Imagine a world where mermaids are not just in tales but as real women diving into the ocean to gather seafood and breathe underwater without oxygen tanks. Sounding mythical right, but it is true, Haenyeo—an extraordinary group of female divers from Jeju Island are those real-life mermaids from South Korea.
For hundreds of years, these women have practiced oxygen tank-free diving, but now their ancient practices are under serious threat. Many Haenyeo in their 60s, 70s, and 80s and younger generations are showing less interest in this profession.
Who is Haenyeo and What is their Cultural Legacy?
The Haenyeo are not just divers, they also represent a way of life passed down through generations. These skilled women dive daily, holding their breath for approximately two minutes, and complete 100 to 300 dives in a single session.
Their work involves hours of gathering seafood and extra time dedicated to cleaning and preparing their catch. Historically, the profession shifted from men to women due to the high mortality rate among male fishermen, leading women to support their families through diving.
How Did Haenyeo Community Got Recognition?
The Haenyeo has recently been recognized through a collaborative documentary produced by US-Korean filmmaker Sue Kim and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. Kim’s interest in the Haenyeo began in her youth during a trip to South Korea. Kim was struck by their confidence and energy.
In the last ten years, the urgency to document their story has increased, as it seems that this may be the last generation of Haenyeo. Kim aims to authentically portray their lives and capture their voices before they fade away.
How Did Kim Build Trust and Portray a True Representation of the Haenyeo Community?
The Haenyeo community tends to be quite isolated, making it difficult for outsiders to connect with them. Kim spent two weeks just earning their trust, and actively listening to their experiences and concerns. Many Haenyeo shared their fear of extinction and a strong desire for the world to recognize the changes affecting their ocean home.
Although they take pride in their work and resist being seen as victims, Kim avoids portraying them as ‘sad grandmothers’. Instead, she emphasized their strength and resilience and presented them as true heroes of their own narrative.
How Can Environmental Changes Impact Haenyeo’s Ocean Home?
The Haenyeo face many challenges especially due to climate changes which affect their ocean home. Rising global warming has led to the loss of biodiversity, particularly in shallow waters, making their diving complicated. Furthermore, the recent discharge of radioactive water from Japan’s Fukushima plant has raised major concerns, leading to protests that have gained international attention. Although officials claim the release is safe, but scientific disagreement persists regarding its long-term consequences for the ocean environment.
Future of The Haenyeo
Only a few young women are interested in the Haenyeo lifestyle, risking the tradition. A training school founded in the early 2000s has reported that only 5% of its students continue to become divers. However, the documentary highlights younger women who have adopted the Haenyeo lifestyle. Young women also use social media to share their experiences and enhance the profession’s appeal.
The young divers are welcomed by the older Haenyeo, who lovingly call them ‘their babies’. This nurturing bond strengthens the community and helps preserve its cultural legacy.
What Inspiration Can We Adapt from Haenyeo’s Life?
Malala Yousafzai admires the Haenyeo, highlighting how their unity reflects the strength of women’s movements across the world. She aspires for the documentary to motivate girls and women everywhere to believe in their capabilities, just as the Haenyeo’s resilience and empowerment.
The documentary titled, The Last of the Sea Women, is all set to premiere on Apple TV+ on October 11, 2024. Its purpose is to honor the remarkable legacy of the Haenyeo. It also raises awareness about the challenges they face, ensuring their story inspires generations to come.
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Mallika Sadhu is a journalist committed to revealing the raw, unfiltered truth. Mallika's work is grounded in a dedication to transparency and integrity, aiming to present clear and impactful stories that matter. Through comprehensive reporting and honest storytelling, she strives to contribute to provide narratives that genuinely inform and engage. When not dwelling in the world of journalism, she is immersed in the colors of her canvas and pages of her journal.
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