Korean Job Discussion Forums

ulsanchris · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: take a wild guess

Any of you know if there are any spots halfway worth while around Ulsan or between Ulsan and Busan or if any of the guys at the scuba stores around town can speak english. I would like to go scuba diving but dont' think i will be making it to Cheju-do anytime soon.
thanks

diver · Joined: 16 Jun 2003

Chris,

Try these links for a dive shop in your area. You'll have to phone the shops that are listed to find ones that offer service in English.

PADI
http://www.padi.com/english/common/search/dcnr/search.asp?Country=SKOR&City=&Name=&Submit2=Submit

NAUI
http://www.naui.org/index-side.html

*** Find "Shop Locator" on left side menu.***

Diver

hellofaniceguy · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: On your computer screen!

If you divers make it to Jeju, there is a PADI dive shop near the boat harbor, about a 5 minute walk from the immigration office. It is the only native english speaking shop on Jeju. I can't remember the owners name, but he's an American from Hawaii and a retired U.S. Military Officer. Most of his customers are foreigners meaning Japanese, Americans and Canadians. The shop is called "Dive Station." His rates were the best we have found in Korea and good service. And on the other side of the Island is another shop owned by a German man; Big Blue 33. His English is not that great which is why most of the English speaking divers I know of, don't use him. But, if you want a German speaking instructor.... We went to his shop, friendly, etc. but we wanted no problems in communicating especially when diving which is why we didn't dive with him. But, two foreign owned shops is a start.

The Man known as The Man · Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2003 4:44 pm Post subject:

If you really want a bunch of divers, just put a game of soccer on the telly.

HTH

ulsanchris · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: take a wild guess

lol I agree with the man.

Squaffy · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: All over the place

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

I agree with sqauffy. A lot of garbage has been said on this post about diving. Edited by Mr. Kalgukshi 08-11-03 A thoroughly amateurish outfit. Next time I will do it alone.

diver · Joined: 16 Jun 2003

Diving on Jeju...

"Hellofaniceguy" mentioned "Dive Station" on Jeju. It is co-owned by an American named Ben Mailinski. I haven't had a chance to dive with them yet, but I have spoken to Ben several times and he seems pretty switched on. I wouldn't be nervous about sending people there.

I don't agree with "Hellofaniceguy"'s assessment of Big Blue and Ralf. Ralf is German, but his English is better than some of the teachers I have met here...probably even mine...I'm going with Big Blue again in August I was so happy with his service.

"Gwangjuboy"...I don't remember taking anyone from the Gwangju area on our shark dives, but tht doesn't mean I can't be mistaken. Feel free to PM me and tell me your concerns/complaints re: the dive you did and maybe we can correct them, and/or try to get you in again in the future to make up for it.

As far as our dives being "amateurish"...Well, you're right. It's not my job. I am an English teacher. I am also a dive instructor and I am on-hand for the people that aren't certified divers. My role is to put non-divers through a dive-intro so that they can do the dive. I don't work for the aquarium. I do it for free dives and because I like it. I'm sorry you had a bad experience but many others have had a great time (they have posted words to that effect on this site) and more than a few have come back for repeat dives. So, I guess we are doing something right. Sorry you didn't like it, but as I said, feel free to PM me, or e-mail my through our site and tell me what you didn't like and we'll try to fix it.

As far as "garbage" about diving on this site. I don't think there has been a lot of garbage. I think that I and a few others have contributed quite a bit of info for divers in Korea. I disagree with some, and agree with others. I try to be fair and honest in my assessment of diving here in Korea, and I haven't tried to personally attack anyone, nor threaten to "ruin" anyone's business.

I have refrained from mentionimg the name of my site in most of my recent posts in order to avoid accusations of "advertising" on this site. Anyway, to each his own. Hope this helps some of you out there, and doesn't infuriate the others.

Diver

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

I think that if you are going to talk about diving then you should do it in the context of great scenery. The more experienced amoungst us have probably been to some stunning places already. My best dive was in the Scilly isles (UK). There was a plethora of shipwrecks to examine. A world class diving venue. Edited by Mr. Kalgukshi 08-11-03 Good luck with your enterprise but I don't think that it is viable. If I knew that there were many really good English speaking divers in Korea then I would organise a get together myself. Just to sum up, if you are going to do a job do it right! I am afraid that your lot just don't.

diver · Joined: 16 Jun 2003

Gwangjuboy,

It's too bad you feel that way. I am beginning to feel that you have never dove with us, and are trolling here. We (Scuba In Korea) have not yet arranged any ocean diving trips in Korea (I am on holidays in Canada and don't have the time). So, I don't know who you went diving with, but it wasn't us. The only trips we offer are the shark diving trips right now. They are indeed geared for beginners, but I have had several experienced divers come along and they loved it. I know that they did because they came ack for second and third trips. I don't recall anyone from Gwangju ever being on one of our shark dives, but if you were, then once again I ask you to PM me, or e-mail me at [email protected] with a specific complaint and/or suggestions how to improve our service.