BANGJOO NO.12 - Jeju Island

Bangjoo No. 12 isn't one of those wrecks that's instantly photogenic from every angle, but we’ve always found it a compelling dive. The old fishing vessel went down after a collision in 1991, and now rests upright at 26 metres, a proper steel skeleton. What we love about it is how the local marine life has completely taken over. Drop down and you're immediately into this ghostly, industrial landscape, softened by years of growth. Nudibranchs crawl all over the encrusted hull, vibrant against the dark metal. We’ve spotted big schools of juvenile snapper darting through the superstructure, a silvery, shimmering cloud, and the occasional grumpy-looking scorpionfish tucked away in a shadowy corner. Inside, if you're comfortable with a bit of penetration, the wheelhouse offers a tight squeeze, but it’s worth it to imagine the ship's final moments. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and how nature reclaims its own, rather than a showstopper reef.

Location
Jeju Island, South Korea, East Asia
Coordinates
34.533333, 127.950000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
26m

Wreck History - BANGJOO NO.12

Year Sunk
1991
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
collision

The Bangjoo No. 12 is a relatively modern wreck with a dramatic story. On October 19, 1991, the South Korean fishing vessel was operating northeast of Jeju Island when it collided with the much larger motor tanker, MT Ervilia. The impact was catastrophic for the smaller vessel, and it sank shortly after the incident. In a fortunate turn of events, the entire 12-person crew of the Bangjoo No. 12 was safely rescued, leaving the ship to begin its new life on the seabed.

Resting at a depth of 26 meters, the Bangjoo No. 12 is an excellent wreck dive for advanced open water divers. As a fishing vessel, the wreck is a complex structure of masts, winches, and rigging, which can present entanglement hazards, earning it a classification as a "dangerous wreck." For well-prepared divers, however, these same features make for a fascinating exploration. Over the decades, it has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef, attracting the rich marine life that Jeju Island is famous for, including a variety of soft corals, nudibranchs, and dense schools of fish that now call its superstructure home.

Marine Protected Area: 세존도

Nearby Dive Sites in Jeju Island

Nearest Dive Centres to BANGJOO NO.12

Marine Life in Jeju Island

Home to 119 recorded species including 90 reef fish, 6 sharks & rays, 5 other, 4 hard corals, 4 crabs & lobsters, 3 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species