Celebrating the Ocean with Haenyeo Women Divers ~ South Korea, 2024

           



Since I first heard of the Haenyeo community, I felt impelled to meet them. In April of 2024, I had the privilege of traveling to Jeju Island, in South Korea, and capture some of the daily rituals of this extraordinary group of women free divers.



In Korean, the word Haenyeo means “sea women” and this practice dates back to hundreds of years ago
Seongsan Ilchulbong beach, Jeju Island, South Korea
The labor provided by Haenyeo accounted for large shares of the local economy of Jeju and 
held the unique position of women as the main financial provisioners for their families
During the nineteenth century, 22% of the entire female population in Jeju were Haenyeo, an unusual occupation defying traditional gender norms and sustaining the semi-matriarchal society structure of Jeju Island, where men and women were considered equal
As higher temperatures and rising water levels disrupt Jeju’s marine ecosystem, Haenyeo's existence is also at stake
Haenyeo shellfish harvest
These women are true supporters of the local maritime ecosystem
 Haenyeo are symbols of female strength and resilience, and a vivid example of how the ocean is not just a means of harvesting but a subject of protection and coexistence, a heritage passed down to generations. 
Haenyeo women dive relying solely on their own breath without the aid of oxygen tanks or breathing equipment 
The Haenyeo are true marine specialists who have adapted to the sea’s ecological environment and mastered 
its landscape while accumulating local maritime knowledge on the cycles of marine life and their harvesting periods
Haenyeo dive down to 10 meters deep
 The Haenyeo were added to UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016 
The Haenyeo represent the continuity of female importance on Jeju Island
The Haenyeo are the perfect embodiment of the legacy of their foremothers