UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Haenyeo Culture
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Recently, the Netflix drama When Life Gives You Tangerines gained significant popularity both domestically and internationally. From the beginning, the drama drew attention with the appearance of haenyeo—female divers from Jeju Island. One cannot talk about life in Jeju without mentioning haenyeo. The drama portrays the hardships and sorrows of these women. In addition, the JTBC special documentary Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure was recently broadcast. It is the first co-produced content between JTBC and BBC Studios. Deep Dive Korea delicately captures the resilient spirit and way of life of Jeju haenyeo, aiming to introduce their unique culture. Viewers were deeply moved by actress Song Ji-hyo as she gained a better understanding of the haenyeo’s tough lives, relying solely on a tewak while diving into the open sea to earn a living. The Origin of the Term “Haenyeo” Haenyeo (海女) refers to women who dive into shallow seas to collect seafood. In the southern coast of Korea, they are called murekkun, while in Jeju they have traditionally been called jamnyeo or jamsu (潛女·潛嫂). The term “haenyeo” became common during the Japanese colonial era and has been widely used since the 1980s, although it’s still not commonly used in Jeju itself. In the 1960s, in Yeongdo, Busan, they were also referred to as tongjaengi, a term likely derived from the use of wooden barrels (tong) instead of tewak. This method of using barrels can also be seen among Japan’s ama (海女, 海士), and is believed to be influenced by Japanese fishing villages established in Yeongdo during the colonial period. Female Divers Rare in the World Although diving to harvest seafood is a practice seen around the world, only in Korea and Japan do people dive without specialized equipment purely for survival. Similar practices exist in parts of Southeast Asia and Russia, but only sporadically. Jeju Island, in particular, is globally recognized for having the highest concentration of female divers. While haenyeo can be found across the Korean peninsula and its many islands, the vast majority are concentrated in Jeju. In the past, Jeju haenyeo did not limit their work to their home villages. They often traveled to other regions or even overseas for months at a time in a lifestyle known as chulga (출가). After the opening of ports in 1876, the influx of Japanese fishermen led to the devastation of Jeju’s fishing grounds, threatening the haenyeo’s livelihood. As a result, they migrated northward, reaching as far as Cheongjin via North Gyeongsang and Gangwon Provinces. They also spread to the southern and western coasts, as well as islands like Ulleungdo and Heuksando. Overseas, they went to various parts of Japan, Vladivostok, Dalian in the Liaodong Peninsula, and Qingdao in Shandong Province. They typically left in the spring and returned in the fall. These migrations were usually seasonal labor activities, and the tradition of diving in these regions was passed on by the Jeju haenyeo. Historical Records of Haenyeo Haenyeo emerged naturally as a profession and are mentioned in various historical texts. The Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms) mentions haenyeo in the Goguryeo section. In 1105, during the reign of King Sukjong of Goryeo, there is a record banning haenyeo from working naked. During the Joseon Dynasty under King Injo, the governor of Jeju banned men and women from working together in the sea. This shows that haenam (male divers) existed alongside haenyeo at that time. Male divers were referred to as pojakin or pojakgan. Since the Goryeo Dynasty, Jeju was required to offer abalone and seaweed as tribute to the royal court. While haenyeo usually collected the seaweed, male divers were responsible for harvesting abalone. As the abalone tribute quotas increased, many attempted to escape to the mainland. To prevent this, a “ban on leaving the island” (chullyukgeumjiryeong) was issued and remained in place for 200 years starting in 1629. During this period, Jeju women were not even allowed to marry off the island. Boat construction was also prohibited on Jeju to ensure the tributes continued. The ban was lifted around 1850, after which Jeju haenyeo began seasonal migrations to places like Busan and Ulsan to earn a living. Tools of the Haenyeo Haenyeo collect abalone, sea cucumbers, octopuses, sea squirts, seaweed, tot, and agar, and occasionally catch fish using spears. Essential tools include the tewak (a buoyant float held to the chest for support), and the mangsiri (a mesh bag attached beneath the tewak for collecting catch). When diving, the tewak and mangsiri float on the water. For diving, they carry tools like the bitchang (a long iron rod for prying abalone), jeonggehom-i (a sickle for cutting seaweed), galgori (an iron rake for shellfish), and sosal (a spear for catching fish). Haenyeo wear a wetsuit called mulot and goggles known as nun. Originally, these wetsuits were made of cotton, later replaced with rubber. The goggles evolved from small binocular types called joksenun to larger ones called wangnun in the 1950s. The Culture of Haenyeo Becoming a haenyeo is not a matter of special birth, but of training and repetition. In the past, girls in coastal villages of Jeju learned diving in shallow areas called aegibadang (baby sea). They observed experienced haenyeo, listened to their stories, and learned through repeated practice. Typically, if a mother was a haenyeo, so was her daughter; if a mother-in-law was a haenyeo, so was the daughter-in-law. Girls in Jeju began learning to swim and practice underwater movements at around 7–8 years old. By 12–13, they practiced diving into deeper waters. At 15–16, they began actual diving work, and by 17–18, they were considered full-fledged haenyeo. Haenyeo are most active around age 40, and some continue diving into their 60s and even 70s. Based on skill, Jeju haenyeo are divided into three classes: sanggunn (upper), junggun (middle), and hagun (lower). Sanggunn haenyeo are highly skilled and knowledgeable about sea life and terrain, and often lead the community by mentoring others. From them, younger haenyeo learn not only diving skills but also

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Discovering the Haenyeo: Korea’s Legendary Women Divers of Jeju Island
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Introduction: The Rise of Haenyeo in Global Media The recent global success of the Netflix K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines (Korean title: 폭싹 속았수다) has spotlighted Korea’s unique cultural heritage. From the very first episodes, the show features Jeju Haenyeo, traditional female divers of Jeju Island. These women, known for their resilience and deep connection to the sea, have long been central to the island’s culture. Adding to the spotlight, the JTBC–BBC Studios co-produced documentary Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure aired recently, offering viewers an in-depth look at the lives and traditions of these remarkable women. Song Ji-hyo’s journey to understand the hardships and strength of Haenyeo women deeply resonated with audiences both in Korea and abroad. What Does “Haenyeo” Mean? The term Haenyeo (해녀) literally translates to “sea women” and refers to female free divers who harvest seafood such as abalone, sea urchins, and seaweed without oxygen tanks. While the term became widespread during the Japanese colonial period (early 20th century), regional terms still exist: Interestingly, similar free-diving traditions can be seen in Japan among the Ama (海女) divers, but Korea—especially Jeju—has the highest concentration of professional female divers in the world. The Global Uniqueness of Korea’s Women Divers While diving for marine resources is practiced worldwide, free-diving for subsistence without any breathing equipment is a cultural phenomenon mostly unique to Korea and Japan. Although similar practices exist in Southeast Asia and parts of Russia, Jeju Island is especially notable for its dense population of Haenyeo. Historically, Jeju Haenyeo did not limit themselves to local waters. In search of better fishing grounds, they traveled to Korea’s mainland and even abroad—reaching as far as: These seasonal migrations, known as “Chulga” (출가), were common from the late 19th century onward. Haenyeo in Historical Records Haenyeo are among Korea’s most ancient professions. Records of female divers appear in: Historical documents also reference Hae-nam (male divers), who were often tasked with gathering abalone, especially as tributes to the royal court. As tribute quotas rose, restrictions like the “No-Departure Law” (출륙금지령) were enforced for over 200 years to prevent laborers from fleeing Jeju. Tools and Techniques of the Haenyeo Despite the harsh environment, Haenyeo dive year-round using minimal equipment. Their traditional gear includes: The Haenyeo Community and Cultural Tradition Becoming a Haenyeo is not about status—it is about endurance and apprenticeship. Jeju girls start training in shallow waters called “Aegibadang” (baby sea) around age 7 or 8. They gradually progress through stages: Haenyeo are ranked by skill: The Haenyeo not only pass down diving skills, but also communal values, environmental wisdom, and spiritual beliefs. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Haenyeo Culture Haenyeo culture reflects Korea’s traditional marine life, sustainable harvesting practices, and female-centered community life. The Haenyeo’s fishing method—called “muljil” (물질)—represents ecological knowledge, mutual aid, and unique rituals like: In recognition of these cultural values, Jeju Haenyeo Culture was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2016, as Korea’s 19th entry. Preserving and Promoting Haenyeo Heritage Despite their global recognition, the Haenyeo population is aging, and their numbers are declining due to climate change, declining marine resources, and challenging work conditions. That’s why international exposure—through media like: —is crucial in preserving this living cultural heritage. Conclusion: A Legacy to Be Shared with the World The Jeju Haenyeo are not just divers—they are storytellers, community leaders, and symbols of harmony between humans and nature. As global awareness of their culture grows, so does the hope that future generations—both in Korea and beyond—will continue to learn from their wisdom. The culture of Jeju Haenyeo is more than heritage; it is a way of life rooted in resilience, sustainability, and the strength of women.

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Haenyeo, Woman diver
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Netflix’s recent drama, When Life Gives You Tangerines, became a huge hit both in Korea and abroad. Right from the start, the show captivated audiences with its focus on haenyeo, or female divers, from Jeju Island. It beautifully depicted the joys and sorrows of their lives, highlighting a significant part of the island’s culture. Similarly, the JTBC documentary Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure, co-produced with BBC Studios, has been airing. The documentary was created to share the haenyeo culture, sensitively portraying the strong spirit and way of life of Jeju’s haenyeo. Viewers were deeply moved by actress Song Ji-hyo’s journey to understand the challenging lives of these women who have made a living from the vast sea with only a tewak, a flotation device. The Origin of the Term ‘Haenyeo’ ‘Haenyeo’ (海女), which means “sea women,” refers to women who dive in shallow waters to gather marine products. In the southern coastal regions of Korea, they were called murekkun, while on Jeju Island, they were known as jamnyeo (잠녀, 潛女) or jamsu (잠수, 潛嫂). The term ‘haenyeo’ emerged during the Japanese colonial period and became more common after the 1980s, though it is still not widely used on Jeju Island. In the 1960s, they were also called tongjaengi in Busan’s Yeongdo district, a term believed to have originated from their use of wooden barrels instead of a tewak. This use of wooden barrels can also be seen among Japanese ama (海女, 海士) divers and is thought to be an influence from Japanese fishing villages that existed in Yeongdo during the colonial era. Unique Female Divers Around the World While diving for marine products is a common practice globally, the act of diving for a living without special equipment is a tradition found almost exclusively in Korea and Japan. Similar activities exist on a smaller scale in Southeast Asia and Russia. Jeju Island, in particular, has gained global attention for having the highest concentration of female divers in the world. Although haenyeo are scattered across Korea’s coastal areas and islands, the majority are on Jeju. Historically, Jeju haenyeo didn’t just work in their home areas; they would travel to other regions and even foreign countries for several months at a time. After Korea’s ports opened in 1876, Japanese fishermen’s expansion led to the depletion of Jeju’s fishing grounds, threatening the haenyeo’s livelihoods. In response, they began to migrate north along the East Coast, traveling through Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gangwon-do up to Cheongjin. They also expanded their activities to the South and West Coasts, Ulleungdo, and Heuksando, and even to various parts of Japan, Vladivostok, Dalian in the Liaodong Peninsula, and Qingdao in Shandong Province. They would typically leave in the spring and return in the fall. Diving in regions outside of Jeju was fundamentally seasonal migrant work passed down by Jeju’s haenyeo. ‘Haenyeo’ in Historical Texts The haenyeo profession is one of the many that emerged naturally over time. Historical records mention their existence in various ancient texts, including Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms). In 1105, during the reign of King Sukjong of Goryeo, there’s a record prohibiting “nude diving by haenyeo.” Later, during the Joseon era under King Injo, the governor of Jeju reportedly forbade “men and women from working together in the sea.” This suggests that haenam, or male divers, also existed back then. Male divers were known as pojak-in (鮑作人) or pojak-gan (鮑作干). From the Goryeo dynasty, Jeju was required to present abalone and seaweed as tribute to the royal court. Seaweed was primarily gathered by haenyeo, while abalone was the responsibility of the pojak-in. As the quota for abalone tribute increased, many men fled to the mainland. Consequently, a “Prohibition on Leaving the Island” was enacted to prevent Jeju residents from escaping, which lasted for 200 years starting in 1629. Jeju women were even forbidden from marrying men from the mainland, and the construction of fishing boats was also banned—all to ensure the tribute was properly paid. The ban was lifted around 1850, allowing Jeju residents to travel to the mainland. It was then that Jeju haenyeo began their seasonal migrations to places like Busan and Ulsan to earn a living. Haenyeo Equipment Haenyeo harvest various marine products like sea snails, abalones, octopus, sea cucumbers, sea squirts, seaweed, and gulfweed, and occasionally catch fish with a spear. Their essential tools include a tewak, a flotation device they hold to their chests while swimming, and a mang-siri, a net bag attached to the tewak for storing their catch. When they dive, the tewak and mang-siri float on the water’s surface. The gear they take with them underwater includes a bitchang, a long metal tool for prying off abalones; a jeonggehomi, a sickle for cutting seaweed; a galgori, a metal hook-like rake for digging out shellfish; and a sosar, a spear for catching fish. Haenyeo wear a mul-ot, or diving suit, and nun, or goggles. The diving suits have evolved from cotton to rubber. The goggles, originally a small, binocular-style pair called jokse-nun, were replaced by larger ones known as wang-nun starting in the 1950s. Haenyeo Culture Becoming a haenyeo wasn’t about a person being special from birth. It was about becoming strong and skilled through repeated diving and training. Historically, young girls in Jeju’s coastal villages learned to dive in shallow waters called aegi-badang. They learned by observing experienced haenyeo, listening to their stories, and mastering the skills through their own repeated practice. It was common for daughters of haenyeo and daughters-in-law of haenyeo mothers-in-law to also become haenyeo. Girls born on Jeju learned to swim and practice mujamakjil—a diving technique of repeatedly submerging and surfacing—starting at age seven or eight. By 12 or 13, they would practice diving deeper, and by 15 or 16, they would become full-fledged haenyeo. Their diving activities were most active around age 40, and they often continued diving until their 60s, or even into their 70s. Based on their skill and experience, Jeju’s haenyeo are divided into three

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Die Haenyeo von Jeju: Koreas einzigartige Taucherinnen und ihr kulturelles Erbe
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Einführung: Wer sind die Haenyeo? Die Haenyeo (해녀), auch bekannt als „Frauen des Meeres“, sind traditionelle koreanische Taucherinnen, die ohne Atemgeräte im Meer tauchen, um Meeresfrüchte wie Abalone, Seeigel, Algen, Tintenfisch und Seegurken zu sammeln. Besonders berühmt sind die Haenyeo der Insel Jeju, einer vulkanischen Insel im Süden Koreas. Die Haenyeo-Kultur ist ein einzigartiges Symbol für weibliche Stärke, nachhaltige Fischerei und gemeinschaftliches Leben. Medieninteresse: Haenyeo in internationalen Produktionen In den letzten Jahren hat das weltweite Interesse an den Haenyeo zugenommen. Die beliebte Netflix-Serie When Life Gives You Tangerines (폭싹 속았수다) zeigt die bewegenden Geschichten von Jeju-Frauen, darunter auch Haenyeo, die mit harter Arbeit und Entschlossenheit ihr Leben meistern. Auch die Dokumentation Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyos Haenyeo-Abenteuer (JTBC/BBC Studios) hat zur globalen Bekanntheit der Haenyeo beigetragen. Schauspielerin Song Ji-hyo taucht in die Welt der Haenyeo ein und lernt ihre Traditionen, Rituale und den täglichen Überlebenskampf im Meer kennen. Geschichte und Ursprung der Haenyeo Die Geschichte der Haenyeo reicht bis in die Antike zurück. Bereits im 12. Jahrhundert finden sich in historischen Dokumenten Hinweise auf weibliche Taucher. Im Gegensatz zu anderen Ländern, in denen traditionell Männer tauchen, ist es in Korea – insbesondere auf Jeju – eine weiblich dominierte Tätigkeit. Früher nannte man sie auch „잠녀“ (Jamnyeo) oder „무레꾼“ (Murekkun). Der Begriff „Haenyeo“ entstand erst in der japanischen Kolonialzeit. Die Haenyeo waren nicht auf Jeju beschränkt – viele reisten als saisonale Arbeitskräfte sogar nach Japan, Russland oder an die Küsten Chinas. Das Leben und die Arbeit der Haenyeo Die Haenyeo-Kultur basiert auf harter Arbeit, Ausdauer und einem tiefen Wissen über das Meer. Ihre Ausrüstung ist einfach: ein „Taewak“ (eine schwimmende Kugel), ein Netzbeutel „Mangseoni“ für die gesammelten Meeresfrüchte und Werkzeuge wie Messer, Haken und Speere. Schon junge Mädchen beginnen im Alter von 7 bis 8 Jahren mit dem Training – das sogenannte „Mujamaekjil“, das Atmen unter Wasser. Mit 15 bis 16 Jahren beginnen viele ihre Karriere als Haenyeo. Je nach Erfahrung werden sie in drei Gruppen eingeteilt: Sanggun (Oberklasse), Junggun (Mittelklasse), Hagun (Unterklasse). Spirituelle und gemeinschaftliche Aspekte Die Haenyeo sind nicht nur Arbeiterinnen, sondern auch Trägerinnen einer einzigartigen gemeinschaftlichen Kultur. Sie singen traditionelle Lieder auf dem Boot, praktizieren Rituale wie die „Jamsugut“ (ein Tauchritual für Sicherheit und reichen Fang) und unterstützen sich gegenseitig im Alltag. Diese enge Gemeinschaft vermittelt auch ökologische Kenntnisse: Haenyeo wissen genau, wann und wo man nachhaltig taucht, um das Ökosystem zu schützen. UNESCO-Welterbe und nationale Anerkennung 2016 wurde die „Kultur der Jeju-Haenyeo“ von der UNESCO als immaterielles Kulturerbe der Menschheit anerkannt. In Korea selbst ist die Haenyeo-Kultur seit 2017 als nationales immaterielles Kulturerbe Nr. 132 registriert. Die UNESCO lobte die Haenyeo-Kultur für ihre ökologische Nachhaltigkeit, ihre soziale Struktur und die generationenübergreifende Weitergabe von Wissen und Fähigkeiten – vor allem von Mutter zu Tochter. Herausforderungen und Zukunft der Haenyeo Heute steht die Haenyeo-Kultur vor großen Herausforderungen: Klimawandel, Überfischung und der demografische Wandel bedrohen die Zukunft der traditionellen Taucherinnen. Die Zahl der aktiven Haenyeo sinkt rapide. Gerade deshalb ist die internationale Anerkennung durch Medien, wie die Netflix-Serie oder die BBC-Dokumentation, so bedeutend. Sie helfen dabei, das Bewusstsein für den kulturellen und ökologischen Wert der Haenyeo zu stärken. Fazit: Warum Haenyeo wichtig sind Die Haenyeo sind ein Symbol für mutige Frauen, nachhaltige Nutzung von Ressourcen und kulturelle Vielfalt. Ihre Geschichten, Traditionen und ihr Wissen über das Meer sind ein unschätzbares Erbe – nicht nur für Korea, sondern für die ganze Welt.

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Jeju Haenyeo: Lebendes Kulturerbe Koreas
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Meta-Beschreibung: Entdecken Sie die Haenyeo, die Meerfrauen von Jeju. Erfahren Sie mehr über ihre einzigartige Tauchkultur, ihre Geschichte und warum sie als immaterielles Kulturerbe der UNESCO anerkannt wurden. Jeju Haenyeo: Ein lebendiges Kulturerbe Koreas Die Haenyeo (해녀), die „Meerfrauen“ von Jeju, ziehen weltweit die Aufmerksamkeit auf sich. Jüngste Produktionen wie die Netflix-Serie „When Life Gives You Tangerines“ und die Dokumentation „Deep Dive Korea“ mit Song Ji-hyo haben diese tapferen Frauen ins Rampenlicht gerückt. Sie sind ein wesentlicher Teil des Lebens auf der Insel Jeju und repräsentieren die Widerstandsfähigkeit und das Leid einer Gemeinschaft, die seit Jahrhunderten vom Meer lebt. Was sind Haenyeo? Eine Haenyeo ist eine Taucherin, die ohne Sauerstoffgerät in flachen Gewässern Meeresfrüchte sammelt. Diese einzigartige Form der Fischerei existiert weltweit nur noch in Korea und Japan. Die größte Konzentration dieser weiblichen Taucher findet man auf der Insel Jeju. Historisch wurden die Haenyeo in Südkorea auch als “Murekkun” oder auf Jeju als “Jamnyeo” (잠녀) bezeichnet. Der Begriff “Haenyeo” wurde erst während der japanischen Kolonialzeit populär. In der Vergangenheit reisten Haenyeo aus Jeju sogar für mehrere Monate aufs Festland oder ins Ausland, um dort zu arbeiten, um ihren Lebensunterhalt zu sichern. Dies war eine direkte Folge der Zerstörung ihrer Fischgründe durch japanische Fischer Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts. Sie arbeiteten nicht nur an der koreanischen Küste, sondern auch in Japan, Wladiwostok und in chinesischen Städten wie Dalian und Qingdao. Geschichte und Entwicklung der Haenyeo-Kultur Aufzeichnungen über weibliche Taucherinnen finden sich bereits im alten koreanischen Text “Samguk Sagi” (Geschichte der Drei Königreiche). In der Joseon-Zeit gab es nicht nur Haenyeo, sondern auch männliche Taucher, die als Pojak-in (鮑作人) bekannt waren. Diese Männer waren spezialisiert auf das Sammeln von Abalone, das als Tribut an den königlichen Hof geliefert wurde. Aufgrund des erhöhten Bedarfs an Abalone wurde den Bewohnern Jejus im 17. Jahrhundert die Ausreise von der Insel untersagt, ein Erlass, der als „Ausreiseverbot“ bekannt ist und über 200 Jahre andauerte. Erst um 1850 wurde das Verbot aufgehoben, was den Haenyeo ermöglichte, als Saisonarbeiterinnen auf das Festland zu gehen. Werkzeuge und Ausbildung einer Haenyeo Haenyeo verwenden für ihre Arbeit eine Vielzahl von Werkzeugen. Dazu gehören die Teuwak, eine Kürbisboje, die ihnen Auftrieb gibt, und ein Mangari, ein Netzbeutel, in dem die gesammelten Meeresfrüchte aufbewahrt werden. Sie tauchen mit Werkzeugen wie dem Bitchang (ein Eisenwerkzeug zum Aufhebeln von Abalone) und dem Jeonggehomi (eine Sichel zum Schneiden von Algen). Eine Haenyeo wird nicht geboren, sondern durch jahrelange Praxis und Ausbildung geformt. Mädchen auf Jeju beginnen bereits im Alter von 7 bis 8 Jahren in den flachen Gewässern zu tauchen. Sie lernen von älteren, erfahrenen Haenyeo und entwickeln ihre Fähigkeiten. Je nach Können werden sie in drei Ränge eingeteilt: Sang-gun (상군, obere Klasse), Jung-gun (중군, mittlere Klasse) und Ha-gun (하군, untere Klasse). Die Sang-gun Haenyeo spielen eine zentrale Rolle, indem sie ihr Wissen und ihre Führung an die Gemeinschaft weitergeben. Anerkennung als Weltkulturerbe Die einzigartige Haenyeo-Kultur, die im Einklang mit der Natur steht, wurde weltweit anerkannt. Im Jahr 2017 wurde die Haenyeo in Südkorea als Nationales Immaterielles Kulturgut Nr. 132 registriert. Bereits 2016 wurde die „Kultur der Jeju Haenyeo“ als 19. immaterielles Kulturerbe Südkoreas in die Liste der UNESCO aufgenommen. Die UNESCO-Anerkennung würdigte nicht nur die Tauchkultur an sich, sondern auch die “Jamsugut” (ein Ritual zur Sicherheit der Haenyeo), die “Haenyeo-Lieder” sowie die Weitergabe von Wissen und die starke Gemeinschaft. Herausforderungen und Zukunft Trotz dieser Anerkennung stehen die Haenyeo vor großen Herausforderungen: Die Überalterung der Taucherinnen, der Klimawandel und der Rückgang der Meeresressourcen bedrohen diese Tradition. Umso wichtiger ist es, dass die Haenyeo-Kultur durch internationale Anerkennung und Medienproduktionen wie die von Netflix und JTBC weiter gefördert und geschützt wird. Es ist unser gemeinsames Ziel, sicherzustellen, dass die Geschichten und die Traditionen der Haenyeo nicht nur in Korea, sondern weltweit als ein kostbares kulturelles Erbe erhalten bleiben.

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À la découverte des Haenyeo de Jeju : un patrimoine culturel unique de la Corée
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Qui sont les Haenyeo ? Les Haenyeo (해녀), littéralement “femmes de la mer”, sont des plongeuses traditionnelles coréennes, principalement originaires de l’île de Jeju, qui récoltent à la main fruits de mer et algues sans équipement de plongée autonome. Cette tradition unique de plongée libre féminine est pratiquée depuis des siècles et constitue un pilier fondamental de la culture maritime coréenne. Haenyeo et culture populaire : Netflix et JTBC à l’honneur La série coréenne « When Life Gives You Tangerines » (en coréen : 폭싹 속았수다), diffusée sur Netflix, a récemment suscité un vif intérêt en Corée et à l’international. Elle met en lumière la vie quotidienne et les défis des Haenyeo de Jeju. Dans la même lignée, le documentaire « Deep Dive Korea : l’aventure Haenyeo de Song Ji-hyo » coproduit par JTBC et BBC Studios, explore avec délicatesse la résilience, la solidarité et la culture des femmes plongeuses coréennes. L’actrice Song Ji-hyo y découvre de manière authentique la dure réalité de ces travailleuses de la mer. Origines et histoire des Haenyeo Bien que le mot “Haenyeo” soit devenu courant pendant l’occupation japonaise, cette activité existait déjà sous d’autres noms comme « jamnyeo » ou « jamsu » à Jeju. Des documents historiques, tels que le Samguk Sagi (Chroniques des Trois Royaumes), mentionnent déjà ces femmes plongeuses durant la période de Goguryeo. Durant la dynastie Joseon, les femmes de Jeju étaient soumises à des règles strictes, notamment l’interdiction de quitter l’île (출륙금지령) pour garantir l’approvisionnement en produits marins comme les ormeaux et algues, offerts en tant que tributs à la cour royale. Une technique de pêche durable et ancestrale Les Haenyeo plongent en apnée, sans bouteilles d’oxygène, équipées d’un tewak (bouée en bois flottant), d’un mangsiri (sac à filet pour récolter), et d’outils comme le bitchang (grattoir), le jeongge homi (faucille), ou encore le sosal (harpon). Autrefois vêtues de vêtements en coton, elles utilisent aujourd’hui des combinaisons en néoprène et des masques appelés “wangnun”. Leur entraînement commence dès l’enfance. Les jeunes filles de Jeju apprennent dès l’âge de 7 ou 8 ans à nager dans les eaux peu profondes, appelées « aegi-badang », avant de devenir Haenyeo vers 15-16 ans. Elles sont ensuite classées selon leur niveau : Haenyeo supérieure (sanggun), intermédiaire (junggun) et débutante (hagun). La culture des Haenyeo : un trésor immatériel La culture des Haenyeo va bien au-delà de la plongée. Elle intègre des rituels comme les prières de plongée (잠수굿), des chants traditionnels, et une forte solidarité communautaire féminine. Elle illustre un mode de vie durable, en harmonie avec la nature et la mer. En 2017, la Corée du Sud a inscrit les Haenyeo au patrimoine culturel immatériel national (n°132). En 2016, l’UNESCO a classé la culture des Haenyeo de Jeju au patrimoine culturel immatériel de l’humanité, soulignant sa valeur exceptionnelle en matière d’identité régionale, de transmission intergénérationnelle et de durabilité écologique. Menaces et espoirs pour l’avenir Aujourd’hui, le nombre de Haenyeo diminue à cause du vieillissement de la population, du réchauffement climatique, de la surexploitation des ressources marines et des conditions de travail difficiles. Pourtant, grâce à des œuvres audiovisuelles comme Netflix et BBC x JTBC, le monde découvre peu à peu cette culture exceptionnelle. La reconnaissance internationale de cette tradition séculaire contribue à sa préservation. Il est essentiel que la culture des Haenyeo, symbole de la résilience féminine coréenne et d’une pêche respectueuse de la nature, continue d’être célébrée et transmise.

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Les Haenyeo, les sirènes de la mer de Corée
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Le métier de Haenyeo (해녀), ou « femme de la mer », désigne les plongeuses apnéistes de Corée, qui plongent en mer pour récolter des fruits de mer sans équipement de respiration. Cette tradition, vieille de plusieurs siècles, est étroitement liée à la vie des femmes sur l’île de Jeju et sur la côte sud de la Corée. Récemment, les Haenyeo ont été mises en lumière grâce à des productions médiatiques comme le documentaire “Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure” et le drama Netflix “When Life Gives You Tangerines”, suscitant un intérêt croissant à l’échelle internationale. L’histoire et l’évolution des Haenyeo Bien que des femmes et des hommes aient plongé en Corée depuis l’Antiquité pour récolter des produits marins, les femmes plongeuses ont pris une place prépondérante sur l’île de Jeju au fil du temps. Les Haenyeo de Jeju étaient si nombreuses qu’elles devaient chercher du travail en dehors de leur île, migrant vers d’autres régions de Corée et même à l’étranger (Japon, Russie, Chine) au début du XXe siècle. Leur voyage saisonnier, appelé “Chulga”, est un témoignage de leur résilience et de leur esprit d’entreprise. Un métier en harmonie avec la nature Pour plonger, les Haenyeo utilisent des outils simples et traditionnels. Elles nagent en s’aidant d’une bouée en forme de citrouille appelée tewak, à laquelle est accroché un filet pour y mettre les produits de leur pêche. Elles portent une combinaison de plongée en caoutchouc et des lunettes de plongée, et utilisent une sorte de petite faucille appelée jeonggehomi pour récolter les algues, ou un couteau en fer appelé bitchang pour déloger les ormeaux. Les Haenyeo ont développé une connaissance intime de l’océan, des courants marins et des fonds sous-marins. Elles suivent des règles strictes pour préserver l’écosystème marin, comme ne pas récolter les jeunes fruits de mer et ne pas plonger plus de 90 jours par an. Elles sont réparties en trois catégories de compétence : les Sanggun (haut niveau), les Junggun (moyen niveau) et les Hagun (bas niveau). Les Sanggun, les plus expérimentées, partagent leur sagesse avec les plus jeunes, assurant ainsi la transmission de ce savoir-faire unique. La reconnaissance d’un patrimoine culturel unique En 2016, la “Culture des Haenyeo de Jeju” a été inscrite sur la liste du patrimoine culturel immatériel de l’humanité de l’UNESCO. Cette reconnaissance met en lumière non seulement leur technique de plongée en apnée, mais aussi l’ensemble de leur culture, comprenant les chants de travail, les rituels pour la sécurité en mer et l’organisation communautaire. La préservation de cet héritage est devenue une priorité, car le nombre de Haenyeo diminue en raison du vieillissement des populations et des défis environnementaux. Leur culture représente l’autonomie, la force, et la résilience des femmes, ainsi qu’une approche durable de la vie en mer. Les Haenyeo sont plus que de simples plongeuses : elles sont les gardiennes d’une tradition exceptionnelle et les symboles d’une relation harmonieuse entre l’homme et la nature.

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Haenyeo: As Mergulhadoras de Jeju e o Patrimônio Cultural da Coreia
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Nos últimos tempos, a cultura tradicional da Coreia ganhou destaque internacional graças a produções como a série da Netflix “When Life Gives You Tangerines” (폭싹 속았수다) e o documentário especial da JTBC em parceria com a BBC Studios, “Deep Dive Korea: A Aventura de Song Ji-hyo com as Haenyeo”. Ambas as produções apresentaram ao mundo a impressionante vida das haenyeo — as lendárias mergulhadoras da Ilha de Jeju, na Coreia do Sul. Quem são as Haenyeo? Haenyeo (해녀) significa literalmente “mulheres do mar”. Elas são mergulhadoras que coletam frutos do mar como abalones, ouriços, polvos, pepinos-do-mar, algas e muito mais, tudo isso sem o uso de equipamentos de mergulho ou oxigênio. Essa prática ancestral representa uma forma única e tradicional de pesca que só sobrevive até hoje em Jeju e em algumas regiões do Japão. Apesar do nome “haenyeo” ter se tornado comum durante o período colonial japonês, em Jeju elas tradicionalmente eram chamadas de “jamnyeo” (잠녀) ou “jamsu” (잠수). Na região sul da Coreia, também eram conhecidas como “murekkun”, e até mesmo como “tongjaengi” em Busan, referindo-se ao uso de barris de madeira semelhantes aos dos mergulhadores japoneses, os ama (海女). Tradição e Cultura Transmitidas por Gerações A profissão de haenyeo não surge de forma espontânea — é fruto de anos de prática e treinamento. Meninas em Jeju começam a aprender a nadar no mar ainda na infância, por volta dos 7 ou 8 anos, praticando mergulhos rasos conhecidos como “mujamaekjil”. Aos 15 ou 16 anos, já iniciam os mergulhos profissionais. As haenyeo são classificadas em três níveis: A hierarquia não apenas reflete habilidade no mergulho, mas também uma estrutura de liderança e transmissão de conhecimento, essencial na manutenção dessa comunidade tradicional. Técnicas, Equipamentos e Estilo de Vida Essas mulheres corajosas utilizam apenas equipamentos simples como: Elas vestem roupas de mergulho especiais chamadas “mulot” e usam máscaras conhecidas como “wangnun”, mais modernas que os modelos tradicionais chamados “joksaenun”. Além da técnica, a cultura haenyeo é profundamente espiritual. Rituais como o “Jamjigut” pedem segurança e fartura no mar, e canções tradicionais são entoadas durante a jornada no mar. Haenyeo como Patrimônio da Humanidade Devido à sua importância cultural, a cultura das haenyeo de Jeju foi designada como Patrimônio Cultural Intangível da Humanidade pela UNESCO em 2016. Em nível nacional, foi reconhecida como Patrimônio Cultural Imaterial Nº132 da Coreia do Sul em 2017. O reconhecimento global deve-se a vários fatores: Desafios Atuais e Preservação Cultural Infelizmente, o número de haenyeo está diminuindo devido ao envelhecimento da população, mudanças climáticas e escassez de recursos marinhos. Por isso, iniciativas como as séries e documentários mencionados desempenham um papel essencial ao trazer visibilidade e respeito à essa cultura única. Produções como “When Life Gives You Tangerines” e “Deep Dive Korea” ajudam o mundo a conhecer a beleza e a dificuldade da vida das haenyeo. É importante que mais pessoas conheçam e valorizem essa tradição viva — não apenas como um símbolo da cultura coreana, mas como um patrimônio global da humanidade.

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Haenyeo, as Mulheres do Mar de Jeju
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O que é uma Haenyeo? Haenyeo (해녀), que significa ‘mulheres do mar’, são mergulhadoras da Coreia do Sul que colhem frutos do mar nas águas costeiras sem nenhum equipamento de oxigênio. Embora a prática de mergulho para colher frutos do mar exista em várias culturas, a Haenyeo de Jeju é particularmente notável e reconhecida mundialmente pela sua resiliência e a forma como a sua cultura se perpetuou. História e Resiliência das Mulheres do Mar As Haenyeo não são apenas mergulhadoras; elas são o coração da história de Jeju. Por séculos, elas sustentaram suas famílias e moldaram a identidade da ilha. A sua história está intimamente ligada a períodos de adversidade, como a ocupação japonesa e as restrições de movimento impostas no passado. A partir do século XVII, o governo da Dinastia Joseon proibiu a saída dos habitantes de Jeju da ilha para garantir que a quota de abalone (marisco semelhante ao ouriço do mar) para a realeza fosse cumprida. Essa proibição durou cerca de 200 anos. Quando a proibição foi suspensa, muitas Haenyeo saíram de Jeju para trabalhar em outras partes da Coreia e até mesmo em outros países, como Japão e Rússia. Sua capacidade de mergulhar em águas mais profundas para encontrar frutos do mar, em contraste com a sua contraparte masculina, fez com que elas se tornassem as principais provedoras das suas famílias. O Cotidiano de uma Haenyeo A vida de uma Haenyeo é de dedicação e disciplina. Elas aprendem a mergulhar desde cedo, observando as mais velhas. Aos 7 ou 8 anos, começam a treinar nas águas rasas, e aos 15, já estão prontas para mergulhar em águas mais profundas. Sua habilidade e experiência as classificam em três grupos: Sanggun (상군), Junggun (중군), e Hagun (하군). As ferramentas usadas por elas são simples, mas essenciais: Patrimônio Imaterial da Humanidade A cultura da Haenyeo é mais do que apenas a prática do mergulho. É uma filosofia de vida que respeita o mar e a comunidade. A tradição de mergulho, as canções que elas cantam nos barcos para se encorajarem, a solidariedade entre elas, e a sabedoria passada de geração para geração, são todos elementos que contribuem para um rico patrimônio cultural. Em reconhecimento à sua singularidade, a cultura da Haenyeo de Jeju foi incluída na Lista do Patrimônio Cultural Imaterial da Humanidade pela UNESCO em 2016. O Futuro da Haenyeo O número de Haenyeo está diminuindo devido ao envelhecimento da população, mudanças climáticas, e a dificuldade da profissão. No entanto, o seu legado continua vivo graças a documentários como “Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure” e séries de sucesso como “When Life Gives You Tangerines”, que trouxeram a sua história para o público global através da Netflix. Essas produções ajudam a garantir que a história e o espírito das Haenyeo não sejam esquecidos, incentivando novas gerações a aprender e preservar essa tradição única.

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Conociendo a las Haenyeo: Las legendarias buceadoras de Jeju
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Las Haenyeo en el centro de atención internacional En los últimos años, la cultura tradicional coreana ha captado el interés global gracias a producciones como la serie de Netflix “When Life Gives You Tangerines” (폭싹 속았수다), donde aparecen las haenyeo, las emblemáticas mujeres buceadoras de la isla de Jeju. Esta serie retrata las dificultades, el espíritu de lucha y la vida cotidiana de estas mujeres del mar. También, el documental especial de JTBC en colaboración con BBC Studios, “Deep Dive Korea: La aventura submarina de Song Ji-hyo”, mostró de forma delicada y profunda la vida y valores de estas buceadoras coreanas, llevando la cultura haenyeo a una audiencia global. ¿Qué es una Haenyeo? Las Haenyeo (해녀) son mujeres que bucean sin equipo de respiración para recolectar mariscos y algas en aguas poco profundas. Aunque actividades similares existen en varias partes del mundo, el buceo libre como medio de subsistencia es una práctica única que se encuentra principalmente en Corea del Sur y Japón. En Corea, especialmente en la isla de Jeju, estas mujeres representan una tradición ancestral que combina destreza, resistencia física y conocimiento del mar. A lo largo de la historia, las haenyeo también se han desplazado hacia otras regiones de Corea, así como a Japón, Vladivostok, y China para ejercer su labor como trabajadoras migrantes del mar. Historia y orígenes de las Haenyeo La existencia de las haenyeo se remonta a registros antiguos como el Samguk Sagi (Crónicas de los Tres Reinos). Durante el período de Goryeo (siglo XII), ya existían leyes que regulaban su actividad. En la era Joseon, las mujeres de Jeju recolectaban productos marinos como tributo para la corte real. Para evitar su migración hacia el continente, se impusieron restricciones como el Decreto de Prohibición de Emigración durante más de 200 años. Con el paso del tiempo, las mujeres empezaban a entrenarse desde temprana edad, aprendiendo primero en áreas poco profundas llamadas aegibadang. A los 15 o 16 años ya comenzaban a bucear, y alrededor de los 18 se convertían en haenyeo de pleno derecho. Herramientas tradicionales del buceo haenyeo Las haenyeo utilizan herramientas sencillas pero eficaces, como: Actualmente, visten trajes de neopreno y utilizan máscaras de buceo conocidas como “ojos grandes” o wangnun. Un sistema jerárquico basado en la experiencia Las haenyeo se dividen en tres niveles según su destreza: Sanggun (nivel superior), Junggun (intermedio) y Hagun (principiante). Las sanggun no solo son expertas buceadoras, sino también líderes dentro de la comunidad, compartiendo sus conocimientos y guiando a las más jóvenes. Una cultura comunitaria y espiritual Más allá del buceo, las haenyeo han construido una rica cultura comunitaria basada en la cooperación, el respeto por la naturaleza y rituales tradicionales como: Este modo de vida refleja valores de sostenibilidad, conocimiento ecológico y cohesión social únicos en el mundo. Patrimonio cultural nacional y de la humanidad En 2017, las haenyeo fueron reconocidas como Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial de Corea (n.º 132), y en 2016, la UNESCO inscribió la “Cultura de las Haenyeo de Jeju” como Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial de la Humanidad. La UNESCO destacó su método de pesca sostenible, el conocimiento ecológico tradicional, su identidad local única, y la forma en que estas tradiciones se transmiten a través de generaciones. Desafíos actuales y futuro de la cultura Haenyeo El número de haenyeo ha disminuido debido al envejecimiento de la población, la escasez de recursos marinos y el cambio climático. Por eso, la preservación y difusión de esta cultura es fundamental. El reciente interés internacional, fomentado por series y documentales como “When Life Gives You Tangerines” y “Deep Dive Korea”, representa una oportunidad para que el mundo conozca y valore la cultura haenyeo como un tesoro cultural y humano de relevancia global.

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