South Korea. The Haenyeo, “Women of the sea”. – Comboni Youth

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South Korea. The Haenyeo, “Women of the sea”.

April 1, 2026April 1, 2026

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The historic tradition of Jeju Island: the haenyeo, or “women of the sea”. Photo: FAO/David Hogsholt

They go out to sea in groups. Photo: FAO/David Hogsholt

The haenyeo respect nature, so their fishing is sustainable. Photo: FAO/David Hogsholt

Female divers in Jeju perform shamanic rituals for Yeongdeung Halmang, the sea goddess. Photo: FAO/David Hogsholt

The haenyeos clean their catch of sea and divide the catch equally. Photo: FAO/David Hogsholt

In 2016, UNESCO declared the Haenyeo an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Photo: FAO/David Hogsholt

A haenyeo teaches the technical skills of breath-hold diving. Photo: FAO/David Hogsholt

The Jeju divers have a place in Korean history for what they have represented for Korean women. Photo: FAO/David Hogsholt

Haenyeo still exist, but in much smaller numbers than before. In 2024, Jeju's provincial government counted 2,839, but 90% were aged 60 or over. Photo: FAO/David Hogsholt

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