Photography
Jeju Haenyeo
A photographic study of Jeju's legendary Haenyeo, the women divers who have spent generations harvesting the sea without the use of breathing equipment.
Project Notes
The Haenyeo of Jeju are among the island's most enduring cultural symbols. For generations, these women have made their living free-diving for seafood, relying on skill, experience and an intimate understanding of the sea.
During a visit to Jeju, I was drawn not only to the tradition itself, but also to the quiet dignity of the women who continue to practise it. Rather than focusing solely on the act of diving, I was interested in documenting the people, environment and everyday moments that surround this unique way of life.
This series is less about tourism and more about observation. Through these photographs, I hoped to capture a small glimpse of a cultural tradition that continues to endure in a rapidly changing world.