wreck

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HWAYOUNG-HO 55

The Hwayoung-ho 55 is a wreck dive that genuinely surprises in Jeju. We're talking about a fishing vessel, sunk back in '90 after a collision, and it’s now lying upright at 30 metres. What really sets it apart for us is the intact feel of the structure – you can still make out the wheelhouse, the hold, even some of the fishing gear, all draped in a thick carpet of soft corals. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the way the light filters through the superstructure, creating these shafts that dance with the movement of the water. Inside, the nooks and crannies are packed with life; we've seen everything from schooling cardinalfish to various nudibranchs tucked into crevices. Keep an eye out for larger pelagics cruising past too, especially when there's a gentle current pushing through. It's a dive that rewards slow exploration. Our tip? Go early if you can. You'll have the wreck largely to yourself, and the visibility tends to be at its best. This site is fantastic for experienced wreck divers who appreciate a good story and a healthy dose of marine colonisation.