Known for their fishing, the Haenyo hail from Jeju-do Province, a volcanic island in southern Korea.
These often old “women from the sea” push their limits daily, a habit born of a painful past.
TF1 at 8pm will take you to meet them.
They are called Haenyo, “sea women” in Korean. These freedivers are from Jeju-do province, a volcanic island in South Korea. Known for their fishing practice, these women are inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List. “I am very proud to be a Haenyo. It changed my life, it allowed me to earn money, to become independent, while I was poor before.”says Myeongseo Gang, an 81-year-old diver, interviewed in the TF1 report at the top of this article.
Jeju mermaids dive fifteen days a month, almost all year round. To catch sea urchins and octopuses, they can stay up to two minutes without breathing. Thus, Haenyo regularly pushes its limits. “I never thought of diving with her. I don’t really like her going either, it’s dangerous at her age. But the Haenyas do what they want, it’s their custom.”says Young-Seok Lee about his wife.
A habit born from a tragic story
In 1948, the rebellion was bloodily put down, decimating 10% of Jeju Island’s population. Women are thus left alone to provide for their family’s needs. A past that falsified them. Stubborn and proud, they never admit they are tired. “I can go on”one of them responds as she struggles to get out of the water.
More than passion, these women embrace a dangerous fate as they risk their lives for less and less bountiful crops with each dive. “I caught sea urchins, octopuses and starfish”details Yao Djin, 38 years old. “There is less and less seafood. I think it has to do with climate change”, he laments. So a life of work for almost 1000 euros per month. The Haenya are endangered, with fewer than 4,000 left on Jeju Island.