On the rocky shores of South Korea’s Jeju Island, a remarkable group of women continues a centuries-old tradition of free-diving to harvest seafood from the sea floor. Known as haenyeo (해녀), which translates to “sea women,” these women embody resilience, independence, and a deep respect for nature. Once essential to Korea’s coastal economy, haenyeo now captivate both locals and global audiences—not just for their skill and bravery, but also for their cultural significance and growing presence in pop culture.

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Who Are the Haenyeo?

Haenyeo are female divers, many of them now in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s, who dive without scuba gear to collect abalone, sea urchins, octopus, seaweed, and other marine life. The tradition stretches back at least as far as the 17th century, though some scholars argue it has even older roots. Originally both men and women dived, but by the 18th century, women dominated the profession, partly because male labor was often redirected toward fishing or military service, and women were believed to be more physiologically suited to the cold water due to higher body fat percentages.

The haenyeo culture is matriarchal and community-centered. Women train from a young age and are grouped by skill levels—from beginner (hommangi) to master divers (sanggun). They practice muljil (물질)—the act of diving—and rely on communal support, strict resource management, and deep spiritual respect for the sea.

In 2016, UNESCO recognized the haenyeo culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, citing their sustainable practices, unique traditions, and the role they play in empowering women in a male-dominated society.

The Haenyeo in Contemporary Culture

In modern Korea, haenyeo have become cultural icons. As rural traditions fade and young people migrate to cities, the haenyeo stand as living bridges between Korea’s past and present.

1. Pop Culture Portrayals

Haenyeo have appeared in films, dramas, and documentaries, often symbolizing strength, independence, and quiet rebellion.

• “Our Blues” (2022), a popular Korean drama, featured haenyeo characters and life in Jeju’s coastal villages. Actress Lee Jung-eun portrayed a haenyeo, bringing emotional depth to the physically demanding and often solitary work of these women.

• “Welcome to Samdalri” (2023), a Korean drama starring Ji Chang-wook and Shin Hye-sun, the main character returns to her Jeju hometown—home to haenyeo culture—and rediscovers community and purpose. The show beautifully weaves together personal healing with the landscape and labor of the haenyeo, providing viewers with a look into modern Jeju life and the enduring spirit of its sea women.

• The documentary “Breathing Underwater” (2017) by Koh Heeyoung offered an intimate portrayal of haenyeo life, focusing on the emotional landscape of women who’ve spent decades in the sea.

• Haenyeo also appear in webtoons, such as episodes in Yumi’s Cells and Navillera, often metaphorically representing resilience or tradition.

2. Fashion and Art

The image of the haenyeo—wet suit-clad with a net, floating buoy, and goggles—has become an aesthetic motif in Korean contemporary art and fashion. Designers and illustrators have turned the haenyeo’s rugged style into minimalist chic, paying homage to their stoic beauty and environmental connection.

3. Haenyeo and Jeju Tourism

As interest in authentic, sustainable travel grows, Jeju Island has become a cultural and ecological gem in Korea’s tourism landscape. And the haenyeo are at the heart of it.

Many visitors to Jeju seek out haenyeo performances, where divers demonstrate traditional muljil (물질) and share stories about their lives. The Haenyeo Museum offers a deeper dive into their tools, rituals, and community history, while local tours allow travelers to meet active haenyeo and even try diving alongside them under guidance.

Interestingly, the tourism boom has led to a small but hopeful revival of the haenyeo tradition. Some younger women—including a few from mainland Korea and abroad—have begun training to become divers, inspired by the haenyeo’s fierce independence and environmental ethos. This new wave, while still modest, shows how tourism and tradition can intersect to breathe new life into fading practices.

If you’re diving into Korean culture through online Korean classes or thinking of joining a Korean class or simply exploring the country’s history and values, the story of the haenyeo offers an unforgettable lens. They are the unsung matriarchs of the sea, living proof that tradition and modernity don’t have to be at odds. With each breath they hold underwater, the haenyeo remind us what it means to live with courage, community, and connection to the natural world.