Dokdo
Dokdo
Korea's easternmost volcanic island. Sea cliffs, caves, and craters of 10–20m continue underwater, and on the rock reef about 25m deep off the west of Seodo lies Korea's largest colony of an endangered coral. It is a unique ecosystem where cold and warm currents meet.
The easternmost volcanic island,
a sea of endangered coral
The easternmost volcanic island (Seodo 169m), made up of Dongdo, Seodo, and attached rocks. Sea cliffs, caves, and craters of 10–20m continue underwater, and in 2016 Korea's largest colony (about 4m×3m) of the endangered coral Dendrophyllia cribrosa was found on the rock reef about 25m deep off the west of Seodo.
Dokdo through field data
※ Recreational depth, visibility, and season profiles are not yet collected due to a lack of public primary sources (data pending). Landing itself depends on weather (impossible when swell exceeds 3–5m).
Korea's largest endangered-coral colony
A unique boundary ecosystem centered on the Dendrophyllia cribrosa colony (Korea's largest) on the rock reef about 25m deep off the west of Seodo, with 160 species of algae and 368 species of invertebrates reported.
From Seoul to the dive site
Ferries from Pohang, Gangneung, Donghae, and Uljin.
Transfer to the Dokdo ferry.
Only when swell is under 3–5m (on average once every 40 days).
Landing on Dokdo requires an online or mail application at least 14 days in advance, and scuba diving is typically conducted as entry for academic purposes (details to be confirmed).
Information on the nearest chamber is not yet secured. In an emergency, prioritize the 119 / DAN hotline.
- Strong current (cold–warm current boundary)
- Remote open sea · rapidly changing weather
- Swell limits landing
- Vessel traffic
- Recreational depth, visibility, and season profiles are not yet collected due to a lack of public primary sources (data pending). Access is mainly for academic and filming purposes.
- Do not assume the detailed scuba landing procedure (academic-purpose application · 14 days ahead) — confirm in advance.
Korea's easternmost
underwater world, Dokdo
Plan your dive at Dokdo.