Who They Are?
The incredible South Korean female sea-divers who swim 65ft to the ocean floor and back without breathing apparatus for six hours a day... until they are NINETY. Known for their independent spirit, iron will and determination, the haenyeo are representative of the semi-matriarchal family structure of Jeju.
What do they do?
Unlike fishermen who go out in boats or use a rod or line, these women dive in the ocean without any special tools to gather clams, abalone, or seaweed. Known as haenyeo, or sea women, they use no breathing equipment, although a typical dive might last around two minutes and take them as deep as ten metres underwater. Wearing old-fashioned headlight-shaped scuba masks, most dive with lead weights strapped around their waists to help them sink faster.
How they are working?
They don’t go as fully equipped as scuba divers. All they need is a float to mark their location when they surface, a weeding hoe to dig up abalone and other shellfish that cling to the rocks, and a net to hold their catch. Wearing a lead-weighted vest and goggles, they plunge into the 20-meter depths where they stay underwater holding their breath for two or three minutes. They are so adapted to life beneath the sea, they actually could be mermaids. Once they come back to the surface, they make a whistling sound, which is their unique way of breathing out the carbon dioxide and breathing in fresh oxygen.
Where They Are?
Jeju Island, also known as the "Island of the Gods," is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and many Japanese and Chineses. It remains one of the top honeymoon destinations for Korean newlyweds. The island's mixture of volcanic rock, frequent rains, and temperate climate, make it very similar to the Hawaiian Islands in the U.S. Besides tourism, Jeju's main industries are fishing and agriculture. Fresh fish, squid, octopus, sea cucumber, and various other creatures can be easily bought in markets, restaurants, and even right on the beach.
Why they are special?
Haenyeo stand for the pioneers of female leadership. Traditionally, Koreans have aspired to have baby boys, because only a man was considered to be the head of a family, but Jeju was different. Here, the birth of a baby girl was so valued that the saying goes: “Have a baby girl, and we will throw a pork barbecue party; have a baby boy, and we will kick his ass.” Since it was the women who worked from morning till night every day, women held a special place in Jeju’s society. Jeju female divers enjoyed more freedom, independence, and self-respect than other women.
When their culture added to UNESCO's list?
UNESCO held the 11th session in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on December 2016 and confirmed the inscription of “Culture of Jeju Haenyeo” on the List of the of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. They were not only skilled in gathering seafood, but also had great interest in various cultural and social issues. During the colonial period, they led the anti-Japanese campaign and also established cooperatives to preserve marine resources. They also worked to preserve the haenyeo culture. Haenyeos were awarded medals for their contribution during the anti-Japanese campaign, and saw the creation of a monument and a commemorative park in their honor, located in Hado-ri, Jeju-do. Today, haenyeos play the role of guardians of the sea and the ocean’s ecological environment.
