South Korea’s women dive into sea without oxygen tanks
These female divers can
stay underwater for minutes at a time and spend up to six hours a day in the
sea collecting seaweed and shellfish. Some dive as deep as 20 meters using only
breath-control techniques passed down through generations.
Scientists have long been
fascinated by the Haenyeo, comparing their unique physical endurance to that of
Sherpas in the Himalayas. Girls traditionally begin training around the age of
10, with years of practice required before becoming full divers.
Most of today’s Haenyeo
are over 60 years old, raising concerns that the tradition may slowly disappear
as younger generations move toward modern professions.
The diving culture became
women-led during the 17th century, helping shape Jeju’s historically
matriarchal society, where women earned incomes while men often managed
households.
Recognizing the cultural
and historical significance of the divers, UNESCO added the Haenyeo tradition
to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016.
Today, visitors to Jeju
can still witness the legendary sea women diving into cold waters, preserving
one of Korea’s oldest and most unique traditions.
