South Korea's elderly haenyeo divers

Synopsis

On Jeju Island off the southern coast of South Korea, a few thousand middle-aged and elderly haenyeo divers perform remarkable feats, diving as deep as 20 meters to gather seafood that reaches dinner tables across the nation. This ancient tradition, which dates back to the 17th century, began when a Korean King required shellfish from the local fishermen, leading the women of Jeju to take to the waters. Today, many of these divers are in their 80s, and the community is concerned about the future of this unique practice as fewer young women are entering the profession. The work is physically demanding, with many haenyeo facing health issues due to the pressures of diving. Since the 1970s, the South Korean government has provided support, including wetsuits to protect against cold water. However, the profession faces challenges, with an average of nine haenyeo dying on the job each year, raising questions about the sustainability of this cultural heritage.