Jeju Life - Haenyeo

Jejudo or Jeju Island is often called the Hawaii of Korea. The southern island has been loved for its nature and culture, exotic to Koreans.

It has been one of the most popular honeymoon destinations and leisure spots for Korean and foreign tourists.

Indeed, Jeju is known as an island rich in wind, rocks and women.


But Jeju has more to offer than beautiful scenery and sea breezes. The island has a huge range of unique museums to cater for every interest. Haenyeo Museum is dedicated to the brave and hardworking of woman divers in Jeju.

Jeju Island has an old saying: ‘When you have a baby girl, butcher a pig and throw a party. When you have a baby boy, just kick him hard in the butt.’ I do not mean to offend the male readers here! Such a saying seems out of place in the male-dominated Confucian tradition. But it accurately reflects the importance of a woman as the backbone of the Jeju family.

Haenyeo (read 'sea women') are the women of Jeju who dive deep into the deep sea without airtanks to gather seaweed, abalone and various other types of seafood. There are approximately 5400 haenyeo working on Jeju Island. The haenyeo are known for their diving ability. They dive from October to July, and they work on farms during other months - all while taking care of their children and domestic duties.

The museum was opened in 2006. We watched a movie about the history of the haenyeo in mandarin. It is very informative and with the benefit of English subtitles.

Probably, this poem (I stole from a book displayed in the museum) tells all the life of haenyeo -

Eating with the wind
Excreting with the clouds
Making the waves my home
Farewell to my grieving mother
Farewell to my grieving father
Farewell to my parents and sbilings
Making the Han River Sea my home
Entrusting my cursed lot to continue on
My soul and body was born