This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at a unique museum dedicated to a similarly unique institution on Jeju ? the haenyeo, or diving women.
With the Jeju diving women ? or haenyeo ? in the running for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage list, government officials and members of the public are working hard to ensure this precious tradition is maintained.

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Hado-ri, Gujwa-eup

Central to that objective is education. To that end, 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 four exhibitions 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 Culture Center located on the grounds offers various educational programs, activities, and performances.

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Haenyeo tradition 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 around 60, and few younger women are entering the field. If things remain as they are, in the not-too-distant future the Jeju haenyeo could become a thing of the past.

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Todd Thacker

As Korea’s only museum dedicated to Jeju women divers, its mission is to preserve and promote the haenyeo both nationally and internationally. Rest assured that a visit to the Jeju Haenyeo Museum is well worth the trip.

Todd Thacker KCTV