Prominent Korean Buddhist Monk Dies Following Freediving Incident Off Jeju Island

Venerable Myeongjin, the former head monk of Seoul’s Bongeunsa Temple and a prominent figure in South Korean Buddhism, has died following an apparent freediving incident off Jeju Island. He was 76.

The incident occurred on Saturday, August 22, in waters near Haye Port in Seogwipo on the southern side of Jeju Island.

According to South Korean authorities, Myeongjin was discovered floating in the water at approximately 9:38 a.m. Emergency responders recovered him and transported him to hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 10:28 a.m.

The Korea Coast Guard is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Initial reports indicate that Myeongjin had been practising freediving at the time. Authorities reportedly reached this preliminary conclusion partly from the diving equipment he was wearing when he was recovered.

Subsequent reporting from South Korea’s KBS World states that Myeongjin was wearing a mask, snorkel, wetsuit and fins. He was also reportedly no stranger to the activity, having practised freediving around Jeju for several years.

At this stage, authorities have not publicly established exactly what caused the incident, and it would therefore be premature to attribute his death to any particular medical, environmental or diving-related factor.

A Major Figure in Korean Buddhism

Born in 1950 in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province, Myeongjin became a Buddhist monk as a young man and went on to become an influential and sometimes outspoken figure within Korean Buddhism.

He served as head monk of Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul between 2006 and 2010 and held senior positions within the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

His life extended considerably beyond his religious work. He participated in South Korea’s democratisation movement and became known for speaking publicly on political and social issues.

His prominence was reflected in the reaction to his death.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung publicly expressed his condolences following the announcement, remembering Myeongjin for a life associated with equality, peace and compassion.

A joint religious and civil society funeral is scheduled to be held at Bongeunsa Temple, with representatives from religious, cultural, political and civic organisations expected to participate.

For the diving community, his death is also a reminder that freediving incidents can affect participants across every level of experience.

The precise circumstances of Myeongjin’s death remain under investigation, and The Scuba News will avoid speculation until further findings are released.