Tag: Haenyeo

Haenyeo

Latest News

As Jeju’s 'haenyeo' numbers sink, young recruits dive in to save tradition

A seaside town hall on Jeju Island filled with the lilting chants of haenyeo, or woman divers, on May 2 as dozens of aspiring recruits gathered to begin training in one of Korea’s oldest and fastest disappearing professions.

2026.5.17

Kylie Genter, a haenyeo, or a traditional female free diver, during her dive [KYLIE GENTER]

New Yorker dives into Jeju tradition as village's foreign 'haenyeo'

For centuries, haenyeo have plunged into the sea — up to 10 meters (32.8 feet) deep without an oxygen mask — to harvest seafood. In Yeongrak-ri, a village in Jeju, the tradition lives on through 16 divers, including New York’s Kylie Genter.

2026.5.7

Most popular

A haenyeo (female diver) in Dodudong, Jeju Island, shows off a horned shell she harvested during her dive. Photo is not related to the story. [CHOI CHOONG-IL]

Authorities investigate potential causes of drowning incident involving two elderly haenyeo

Two women in their 70s, both experienced haenyeo, died near Ilgwang Beach in Gijang County, Busan, on Aug. 23.

2025.9.9

Haenyeo, or female divers, from Jeju and Ulleung islands hold up a large Taegeukgi, or Korean national flag, after performing a diving demonstration off Dokdo on Aug. 8. [JEJU PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT]

Haenyeo unfurl Korean flag Taegeukgi off Dokdo to mark Liberation Day

A dozen traditional diving women from the Jeju and Ulleung islands plunged into the sea in unison, their orange floats bobbing on the swells, before unfurling a vast Taegukgi across the waves.

2025.8.11

Haenyeo walk along the trail in Hado-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju City in Jeju Island, preparing for their dive in February. [JOONGANG ILBO]

As iconic female divers gradually disappear, Jeju gov't takes action

Jeju Island is taking significant steps to reverse the declining number of haenyeo.

2024.7.15

'Panel Folding Screen of Royal Banquet in the Imin Year,' created in commemoration of King Gojong's admission into Giroso, an agency for the elderly, in 1902 [NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM OF KOREA]

Korea's cultural centers worldwide celebrate Joseon traditions, Jeju haenyeo

Curltural exhibitions of artwork featuring Joseon Dynasty dance and music, Jeju haenyeo (women divers) and hanbok (traditional Korean dress) are currently on display at Korean Cultural Centers around the world, organized by the Culture Ministry.

2024.4.26

Coral colonies are increasingly found in the waters off the coast of Jeju Island near Munseom, a popular diving spot. Jeju waters have seen a rise in temperatures, with native fish and algae being replaced by subtropical species. [LEE SEON-MYEONG]

Divers, scientists see climate change altering Jeju's aquatic ecosystem

Global warming appears to be taking a toll on the ecosystems of Korea's seas, with tropical fish and colorful corals appearing in Jeju waters and replacing the native conch, abalone and brown algae.

2020.9.23

Tag: Haenyeo

Haenyeo

Latest News

As Jeju’s 'haenyeo' numbers sink, young recruits dive in to save tradition

New Yorker dives into Jeju tradition as village's foreign 'haenyeo'

Most popular

Yoon Suk Yeol gets five years on abuse of power, obstruction charges — as it happened

Blackpink’s Jisoo apologizes to fans over lack of events for group's 10th anniversary

Japanese influencer dies by apparent suicide while livestreaming in Seoul

Barcelona thump Daegu 5-0 to wrap up Korean tour — as it happened

BigHit Music's new boy band Cortis showcase debut tracks — as it happened

Authorities investigate potential causes of drowning incident involving two elderly haenyeo

Haenyeo unfurl Korean flag Taegeukgi off Dokdo to mark Liberation Day

As iconic female divers gradually disappear, Jeju gov't takes action

Korea's cultural centers worldwide celebrate Joseon traditions, Jeju haenyeo

Divers, scientists see climate change altering Jeju's aquatic ecosystem