South Korea’s ‘Mermaids’: Haenyeo Divers Spend Half Their Day Underwater

Kokcha News Agency – The Haenyeo, or “sea women,” of South Korea’s Jeju Island, dive into the ocean from adolescence until their 90s to harvest seafood. These remarkable women can hold their breath for up to two minutes and dive to depths of 20 meters, collecting sea urchins, abalone, and other marine life.

Researchers have, for the first time, studied the daily diving routines of seven Haenyeo women aged between 62 and 80. The study revealed that these women spend 56% of their day underwater, surpassing the diving endurance of some marine mammals.

Dr. Chris McKnight from the University of St Andrews commented, “The Haenyeo are truly incredible people. Their diving abilities are extraordinary, but observing both their behavior and physiology during their daily routines is a unique opportunity.”

The Haenyeo tradition, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, is at risk of disappearing. Over 90% of the Haenyeo are now over 60 years old, and their numbers have plummeted from 14,000 in the 1970s to just 3,000-4,000 today. Experts warn that the Haenyeo could vanish entirely within the next 20 years.

Since the 17th century, the Haenyeo have supported their families by diving without any protective equipment, using only wetsuits, fins, and weighted vests. They harvest seafood using floating devices called tewak and often dive in pairs for safety.