Guardians of the Sea: Female Divers from Jeju Island, South Korea
Jeju Island is famous not only for its beautiful landscape but also for the traditions that people living there have kept. The Haenyeo, or the female divers, occupy a unique status. These extraordinary ladies have been fishing in the sea and collecting seaweed for ages without the assistance of dive gear. The Haenyeo's way of life, techniques, and cultural importance make them both an exciting and significant part of Jeju’s history.
The Tradition of Haenyeo
Haenyeo is believed to have originated in the seventeenth century. The activity used to involve both male and female divers, but with time, the profession was dominated by women. Haenyeo dive up to 10–20 meters to gather sea urchins, abalone, octopus, and different sorts of seaweed. Notably, they do this while their breath is locked for up to 2 minutes, and all they use is a hoe, net, and buoy.
The training to become a Haenyeo begins at a young age, and it is at 11 or 12, a girl is taken away from her regular life to start the training process. The young trainees are called “Haenyeo Hoesaengi.” They perform their activities in shallow waters. As they build up their experience and dexterity, they move to deeper waters. This training process ensures that only hardworking and strong women can be a part of the Haenyeo.
Cultural and Social Significance
Haenyeo are not only divers but also icons and representations of Korean women and their strength. They have a matriarchal work organization; they organize themselves into cooperatives to control the diving grounds and facilities. This system creates a sense of togetherness, and the divers can assist one another.
Thus, the significance of Haenyeo was appreciated on the international level upon the inclusion of the Haenyeo culture into UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2016. This recognition also introduces the concept of Haenyeo and their efforts toward conserving marine ecosystems.
Challenges that Haenyeos Face
The Haenyeo tradition has many obstacles in contemporary society. However, the number of Haenyeo has gradually decreased over the years because of their increasing age and the availability of other higher-paying jobs. Environmental changes and pollution also risk the marine environment on which Haenyeo relies.
Measures to protect the haenyeo culture include government funding schemes, educational programs, and cultural fairs to promote it. Hence, museums and exhibitions that depict the Haenyeo way of life are informative and helpful in ensuring that this traditional practice is recognized and sustained.
Conclusion
The Haenyeo of Jeju Island are not only divers but also living examples of how tradition is important for the people and how they are stronger together and connected with the sea. Since their population is gradually decreasing, it is crucial to help the Haenyeo maintain their lifestyle so that younger generations can follow in the footsteps of these incredible women.
References
“Jeju Haenyeo: Women of the Sea.” UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, ich.unesco.org.
“Haenyeo: The Legendary Women Divers of Jeju.” BBC Travel, bbc.com/travel.
“Guardians of the Sea: The Haenyeo of Jeju Island.” National Geographic, nationalgeographic.com.
