On an island called Jeju in South Korea, there is a group of freediving and fishing women called the Haenyeo. They are an incredible bunch known for their iron will, determination, and independent spirit. The Haenyeo are often considered to be Korea’s first working mothers. Diving truly is a way of life for them — some of them are in their 80s. According to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, they dive for abalone or sea urchins for up to seven hours a day. The divers are categorized into three groups, depending on their experience: Hagun, Junggun, and Sanggun. The Sanggun are the most experienced and are often looked to for guidance.
The provincial government has recognized the culture of Jeju Haenyeo as “representative of the island’s character and people’s spirit” and that they have, “contributed to the advancement of women’s status in the community and promoted environmental sustainability with its eco-friendly methods and community involvement in management of fishing practices.”
So, as a world-renowned spearfisher herself, Kimi Werner wanted to meet these women. Werner, who was seven months pregnant at the time, explored how the Haenyeo represents feminine strength and resilience as a self-sufficient sisterhood of diving mothers and grandmothers.
Check out more from Kimi Werner in her Guide to Self-Sufficient Cooking and Sea-To-Table Fish Preparation. Save $50 with code HEALTHY50.
