Historically, the people of Jeju saw the sea as fearful and dangerous—something that made life difficult. But some Jeju women overcame the fear and learned to navigate the treacherous waters for their living.
Haenyeo—Jeju’s female divers—embody the social and cultural history of the Jeju people. As far back as the Joseon Dynasty (1392 to 1897), certain seafoods were paid to the king as ‘tribute’ and mollusks—because they contain pearls—were much desired for this purpose. Thus they became known as the lady pearl divers. Haenyeo dive when the tide is low, gathering conches, abalones, clams and other seafood to fill the table. They collect seaweed to help strengthen the island’s weak farming soil. For Haenyeo, the sea represents labor and life. They know their community survival rests upon their diving. The dive requires enormous energy, wisdom, and patience. It is physically torturous, but the call to the sea is strong. Haenyeo are the daughters of the sea.
— Marianne Gerdes, Executive Director, Ilan-Lael Foundation
— Marianne Gerdes, Executive Director, Ilan-Lael Foundation
