Learn About the Legacy of the Haenyeo Divers (Seawomen) of Busan, South Korea

This female free-diver community had existed on the remote Jeju Island off the coast of South Korea for centuries. Haenyeo divers are able to dive to the depth of up to 60 feet and hold their breaths underwater for two to three minutes at a time while harvesting seafood from the ocean floor. With no oxygen equipment, they scout for abalone, oysters, sea slugs and other food underwater.

It is believed that this community of women first evolved on Jeju Island due to necessity. The women dove to provide for their families during a time when men went off to war or succumbed to fishing accidents. These resilient women historically began diving into the waters to collect shellfish such as Abalone, sea urchins, and other small creatures in order to earn a living. Called sumbisori, the technique of holding breath underwater has been passed from mother to daughter for generations.

The Haenyeo community on the Jeju Island dates back to at least 17th century, when they are first mentioned in the official records. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century when their popularity began to reveal a matriarchal element in Jeju society. Many families found themselves depending on these women’s income which made them the main breadwinners. This made others view the Haenyeo as “Mothers of the Sea”, a title which still holds up to this day.

Today, Haenyeo still dive on the Jeju Island and in some other Korean cities, such as Busan. Some are now well into their 80’s. Previous generations of, Haenyeo dove in wetsuits entirely made of cloth, but today wear a rubber wetsuit from head to toe, but still without the use of oxygen tanks. They serve their daily catch at local Haenyeo – owned restaurants.

When they dive, they attach an orange buoy to themselves so as to signal their presence to others in the immediate area. While they are experienced, many of the free – diving women tell stories about losing their colleagues to various marine accidents. For this reason, they look out for one another and develop close relationships with their peers. In fact, it is not uncommon for them to become companions for life.

In 2016, the Haenyeo Divers were declared a part of the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage for their social and eco-friendly fishing practices. However, they are currently facing a probable decline in population due to industrialization and concerns surrounding climate change.

Some women divers share that the rise in ocean temperatures has led to the decline in seaweed which is crucial to the ocean’s native ecosystem, and also a decline in sea bounty in general. They are not finding as much seafood as they used to years ago.  Most if not all divers have decided to stop passing down this practice altogether due to how dangerous it is. Most of them want their daughters to do other things in life. Once the current generation of Haenyeo depart, their profession and their techniques will become part of history.

If you wish to see the divers and savor the seafood they catch, take the #508 & #81 bus or the #1 Subway and  #1 bus from downtown Busan to the Yeongdo Haenyeo Cuture Exhibit Hall.  The divers start early in the morning. If you want to see them prep for their dive it is best to be there by 6:30 am.