On Jeju Island, off the southern coast of South Korea, a special group of women has been free diving for hundreds of years.
On Jeju Island, off the southern coast of South Korea, a remarkable group of women has practised free diving for hundreds of years. They are called the haenyeo, meaning "women of the sea." Without using oxygen tanks, they dive into the ocean to collect shellfish, seaweed, octopus, sea urchins, and abalone.
The haenyeo are much more than skilled divers. Their way of life is an important part of Jeju's history and culture. In 2016, UNESCO recognised the haenyeo as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity because of their unique knowledge, traditions, and relationship with the sea.
Their work requires incredible endurance. During the diving season, many haenyeo spend several hours a day in the water. They dive again and again, holding their breath while they search the seabed. When they return to the surface, they make a special whistling sound called the sumbisori as they breathe before diving again.
The divers also show great adaptability. Sea conditions change every day. Tides, currents, waves, and weather can all affect where it is safe to dive. Experienced haenyeo learn how to read the sea and make careful decisions.
An important part of the haenyeo tradition is sustainability. The divers do not take everything they find. They leave young shellfish to grow and avoid collecting seafood during breeding seasons. These rules help protect marine life so future generations can continue diving.
The haenyeo also work closely together. Older divers teach younger women how to stay safe, recognise dangerous conditions, and respect the sea. This teamwork has helped the tradition survive for centuries.
For many years, these women earned money for their families through diving. This gave them an important role in Jeju society and made them respected members of their communities.
Today, however, the tradition faces challenges. Many active haenyeo are elderly, and fewer young women are choosing to continue the work. Modern jobs, education, and the physical difficulty of diving have all reduced the number of new divers.
Even so, the tradition shows great resilience. Museums, schools, and cultural organisations are working to protect the knowledge and history of the haenyeo. Visitors to Jeju can learn about their lives and watch diving demonstrations.
The story of the haenyeo also shows the importance of interdependence. The divers depend on a healthy ocean, and the ocean depends on careful harvesting. Their way of life reminds us that people and nature are closely connected.
Today, the female free divers of Jeju remain a powerful symbol of courage, tradition, and respect for the natural world.
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