Bestselling American author Lisa See is working on a new book, and it will focus specifically on Jeju haenyeo, the women divers who are such an integral part of local culture. Suejin Choi reports.
Jeju’s iconic female sea divers became Korea’s first Nationally Important Marine Heritage last December... and as efforts continue to get haenyeo recognized as a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity… there’s good news on the literary front.

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Bestselling author Lisa See working on novel about Jeju haenyeo

Bestselling American author Lisa See has announced that her next novel will focus on the Jeju haenyeo.

The Paris-born, U.S. writer and novelist... said it was by chance that she came to learn about haenyeo.

Interview
Lisa See / American novelist
(English)

The women divers of Jeju struck a chord with See, as many of her previous novels also revolve around strong-willed women.

Interview
Lisa See / American novelist
(English)

Earlier this month, See visited Jeju as part of her research to begin writing the novel.

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See visits Jeju as part of research for new novel

During her visit, she met with the haenyeo to hear their personal stories, and also sat down with Governor Won Hee-ryong and briefed him on her plans for the book.

Governor Won expressed his support, saying he highly welcomed See’s interest in Jeju’s haenyeo and would offer all the assistance needed for the book to take shape.

Interview
Won Hee-ryong / Jeju governor
I’m very glad that more people will learn about haenyeo through a book by an international author...
<인터뷰 : 원희룡/제주특별자치도지사>
"세계적인 작가에 의해 이렇게 해녀를 알릴 수 있게 돼서 너무 기쁘고..."

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Hyeon Gwang-hoon

[reporter]
Suejin Choi

Literary works on Jeju haenyeo are rare, even at home. But this upcoming novel by the American author is expected to bring Jeju’s female divers into the international spotlight when it is published three years from now.

Suejin Choi KCTV