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Marine life
Marine life · Coral

Haesong

Black Coral · Baeksong

Coral polyp with a black skeleton — species-level scientific name not recorded (no definitive claim)

A coral with a black axis (skeleton). Growing attached to deep, cold offshore rock and walls, it is the signature of Ulleung·Dokdo's offshore walls. Often called ‘baeksong’.

Protected marine species (coral)
01Species · Profile

The offshore wall coral with a black skeleton

A coral polyp with a hard black axis (skeleton), often called ‘baeksong’. It grows attached to deep, cold offshore rock and walls. Black coral, long-branch black coral, net black coral, broom black coral and thread black coral are designated as protected marine species.

02Habitat · Season

Deep, cold offshore walls

It grows attached to the deep, cold rock and walls of the Ulleung·Dokdo offshore. Together with sea fans it forms offshore wall colonies, the signature sessile organism of this region.

Ulleung·Dokdo offshoreDeep walls
Baeksong
Signature of offshore walls · Protected marine species
03Where you'll mostly see it

Where to meet black coral

Verified

Jukdo

Ulleung·Dokdo

Black coral (baeksong) & sea-fan colonies (✅).

04Protection · Caution
Protected marine species (coral)
Black coral, long-branch black coral, net black coral, broom black coral, thread black coral

Black corals are designated as protected marine species by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, so underwater contact and collection are prohibited.

Watch your fin kicks, gear and hand contact while diving — coral recovers very slowly.

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Jukdo dive siteOther marine life