On the island of Jejuin South Korea, lives a unique community of women known as Haenyeoor “women of the sea”, who for centuries they immerse themselves in apnea to collect seafood, algae And molluscs. This tradition, dating back at least to the seventeenth century, is now at risk due to climate change and growing media attention, which often distort reality.
In recent years, thanks to the growing popularity of Korean culture, Haenyeo have become a sort of cultural phenomenonprotagonists of television and documentary series. However many of them feel used as folkloristic symbols, while their true story – made of fatigue, resilience And environmental sustainability – It is neglected. Myeonghyo Go, one of the new generations of Haenyeo, has decided to take the narrative in hand and tell a more authentic version of their lifestyle, which combines work e care of the marine ecosystem.
Haenyeo do not fish all year round: they respect i natural cyclesavoiding collecting shells during the reproductive period and letting the specimens grow too small. There are also traditions such as “Halmeoni Bada“, An area where the older Haenyeo can immerse themselves safely, and collective fishing days in which the harvest is equally distributed.
They adapted genetically to their extreme lifestyle
From the point of view scientificrecent studies have shown that Haenyeo not only have adapted culturally but also genetically to their extreme lifestyle. A research published in May 2025 revealed that the women of the island of Jeju – both the Haenyeo and the non -underwater – share genetic variants that facilitate cold tolerance and better blood pressure regulation during diving.
These adaptations would have allowed the Haenyeo to continue working in pregnancyprotecting their health and that of their children. In addition, the most expert Haenyeo show one lower heart rate during diving compared to other inhabitants of Jeju, a sign that theconstant training And experience play a crucial role. Therefore combine Nature, culture and human body In a fragile but extraordinary balance.
The future of this millennial tradition depends now on the ability of the new generations to find a balance between authentic enhancement And conscious innovationso that Haenyeo can continue to inspire, not only with their history, but also with their example.
