(C) Gyeongbuk Culture & Tourism Corporation

Singer Lee Eun-mi (60), who radiates fierce energy on stage as the "Barefoot Diva," has stepped up as an evangelist to promote the hidden underwater scenery of the Gyeongsangbuk-do East Sea as a veteran diver who loves the ocean. The Gyeongbuk Culture & Tourism Corporation recently held a public unveiling event for the "10+1 Underwater Scenic Spots of the Gyeongbuk East Coast" at Jukdo, Ulleungdo, and appointed singer Lee Eun-mi as the "Honorary Ambassador for the Gyeongsangbuk-do East Sea." This appointment is not merely a one-time event, but was promoted to widely publicize the ecological value and marine leisure tourism potential of the Gyeongbuk East Coast through the perspective of a professional diver who has explored the sea firsthand over a long period.

Lee, who boasts about 10 years of scuba diving experience, adjusts her schedule every year to stay in Ulleungdo for 10 to 15 days to enjoy diving, showing deep affection for the waters of Ulleung. Visiting Ulleungdo for the fourth consecutive year, she expressed her unique feelings upon her appointment as honorary ambassador, saying, "I am delighted to be able to widely publicize the underwater world, which feels like the majestic spirit of the Korean Peninsula condensed into a single place."

Encountering a Mysterious Black Coral Colony at a Depth of 45 Meters

Lee’s connection with the waters of Ulleungdo began when she first visited the island upon the recommendation of her trainer after completing training for the Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV), an underwater scooter. The decisive moment that made her return to the island every year thereafter was encountering a colony of black coral (haesong) at a depth of 45 meters while moving from Jukdo toward Gwaneumdo.

Recalling the thrill of that moment, she evaluated, "The moment I shined my light, a mysterious and sacred atmosphere was felt. It was like a giant zelkova tree or ginkgo tree guarding the entrance of an old village—like a guardian deity protecting the entire Republic of Korea." She added, "No matter where you travel around the world, it is hard to easily find a sea where black coral colonies form such a magnificent spectacle," explaining why she was completely captivated by that breathtaking scenery. Having explored various underwater environments around Ulleungdo, including Gwaneumdo, Jukdo, and Ssangjeongcho, she placed high value on the magnificent terrain and well-preserved pristine ecosystem possessed by the waters of Ulleung.

Expanding the Horizons of Gyeongbuk East Coast Tourism from Above the Surface to Below The "10+1 Underwater Scenic Spots of the Gyeongbuk East Coast" unveiled by the Gyeongbuk Culture & Tourism Corporation this inclusion includes key locations representing the region, such as Homigot in Pohang, the Tomb of King Munmu in Gyeongju, and Jukdo in Ulleungdo. While tourism along the Gyeongbuk East Coast has historically focused relatively heavily on surface resources such as beaches, coastal landscapes, and historical and cultural heritage, this initiative is highly significant in that it has expanded the scope of tourism resources to include underwater ecosystems and topography.

Lee evaluated the competitiveness of the East Sea from the perspective of a diver. She emphasized, "When you go underwater, you feel a majestic energy that seems to embrace the entire continent. It possesses an overwhelming scale and expanded charm that is hard to easily experience in other seas." This demonstrates the possibility that tourism along the Gyeongbuk East Coast can leap forward into marine leisure tourism experienced directly in person, going beyond the traditional "sea to look at."

A Space Sustaining Music and Life, and the Dream of Divers Worldwide

For Lee, scuba diving holds a deep meaning that goes beyond a mere hobby. Amidst intense musical activities and performance schedules, it is a healing process to look back at herself and receive new creative inspiration.

Regarding the solitude experienced underwater and the sense of oneness with nature, she shared, "When you go underwater, only the sound of your own breathing is heard. When floating above the water, you feel a sense of isolation as if you are all alone in the universe, and at the same time, a sense of oneness with nature." She explained that there is nothing better than diving to neatly organize a busy, intense daily life and gain fresh creative inspiration.

Furthermore, she projected that the East Sea has more than enough potential to become a dream destination sought after by divers worldwide, noting that it does not fall behind Jeju or famous overseas diving points at all. Emphasizing the importance of preserving the marine ecosystem, she suggested that the process of actually entering the sea and experiencing nature firsthand is the most effective way to broaden the consensus on the necessity of preservation.

This appointment of an honorary ambassador and the discovery of underwater scenic spots are expected to serve as crucial driving forces for establishing a Gyeongbuk-style marine leisure tourism brand connecting Pohang, Gyeongju, and Ulleung. Backed by the establishment of systematic safety infrastructure and ecological preservation management, the Gyeongbuk East Sea is gathering expectations to establish itself as a hub of marine tourism that attracts global attention beyond the Republic of Korea.

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