Recording Haenyeo - Part 1

“Hui~ Hui~”

I’m trying to find a word that best describes Haenyeos’ sumbisori, but I can’t. Not like other sounds, their whistling sounds when they come up to the surface are majestic yet life-defining. While some Haenyeos may consider the sea as their home, some may give a deep sigh. But it is static that they are an invaluable part of the Haenyeo community where every Haenyeo, regardless of their age or experience, is treated equally and with respect. 

Haenyeos are sea women divers who dive into water 3 ~ 20 meters deep to catch fresh seafood such as abalone, seaweed, and octopus. They rely solely on their breath without the aid of oxygen tanks or snorkeling equipment. In the Haenyeo community, there is a strict hierarchy depending on the amount of experience and the skills one possesses. Haenyeos who can work over 15 meters of depth are considered Sang-gun, those who can work under 8~10 meters of depth are considered Joong-gun, and those who can work under 5~7 meters of depth are considered Ha-gun. 

This teaching has been passed down for generations: ‘Don’t be greedy.’ As Haenyeos often forget their remaining breath as they are too focused on extracting seafood, seniors Haenyeos tell the younger ones to “Do as much as you can.” In the Haenyeo community, the younger generations feel grateful since they are treated the same and earn money equally even though they might not be as experienced as the senior Haenyeos. The old and experienced Haenyeos also feel grateful that young Haenyeos participate and continue their legacy of the Haenyeo culture. According to Kwon Young-hee, who is the oldest Haenyeo in Jongdal-ri, younger Haenyeos taught her and other older Haenyeos such a good thing. She said that the younger Haenyeos would put their camera underwater and say, “Samchun, look at this. It’s so beautiful.” Since many older Haenyeos started the job for their living during difficult economic situations, they would not have noticed the beauty of the seafood. Thus, older Haenyeos not only teach the younger generations how to work, but younger divers teach experienced divers such things. 

“So obviously this culture of Jeju Haenyeo should become a tradition. It should be carried on. It should never go away. It should be transmitted.” Kwon’s resolute voice lingers.