Haenyeo Jeju Women Divers: Where to See Them
Planning a trip to Jeju Island? Don’t miss seeing the incredible Haenyeo women divers in action and learning about their rich culture.
Have you ever heard about the legendary “mermaids” of Jeju Island in South Korea?
This island is famous for its unique culture and beautiful scenery. But many people don’t know about the Jeju Haenyeo, the female divers who are a big part of the island’s history.
These incredible female divers brave the chilly waters daily to gather seafood by hand, without the aid of modern diving equipment. It’s truly impressive!
In this travel guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about the Haenyeo, including where to see them and what makes their tradition so remarkable.
What to know about Haenyeo women divers in Jeju
In Jeju, there are women who dive 10 meters deep into the sea to collect shellfish without using any breathing equipment. Isn’t that amazing?
Most are over 50, and some are even in their 70s or 80s. While these women divers have long been key contributors to the island’s economy, now they mostly perform to keep their culture alive.
The tradition of women divers dates back centuries to when many men, lost at sea, left their families behind. This led to women taking charge, managing households, and diving into the ocean to provide for their families.
Jeju is often called Samda-do, or “island of wind, rock, and women,” reflecting this matriarchal society.
These women divers dive without breathing gear, using only a knife. They go down about 10 meters and can stay there for several minutes, depending on how experienced they are.
The first time someone wrote about these divers was in 1629. Can you believe they used to dive without any modern diving gear?
Jeju is a windy, volcanic island, so the sea can be very cold and rough. Until the 1970s, these women would dive all day in simple cotton clothes.
The hard conditions they dived in make their achievements even more impressive. In the past, there wasn’t much water on the island, making dehydration a problem. These women also had to take care of their children and their homes.
Girls started learning to dive when they were about 11 years old. Despite these tough conditions, these women showed great strength and spirit.
These women taught each other and gained experience over the years. They have three levels of expertise: Sanggun, Junggun, and Hagun.
The Haenyeo were added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2016 and designated as a South Korean Intangible Cultural Property in 2017.
Where to See Jeju Women Divers Show on Jeju Island
What would it be like to meet one of these divers? It’s an amazing opportunity to see these incredible women showcase their unique diving skills. Here’s where you can catch the action:
Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)
One of the best places to see the Haenyeo in action is Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak.
This stunning volcanic crater, formed over 5,000 years ago, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers one of the most breathtaking views on Jeju Island.
It’s not just the scenery that draws visitors, though—the Haenyeo Women Diver Show is a highlight you won’t want to miss.
The performances are held daily at 1:30 PM and 3 PM. The performance lasts about 1 hour.
Watching the Haenyeo in action here is an incredible experience. They start with traditional folklore songs and pre-diving rituals, giving you a glimpse into their hard work.
Seobudo Myeongpum Raw Fish Street
Another place to see Jeju women divers is the Seobudo Myeongpum Raw Fish Street.
This area is filled with live seafood restaurants where you can often see Haenyeo equipment hanging to dry.
While the younger generations of women are now choosing education and often moving to bigger cities for work, you still have a good chance of seeing Haenyeo at work, especially depending on the season.
This spot offers a glimpse into their everyday lives as they prepare and dry their gear.
Eastern Jeju Island Day Tour
If you’re short on time, consider signing up for the Eastern Jeju Island Day Tour.
This tour is a convenient way to visit multiple attractions, including the Seongeup Folk Village and the Haenyeo Women Diver Show.
The tour guides are knowledgeable and provide excellent historical context, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. I found this tour to be a great way to see a lot without the hassle of hiring a taxi.
Haenyeo Museum
If you’re curious about the incredible Haenyeo women divers of Jeju Island, don’t forget to stop by the Haenyeo Museum.
The Haenyeo Museum, opened in 2006, is located in Hallim-eup on the northeastern coast of Jeju Island. The museum is all about preserving and showcasing the culture, history, and daily lives of the Haenyeo.
You’ll find exhibits on their diving techniques, the evolution of their gear, and their significant role in Jeju’s economy. The museum also highlights the training these women undergo, from a young age to skilled divers.
Final Thoughts
The Haenyeo divers of Jeju Island are truly amazing. These women are strong, brave, and deeply connected to their culture. Seeing them dive and learning about their lives gives you a unique look into a centuries-old tradition.
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