July 19, 2024
Celebrating the Jeju Haenyeo: A deep dive into the unique cultural heritage of a remote Korean island
Recognized in several of UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage Lists, the Jeju Haenyeo are an extraordinary group of women free divers from Jeju Island, Korea, whose remarkable skills and dedication represent a profound cultural heritage– a heritage that is at risk due to the impacts of climate change, shifting populations and other impacts. The Haenyeo’s (Korean: 해녀; lit. sea women) livelihood consists of harvesting a variety of mollusks, seaweed, and other sea life from the ocean. Known for their independent spirit and determination, Haenyeo are representative of the semi-matriarchal family structure of Jeju.
“The Haenyeo embody the passion, resilience and wisdom of Korea and the Korean people, (they are) stewards of Korean waters who really epitomize a history-bound sense of environmental sustainability which the rest of the world should revere. The Haenyeo teach us that nurturing a healthy ocean requires deep connection with the water and which lives within– their labor, their wisdom, preserve a disappearing heritage among a disappearing environment.” – Ian Oates, Interim Associate Director of the Center for Korea Studies
A new exhibit in Allen Library lobby explores this amazing community of women divers. The display offers a captivating glimpse into their lives through photographs and objects, showcasing their bravery and resilience.
On July 15, 2024, the exhibit sponsors, Tateuchi East Asia Library, the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea welcomed distinguished guests and community members at a special celebration event to officially launch the exhibit.
Image (left to right): Wonjun Kim, President of Greater Seattle Korean American Association; Hyokyoung Yi, Interim Director, Tateuchi East Asia Library; Eunji Seo, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle; Lynne Robinson, Mayor of the City of Bellevue; Ian Oates, interim Associate Director of the Center for Korea Studies
Speakers included Eunji Seo, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle; Lynne Robinson, Mayor of the City of Bellevue; Sam Cho, Commissioner of the Port of Seattle; Ian Oates, Associate Director of the Center for Korea Studies; and Je Deok Ha, CEO of SeattleN.
“The Haneyo tradition spans hundreds of years, if you look back to ancient texts, the practices have been documented as far back as the 17th century, passed down from generation to generation. To me, this is a resounding example of the resilience of Korea, the Korean people and our traditions.” – Sam Cho, Commissioner of the Port of Seattle
The speakers’ remarks added valuable insights and sparked significant interest and dialogue among community members, highlighting the deep connections between history, culture, and the environment.
“There are a lot of women on Jeju Island because men often went to sea and never came back, so many mothers on Jeju Island had to raise their children alone, and that’s how my grandmother (who was a haenyeo) raised my father.” – Je Deok Ha, CEO of SeattleN
View video of speakers from UW 제주해녀전시회
A selection of objects and photographs from the exhibit. The “tewak” (or “taewak”) – lower middle image – is a traditional tool used by Jeju Haenyeo. It is a buoyant, spherical flotation device made from hollowed-out gourds or modern materials like plastic or styrofoam. The tewak serves multiple purposes: it helps the Haenyeo rest and float on the surface of the water between dives, and it is also used to store their catch, such as sea urchins, abalone, and other marine products, in a net attached to the buoy. This essential tool allows the Haenyeo to dive more efficiently and safely. The Kakuri -upper right image- is used in multiple ways: divers use it to pull their own bodies through the water, to turn rocks, and to pick and pull up sea products between rocks and the ocean floor.
“Our sincere thanks go to the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle for their generous support, which made this exhibition possible,” said Hyokyoung Yi, Interim Director, Tateuchi East Asia Library.
Image: the exhibit
The exhibition, open to the public, runs through Friday, Aug 16, 2024. Check hours for Suzzallo and Allen Library.
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