This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at a unique museum dedicated to a treasured, yet endangered, island institution ? the haenyeo, or Jeju diving women.




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With the Jeju diving women ? or haenyeo ? now included on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, there is a much better chance that their precious traditions and techniques will be studied and maintained.

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Hado-ri, Gujwa-eup

Education plays a very important role in that objective. The Jeju Haenyeo Museum in Hado-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju City, is an excellent resource for the public to learn more about the history, traditions and future of Jeju’s diving women.

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Haenyeo embody the spirit of Jeju women

Apart from the haenyeo traditionally taking on a central role in the social and economic elements of island life, they also represent a unique culture of independence. In an otherwise male-dominated society, Jeju women were leaders of their communities and were famous for their hard work and overcoming adversity.

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Includes 4 exhibition halls, theater, exhibition area

All this is explained in the museum’s four well-designed, detailed exhibition halls. The museum also houses a theater, a rest area, and an outdoor exhibition area. A cultural center located on the grounds offers various educational programs, activities, and performances.

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Haenyeo traditions in danger of being lost

One issue that endangers the future of the haenyeo is that it is very difficult and dangerous working in the ocean. The average age of the Jeju haenyeo is now over 60, and few younger women are entering the field.

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Todd Thacker

As Korea’s only museum dedicated to Jeju women divers, the Jeju Haenyeo Museum’s mission is to preserve and promote the haenyeo both nationally and internationally. Clearly now, more than ever, we need to appreciate and support Jeju’s endangered traditions.

Todd Thacker KCTV