Read and listen to this fascinating article and accompanying video by Dennis Cieri. After having visited with them, he shares the stories of the Haenyeo Divers, aka, Seawomen, of Busan, South Korea. They have a job most of us can’t even fathom, free-diving deep into the sea to fish. Learn more about the history and day-to-day life of these “Mothers Of The Sea” in this Real Food Traveler article and video which you’ll also find on our YouTube channel.

Save this article about the Haenyeo Divers handy by saving it to Pinterest. Photos by Dennis Cieri. Graphic by RealFoodTraveler.com.

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Learn About the Legacy of the Haenyeo Divers (Seawomen) of Busan, South Korea

This female free-diver community arose from the need to provide for their families and earn a living during times of war. Today, they continue to dive into the ocean without the use of oxygen tanks and serve their daily catch at local Haenyeo-owned restaurants.

Food served at a Haenyo Diver restaurant.

Busan, South Korea – The Haenyeo Divers of Busan begin each day at early dawn. Nowadays, they dive in groups wearing a rubber wetsuit from head to toe. Previous generations of free-diver women donned wetsuits entirely made of cloth.

It is believed that this community of women first came about on Jeju Island due to necessity. They first dove to provide for their families during a time when men went off to war or succumbed to deep-fishing accidents. These resilient women historically began diving into the waters to collect shellfish such as Abalone, sea urchins, and other small creatures in order to earn a living.

Some of the equipment the Haenyo Divers use as well as some seafood catch.

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Today, the latest generation of Hanyeo Divers can be found diving into the same ocean waters their ancestors did for up to three minutes at a time without the use of oxygen tanks. Some are now well into their 80’s.

A Haenyeo diver returning from a dive.

They attach an orange buoy to themselves so as to signal their presence to others in the immediate area. While they are experienced, many of the free-diving women express that they have also seen their share of tragic situations in the past. For this reason, they look out for one another and develop close relationships with their peers. In fact, it is not uncommon for them to become companions for life.

Records from the 17th century document the first mention of the Haenyeo community in Jeju. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century when their popularity began to reveal a matriarchal element in Jeju society. Many families found themselves depending on these women’s income which made them the main breadwinners. This made others view the Haenyeo as “Mothers of the Sea,” a title which still holds up to this day.

In 2016, the Haenyeo Divers were declared a part of the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage for their social and eco-friendly fishing practices. However, they are currently facing a probable decline in population due to industrialization and concerns surrounding climate change.

Some women divers express that the rise in ocean temperatures has led to the decline in seaweed which is crucial to the ocean’s native ecosystem. Most if not all divers have decided to stop passing down this practice altogether due to how dangerous it is so there are no newer generations of divers. Once these women die the The Hanyeo Divers will become part of history.

If you wish to see the divers take the #508 & #81 bus or the #1 Subway & #1 bus from downtown Buson to the Yeongdo Haenyeo Culture Exhibit Hall. The divers start early in the morning. If you want to see them dive it is best to be there by 6:30am.

-Story, photos and video by Dennis Cieri

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