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Marine Life · Mammals & Other

Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin

Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops aduncus — family Delphinidae, genus Tursiops

Korea's only resident (coastal-dwelling) dolphin population, living year-round along the coast of Jeju. With about 100–120 individuals, it is known as the smallest population of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in the world.

Marine protected species (mammal)CITES IIIUCN Near Threatened (NT)IWC hunting ban
01Species Profile

Jeju's resident coastal population

An Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin of the family Delphinidae, genus Tursiops, about 2.6 m long and 230 kg. In Korea, a population resides year-round along the coast of Jeju, with a strong tendency toward coastal residency.

02Habitat & Season

The world's smallest resident group

Distributed along Indo-Pacific coasts, but in Korea it resides year-round along the coast of Jeju Island. With about 100–120 individuals, it is known as the smallest population of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in the world and stays along the Jeju coast throughout the year.

Jeju coastYear-round resident
100~120
Jeju resident individuals (🟡 estimate) · 2.6 m · 230 kg
03Where to see it

Where to meet the bottlenose dolphin

A region-and-watching subject rather than a specific dive site

It resides year-round along the Jeju coast but is not a subject for direct diving observation. It is observed from a distance via boat watching (dolphin tours); approaching or disturbing it is prohibited.

04Protection & Cautions
Marine protected species (mammal)
CITES II · IUCN Near Threatened (NT) · IWC hunting ban

The Jeju resident population, with about 100–120 individuals, is known as the smallest in the world. Boat approach and disturbance are prohibited.

When watching, keep the required distance and do not feed or chase them.
Needs verification · Do not assert
  • The figure of about 100–120 individuals is a media estimate (🟡) — do not assert precise numbers.

Jeju's
resident dolphins

Korea’s resident dolphins of Jeju.

View Jeju regionOther marine life