The Unique World of Haenyeo South Korea's Sea Women

 

 

 

 

 

The Unique World of Haenyeo 해녀 South Korea's Sea Women

 

 

 

https://m.khan.co.kr/local/Jeju/article/202003172206005

 

 

 

 

Do you know how South Korea harvests Jeju’s seafood?

 

On the southern island of Jeju, South Korea, there is a Jeju islands’ unique tradition that unfolds beneath the waves, led by a group of remarkable women known as Haenyeo 해녀, or "sea women."

 

These divers engage in the age-old practice of collecting a bounty of underwater delicacies, including shellfish, sea urchins, and seaweed, showcasing not only their exceptional diving skills but also their resilience in enduring long hours in the cold ocean waters.

 

 

 

 

https://www.lottehotelmagazine.com/ko/art_culture_detail?no=198

 

 

 

What’s so special about them?

 

The tradition of Haenyeo is more than a skill; it's a heritage passed down through generations within families.

 

This unique occupational lineage follows a matrilineal structure, with daughters learning intricate skills and techniques from their mothers or other female relatives.

 

It's a beautiful intergenerational transfer of knowledge that forms the backbone of the Haenyeo community.

 

 

 

https://blog.naver.com/jejuforum/220889322462

 

 

 

History

 

Starting the journey to becoming a Haenyeo is something that kicks off early in life.

 

These incredible women dive into the training waters while they're still young, they completely concentrate on the art of diving and the sea's harvest.

 

As the years roll by, their skills and know-how deepen, showing off their dedication and love for what they do.

 

What's truly special is that, even when they reach their 70s or 80s, some Haenyeo keep on diving.

 

It's not just a testament to their physical stamina but also a real, heartfelt connection to the rich cultural heritage that shapes who they are.

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.chosun.com/national/regional/2023/10/20/EEHAQULT5BFEHL2APLJH2C3CJU/

 

 

 

 

Even the UN Food and Agriculture Organization recently gave a nod to an incredible fishing tradition carried out by female divers on the picturesque southern island of Jeju in South Korea.

 

These skilled divers, known as "Haenyeo," dive into the sea without oxygen masks to catch shellfish, forming the unique Jeju Haenyeo Fisheries System.

 

This tradition earned a spot on the list of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) during a session at the FAO headquarters in Rome.

 

 

 

 

https://mobile.newsis.com/view_amp.html?ar_id=NISX20231111_0002517667

 

 

 

Despite initial setbacks in December 2018, Jeju Island persisted in its pursuit of the GIAHS designation, submitting additional documents multiple times since 2019.

 

The evaluation process, albeit delayed by the COVID-19 outbreak, recently culminated in well-deserved recognition.

 

This acknowledgment not only highlights the resilience of Jeju's women divers but also reinforces their vital role, previously celebrated as South Korea's foremost fisheries heritage in 2015.

 

It's a testament to the enduring significance of their cultural contributions and sustainable practices that echo through the depths of the sea and resonate globally.

 

 

 

 

#Haenyeo #해녀 #SeaWomen #KoreanSeaWomen #Jeju #JejuSeaWomen #GIAHS #GlobalRecognition #JejuIsland #JejuSea #Harvesting

 

 

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