A four-season dive destination
still under the radar
A four-season dive destination, still under the radar.
Korea offers four-season diving yet remains a destination still under the radar for foreigners. There are five regions: Jeju, the East Sea, the South Sea, Ulleung, Dokdo and the West Sea. In practice Jeju and Busan (the gateway to the South Sea) are the most foreigner-friendly; other regions have limited English support, so we recommend booking ahead and a translation app.
Entry rules vary by nationality and change often
Always re-check on the official portals (k-eta.go.kr · e-arrivalcard.go.kr · hikorea.go.kr). The big picture is three things.
22 countries and regions (US, Japan, UK, EU, etc.) get the usual 90-day visa-free entry for tourism and short-term business, with no K-ETA application required.
The paper arrival card is abolished. It is mandatory for anyone without a K-ETA — the only official site is www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr, it's free, and you file within 72 hours before arrival. Paid sites are scams.
Arriving on a direct flight to Jeju, most nationalities get 30 days visa-free — but you may stay only within Jeju, and about 23 countries are excluded.
- Entry rules differ by nationality and change often — re-check before departure on the MOFA and Ministry of Justice immigration official portals.
- If you dive in regions beyond Jeju, the standard visa / K-ETA rules apply.
Eight gateways, connected to every region
Most travellers arrive at Incheon (ICN), then reach a region by a domestic flight (usually from Gimpo GMP) or by KTX and bus. Jeju allows direct visa-free entry on a direct flight to CJU.
- ICN Incheon — the largest international gateway, connecting every region
- GMP Gimpo — Seoul's domestic hub (Jeju, Busan, Yeosu, Sacheon)
- CJU Jeju — visa-free arrival → Seogwipo
- PUS Gimhae/Busan · YNY Yangyang (East Sea) · RSU Yeosu · HIN Sacheon · KUV Gunsan (West Sea)
From the easiest Jeju to the expert-only West Sea
Direct flights to CJU (30 days visa-free) or domestic flights. Airport to Seogwipo ~1h; Munseom and Beomseom are a 5-minute boat ride. The most English-capable shops.
Incheon to Gangneung by KTX ~2h, then car or bus, or a direct bus to Gangneung or Sokcho. English support is thin — book ahead.
Yeosu = KTX to Yeosu-EXPO ~3h, with a ferry on top for Geomundo. Tongyeong and Geoje = Sacheon (HIN) or Jinju, then bus. Busan = Gimhae (PUS).
From ICN overland (Taean, Gunsan). Offshore uninhabited islands have no scheduled ferry and need a chartered boat. The highest difficulty.
- Entry and visa rules vary by nationality and change often — re-check on the official portals.
- The list of 22 K-ETA-exempt countries is compiled from sources — verify with the official MOFA site.
The journey is sorted,
now to the sea
Plan your trip and dive in.