The Haenyo women of Jeju Island, South Korea, are extraordinary divers who spend hours underwater without artificial oxygen, collecting marine resources like abalone and sea urchins. Known as'sea women,' these unique divers have intrigued scientist Tanjina Hossain, who visited them.
The Haenyo's ability to dive for extended periods has puzzled scientists. Like the Quechua of Peru or the Sherpas of the Himalayas, the Haenyo possess special abilities developed through years of training and generational adaptation.
Training begins at age 10-11 and lasts seven years. Currently, the youngest Haenyo is 80 years old, and 90% are over 60. Traditionally, they wore simple cotton clothes but now use diving masks, wetsuits, and other equipment to stay underwater for up to six hours.
The Haenyo practice a unique breathing technique called'sambisori' that allows them to hold their breath for up to three minutes while diving to depths of 20 meters (66 feet). Jeju Island's guide Anna describes the island's landmarks as 'wind, women, and rock.'
Diving has been a profession on Jeju Island since the 17th century, traditionally practiced by women. In matrilineal societies like Jeju, women earned while men managed households. The profession and societal structure have evolved with tourism and tangerine cultivation, but the Korean government works to preserve this ancient culture. UNESCO recognized the Haenyo profession as 'Intangible Cultural Heritage' in 2016.
