Haenyeo Divers
Jeju’s Haenyeo – Legendary Women of the Sea
The haenyeo (해녀) – Jeju’s “sea women” – are among the island’s most remarkable living traditions.
Recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, these women have spent centuries diving for seafood without breathing equipment, sustaining both their families and Jeju’s economy.
We’ll let you know more about these amazing women, including where you can see them at work.
Who Are the Haenyeo Divers?
Jeju’s haenyeo are a matriarchal community of women divers. Many of them are now in their 60s, 70s and even 80s, but they continue to dive year-round using only wetsuits, goggles, and simple hand tools.
They free-dive for abalone, seaweed, octopus, and shellfish, often holding their breath for up to two minutes at a time. This tradition is recognised by UNESCO for its deep cultural and ecological significance.
Top Tip: If you want to learn more about haenyeo read ‘The Island of Sea Women’ by Lisa See. While it’s a novel, it’s based on extensive research about real events that occured and shaped Jeju history, including The Jeju 4.3 Incident, and provides an amazing insight into the way women worked to support their families for generations through diving.
Where to See Haenyeo in Action
There are a few different places across the island that you’ll be lucky enought to stumble upon the women going about their daily work. But if you’re desperate to get a look while you’re in town, your best bet is a visit to Sunrise Peak.
Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)
One of the most popular and accessible places to watch haenyeo at work is right beside Sunrise Peak. Here, the divers give short demonstrations, sing traditional work songs, and sometimes show their catch or perform shallow free-dives close to shore. While it’s more for the tourists, it still offers a good insight into how they work.
Typical Performance Times:
- 1:30 PM
- 3:00 PM
(These times can vary slightly by season, but the early afternoon is generally the best window.)
Good to Know:
- Watching the performance is usually free, and you don’t need a ticket to climb Sunrise Peak unless you plan to do the hike.
- Arrive a bit early for a good viewing spot.
- Performances may be cancelled during rough seas or bad weather.
Other Places to See Haenyeo
If you’d rather skip the tourists lining up to watch these formidable women, you could try your luck at these spots.
- Hado Haenyeo Village (East Jeju) – Morning dives visible from the shoreline, plus a small museum and café
- Gimnyeong & Woljeong – Easy to reach and great for casual visitors and photography
- Hamo & Songaksan (Southwest) – Quieter locations where divers still work seasonally
Best time to visit: Morning dives (usually 9:30–11:30am) from March–October, though this depends on tides and daily conditions.
Museums and Cultural Exhibits
If you want to learn more about the history of these women and the role they played in sustaining their families, there’s a few options:
- Jeju Haenyeo Museum (Seongsan) – Detailed exhibitions, English signage, and videos showing real dive techniques
- Haenyeo Experience Center (Hado) – Demonstrations and small, hands-on workshops
- Jeju National Museum – Displays on Jeju’s maritime traditions and women divers
Is the Haenyeo Tradition Dying Out?
Yes, unfortunately the haenyeo tradition is dying out, and it’s currently considered one of Korea’s most endangered cultural practices. The number of active haenyeo has dropped sharply over the past decades, with very few younger women joining. The reason? It’s physically demanding, risky, and far less profitable than it used to be. And with much more modern career options available, it means that younger generations are less likely to follow in their mothers’ and grandmothers’ footsteps.
Despite this, the tradition isn’t disappearing without support. The Jeju government and cultural organisations are investing in preservation programs, offering financial support, easing entry requirements, and promoting haenyeo culture through museums, festivals, and education. While the future remains uncertain, these efforts are helping keep the haenyeo legacy alive, even as the community continues to shrink.
Our Tips for Watching Haenyeo
If you’re planning on trying to watch the haenyeo at work, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Performances and dives are weather-dependent, so if you can try to be flexible when planning.
- Always observe from a respectful distance – remember that haenyeo are working, they’re not performing for your entertainment.
- Avoid blocking walkways or platforms the divers use.
- Ask for permission before taking any photos of the women.
