Within the coastal metropolis of Busan, South Korea, a group of haenyeos – which interprets to sea ladies – have been plunging into the depths of the Yellow Sea for hundreds of years. They free-dive with out oxygen masks, descending as much as 10 metres under the floor.
In a day, a haenyeo will spend a number of hours at sea foraging shellfish to help their households. Lots of them can maintain their breath for as much as three minutes. It’s not nearly working, haenyeos have a deep reference to the ocean, and this apply performs a religious function of their lives. Though industralisation has changed a lot of the work of the haenyeo, some ladies nonetheless select to maintain up the apply.
Intrepid travellers can meet a former diver on South Korea Highlights and study extra about this fearless diving group.
Beneath the floor
Haenyeos are an vital a part of Busan’s tapestry and have been for hundreds of years. A few of them, effectively into their 80s, defy the constraints of age as they skillfully navigate the underwater world with the grace born of a lifetime spent at sea.
For a lot of haenyeos, diving turned a lifeline and a solution to help their households when males had been misplaced to struggle, fishing accidents or during times of colonisation. Haenyeos are sometimes the breadwinners at dwelling and, in some instances, the heads of households too. Ladies are additionally drawn to this occupation due to the bond between the feminine diving group – haenyeos are revered and have an virtually sacred place in Korean maritime tradition.
Nonetheless, from the Seventies onwards, the variety of haenyeos has declined. Industrialisation and a altering society have created different job alternatives and contributed to a lowering curiosity on this demanding occupation. Due to that, as we speak’s haenyeos play an much more essential function as stewards of the ocean. They carry the duty of preserving marine ecosystems and heritage and passing down the legacy of this custom.
Haenyeos are revered and have an virtually sacred place in Korean maritime tradition.
A day within the lifetime of haenyeo
A haenyeo’s day begins at daybreak. Donning distinctive black rubber fits and goggles, they enterprise into the chilly waters, armed with a tewak – a small buoy-like flotation machine. As they disappear under the waves, their breath-holding strategies display experience that comes from years of expertise.
Once they come up for air, haenyeo’s emit distinctive sounds. These whistles and calls assist the divers talk with each other and launch stress after deep dives. This vocal custom, handed down by way of generations, is a crucial a part of their identification.
Neighborhood and spirituality
The way in which of the haenyeo is greater than only a occupation. It’s a lifestyle that forges a robust sense of unity and reference to the ocean. They’re a tight-knit group. Divers are given completely different ranges: hagun, junggun and sanggun, with the sanggun (who’re essentially the most skilled) providing steerage to the others.
For a haenyeo, the ocean is not only a useful resource, however a power of nature deserving of respect. Earlier than diving, people provide prayers to Jamsugut, the ocean goddess, looking for security and a bountiful catch.
Meet Busan’s sea ladies
Because the solar units over Busan, casting hues of orange and pink over the Yellow Sea, haenyeos return to shore with the day’s catch. It’s a narrative of energy, custom and deep-rooted connection that has sustained generations.
If you wish to dive into their world and witness their resilience first-hand, you may go to Busan with Intrepid on South Korea Highlights. You’ll acquire a deeper understanding of the human spirit after assembly these extraordinary ladies.