offered. You must try rice brew with added juice. The drink production history goes back 2000 years. Recently it is becoming popular again.

Everywhere there are mandarin gardens - the island's visiting card. There are tea plantations higher in the mountains. Museums are quite interesting.

The island is volcanic, so beaches, as we understand them, are almost absent.

WILL I RETURN AGAIN?

I think YES! I planned and promised at the dive center that I will return in early October next year. On land it won't be so hot (30-33). It will become, according to promises, more interesting with sea life and diving tourists will arrive. Great subtropical diving if you are tired of tropical or cold seas.