Meet the Instructor
Can't swim? No worries.
At Beomseom in Seogwipo, Jeju, we guide beginners and first-time divers safely, one-on-one and tailored to you.
Lead Instructor
The head instructor leading Nautilus Dive in the waters of Beomseom.
- Name
- 배경조 (Bae Kyung Jo)
- Title
- Head Instructor, Nautilus Dive Jeju
- Where he teaches
- Beomseom, Seogwipo · Jeju
- Primarily teaches
- First-time discover divers · beginners who can't swim well · Open Water students · Beomseom fun divers
- Certifications
- RAID Master InstructorSSI Advanced InstructorPSAI Advanced Instructor
Guiding you to Beomseom and its soft coral
Holding RAID Master Instructor and SSI & PSAI Advanced Instructor certifications, I stay one-on-one with every guest, from first-timers stepping into the water to those training for a license.
I believe the most important thing in diving isn't being good at it, but being comfortable. It's okay if you can't swim, and it's okay if the water feels a little scary. We get fully at ease with breathing and gear in shallow water first, then move forward one step at a time, only when you're ready. Underwater we communicate with hand signals and demonstration rather than words, so you can follow along safely even without fluent Korean.
That look on your face the moment you first meet the soft-coral colony and schools of fish around Beomseom, a natural monument, is what I'm here to protect and keep safe. Come with an easy mind. The sea and I will take care of the rest.
Teaching philosophy
- One instructor stays with you from entry to ascent.
- We go at your pace and never push to the next step before you're ready.
- Diving runs on hand signals and demonstration, so language fluency isn't required.
How do you teach first-time divers?
We explain first, get comfortable with breathing and gear in shallow water, and move to the next step only when you're ready.
How beginners are guided
- Nervous or afraid of water? We adapt fully in shallow water first.
- If breathing feels off or your ears hurt, you can signal and pause anytime.
- Tell us about any health concern before booking and we'll check together; we recommend a doctor's advice when needed.
Can I dive if I can't swim?
Yes. An instructor stays one-on-one with you, and your gear provides the buoyancy.
How safety is handled
Safety starts with your condition and the sea that day.
- Every dive starts with a safety briefing and a check of your health and experience.
- An instructor stays one-on-one from entry through ascent and the safety stop.
- If the sea isn't safe, we reschedule or don't run the dive.
How a session runs
The general flow for a discover dive. Details vary by course.
Check your condition & experience
We check your health and diving experience and explain the plan for the day.
Gear up
The instructor helps fit your gear to your body.
Safety briefing
Before entry we go over breathing, hand signals and what to do if something feels wrong.
Adapt to breathing & gear
In shallow water you practice until breathing and gear feel natural.
Entry & underwater guidance
The instructor guides you one-on-one as you explore the waters of Beomseom.
Ascent & wrap-up
After a safe ascent we review the photos and video taken during the dive.
Certifications
The head instructor's international diving certifications.
Languages & international guests
Diving runs mostly on hand signals and demonstration, so you can take part safely even without fluent Korean.
- Korean Direct instruction and full guidance
- English Basic conversational English support
- Chinese Assistance provided through real-time translation tools
- Japanese Assistance provided through real-time translation tools
Real guest reviews
Words from guests I've personally guided through the waters of Beomseom.
It was my first time snorkeling, so I went in nervous, but the owner and staff kept putting me at ease and made it so much fun that I really enjoyed it. It felt so safe and enjoyable that I thought I could even try scuba diving next time. (The owner has a lovely voice, so the guidance was easy to follow.) I think I'll visit again next time I'm in Jeju. Beomseom is so beautiful!!!
Courses this instructor runs
Prices and inclusions always follow the course pages.
Beomseom Boat Discover Dive
Can't swim? Meet the underwater world of protected Beomseom with an instructor at your side
Beomseom Fun Diving ×2 (Boat)
Two boat dives for certified divers, at Beomseom's signature points
Full gear rental +₩50,000
View course detailsBeomseom Skin Diving (mask, snorkel, life vest)
A lighter way to enjoy Beomseom's sea from the surface, by boat
Open Water Diver Course
Earn your international Open Water license in Beomseom's sea, lodging and meals included
Instructor FAQ
Who runs the discover dive?
Bae Kyung Jo, the head instructor of Nautilus Dive, runs it personally, one instructor per guest.
Can I take a lesson if I can't swim?
Yes. An instructor stays one-on-one and your gear provides buoyancy, so you can join safely without swimming.
Can I be guided in English, Chinese, or Japanese?
Basic conversational English is available on site, and Chinese and Japanese are supported through real-time translation tools. Diving runs on hand signals and demonstration, so fluency isn't required.
Where can I check the instructor's credentials?
He holds RAID Master Instructor, SSI Advanced Instructor and PSAI Advanced Instructor certifications. Ask us if you need details verified.
How do I book?
Book through the website form by choosing your date and course.