This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at one of the jewels in Jeju’s cultural crown. The Haenyeo Museum in Hado-ri, Gujwa-eup, is dedicated to the world-renowned Jeju diving women, called haenyeo.

Three years ago, on Nov. 30, 2016, UNESCO recognized the culture of Jeju haenyeo diving women by inscribing it on their Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This was good news for the island’s diving traditions and techniques, which have faced dwindling interest.

[Slug CG] Hado-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju City

Foremost in this global effort to maintain haenyeo traditions is, as you might expect, education. The Jeju Haenyeo Museum on the northeast coast at Hado Village is an excellent resource for the public to learn more about the history, life stories, and future of Jeju’s diving women.

[Slug CG] 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.

[Slug CG] 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.

[Slug CG] Museum features 4 exhibition halls, theater, outdoor public space

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 public space. A culture center located on the grounds offers various educational programs, activities, and performances.

[Slug CG] Free admission and Haenyeo Art Festival, Saturday, Nov. 30

And to mark the third anniversary of the UNESCO designation, the Haenyeo Museum will be open to the public free of charge this Saturday, Nov. 30. There will also be a “Jeju Haenyeo Art Festival” event on site.

[Slug CG] Todd Thacker

So, if you have some free time this weekend, why not visit Korea’s only museum dedicated to Jeju women divers, and see for yourself one of the island’s precious traditions.

Todd Thacker KCTV