Dry-face helmet sea walking at Gimnyeong Port, Jeju: Underwater Play

I was looking for something unforgettable to do with my kid in Jeju and booked Underwater Play Bada Sea Walking. The idea of putting on a special helmet and actually walking on the seafloor sounded so cool that I picked it.

The spot we visited was near Gimnyeong Port, and the view along the road heading into the sea was gorgeous. Just thinking about going underwater soon had my kid all excited, and honestly it made my heart race too, just watching.

Underwater Play sea walking at Gimnyeong Port: the basics

• 📍 Sea experience near Gimnyeong Fishing Village Experience Center
• 🤿 Sea walking with a special helmet worn while walking the sea floor
• ⏰ Naver Reservation, Tuesdays at 2pm
• 🎥 Safety briefing after filling out the application form
• 🌊 Actual underwater experience about 10-15 minutes
• 👕 Bring a rash guard or clothes okay to get wet
• 🧺 Towel and shoes okay to get wet recommended
• 📷 Underwater photo/video and fish feeding options available

From arrival to the safety briefing at Underwater Play

At Underwater Play Bada Sea Walking, you fill out an application form and watch a safety briefing video before entering the water. I thought weekdays would be quiet, but reserved guests kept arriving even at 2pm. My kid kept mimicking the movements being explained. After a group came in, they replayed the video on a big TV, so we naturally got a review too.

The staff were really kind and explained everything so comfortably that even as first-timers, we could get ready without any pressure. I'm afraid of water so I didn't go in — dad and kid took on the challenge!

Can you try sea walking in Jeju if you can't swim?

Sea walking means wearing a special oxygen-supplied helmet and walking on the sea floor. You're not swimming to move around — a staff member goes in with you to guide the way and help, so even beginners who can't swim can do it.

What surprised me most was that your face doesn't get wet at all! If you tuck your hair well inside the air-supplied helmet, you can come out with dry face and hair. They said long hair is better tied up high inside. But your body below the neck does go into the water, so you need clothes that are okay to get wet.

Dad and child enter the water together in rash guards

Our family did the experience wearing rash guards. My husband and kid went into the water together for the real thing. We were told beforehand that it's hard to go back in once you come out midway, so my kid stuck with it the whole time and finished well. Doing it together as a family felt totally different from just watching from outside, and it became a memorable time for my kid too.

So if we do it again, I think I'd rent a wetsuit for warmth. My kid also said she'll definitely wear a wetsuit next time.

Fish feeding and underwater photo add-ons

Even looking down from above before going in, we could see quite a lot of fish. We also added fish feeding and underwater photo shooting, and when we got the photos back, there was even a shot of a fish swimming right next to my kid — genuinely surprising.

The actual underwater experience was only about 10-15 minutes, but it seemed like a pretty intense experience for my kid. We were worried because there was typhoon news around our visit, but luckily it passed far away and we could do the experience safely at sea. Whether it runs and where can change depending on sea conditions, so it's worth checking the day-of announcement too.

Wrapping up with a completion certificate

Once out of the water, my kid couldn't wait to spill all the stories about what she saw underwater. Dad and kid, having made it through to the end, also got a certificate of completion to keep as a trip souvenir.

It felt special being able to experience underwater walking — something I thought you could only do abroad — right here in Jeju. It seems like a great fit for parents and kids together, but also for couples or friends looking to make a special memory.

If you're looking for a Jeju activity that's different from the usual tourist spots to enjoy with kids, or want a memorable, offbeat experience, Underwater Play Gimnyeong Bada Sea Walking was a solid stop on our trip itinerary.