South Korea’s sea women face a changing tide
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
In South Korea, women known as “haenyeo,” or “sea women,” are continuing a centuries-old tradition of free-diving to harvest seafood, though their numbers are dwindling.
Jin So-hee, a 33-year-old from Busan, joined the haenyeo in Geoje after becoming discouraged with demanding and low-paying work in the city. She was drawn to the freedom and connection with nature that the older haenyeo demonstrated, despite the physically challenging work.
The haenyeo dive wearing only a wetsuit and goggles, using techniques passed down through generations to equalize pressure and withstand the cold water. New recruits like Jin So-hee and Woo Jung-min, 40, have faced skepticism from established haenyeo who were wary of their documentation of the practice. However, the younger women aim to preserve the tradition through video archives for future generations. UNESCO recognizes the haenyeo’s expertise as an intangible cultural heritage, but their community is shrinking.
In 2023, Jeju Island, a center for the tradition, counted 2,371 haenyeo, down from 3,437 in 2021. Warming ocean temperatures and declining marine ecosystems are making their work more difficult and dangerous, impacting their catches and increasing risks. Despite the challenges, the haenyeo persevere, finding beauty and purpose in their connection to the sea.
