Soul Story Celebrates Haenyeo, Korean Mermaids

Soul Story Celebrates Haenyeo, Korean Mermaids

‘haenyeo’, the Korean mermaids from Jeju Island (credit: blog.onedaykorea.com)

Each year, team Soul Story celebrates ‘haenyeo’, the Korean mermaids from Jeju Island, South Korea for their bravery and strength.

For centuries, haenyeo (sea women) would swim out into the cold waters of the Korea Strait and go diving 10m under the sea without the aid of breathing equipment, in order to harvest abalone, conch and octopus.  They are known to harvest for up to seven hours a day, 90 days of the year holding their breath for just one minute for every dive. Before a dive, prayers are said to the Jamsugut, goddess of the sea, to ask for safety and an abundant catch.

Diving 10m under the sea without the aid of breathing equipment (credit: allkpop.com)

Traditionally, they were the breadwinners for their families. Now more than 80 percent of them are over the age of 60.  They continue to dive and supply shellfish at their elderly age.  Haenyeos are highly respected for their strong work ethic and influential role in their community and country.  In addition, their eco-friendly methods also promotes environmental sustainability.

In recent year, haenyeo have been recognized in various international platforms and in 2016, they became inscribed on the UNESCO list of Korea’s intangible cultural heritage.

Soul Story Ngưỡng Mộ Haenyeo, Những Nàng Tiên Cá Hàn Quốc