TITLE: sea women

Some of the photos I took of sea women in Jeju Island, South Korea.
Haenyeo refers to the traditional female divers of Jeju, South Korea, and their work is called chasing the sea. Driving to the sea means that haenyeo use free diving to fish and hunt, that is, they do not wear oxygen tanks or any underwater oxygen supply equipment, and only hold their breath to return to the surface. Therefore, haenyeo are very skilled divers. They can hold their breath underwater for 2 minutes and dive to a depth of 20 meters.
Jeju Haenyeo has become one of the most valuable human heritage in the world, and was included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. Haenyeo are also the symbol of Jeju Island and one of the core economic cores of the region. As times change, the number of haenyeo has dropped from more than 20,000 in its heyday to less than 4,000 now.
Due to their excellent diving skills, scientists initially thought that Haenyeo had special genes. However, after some investigation, it was confirmed that Haenyeo are actually ordinary humans. Through training and training from a young age, they are more proficient in water than ordinary people.
In order to continue and pass on this tradition, the Jeju Island government has made various efforts, such as building a haenyeo museum to introduce haenyeo culture, and launching haenyeo experience activities in local areas, so that the public can experience the charm of haenyeo work.
Therefore, when you have time, you may wish to learn more about the work and life of haenyeo through these photo, or you may have the opportunity to visit Jeju and experience haenyeo diving, So that this unique tradition will not be forgotten by the times.

AUTHOR: LIU YIXIANG (China)