Haenyeos are categorised into three groups according to level of experience: hagun, junggun and sanggun with the sanggun offering guidance to the others. Before a dive, prayers are said to the Jamsugut, goddess of the sea, to ask for safety and an abundant catch. IThis picture I did in a day that Haenyeos were working far from the coast dispite the strong wind and waves. Whem in the surface I could see the frigile ladies in the vast ocean. I think this picture translates my feelings of that particular day. Seongsanri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea, october 2107.

I've spent four hours in the sea with this Haenyo and her group based in Seongsanri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si. Each group of Haenyeos has its specific area of collection and this is controlled and highly respected. This group always dives from the slope of the Seongsan Ilchulbong , a volcanic mountain risen from the sea ( Background). Jeju island is famous for this dramatic volcanic landscape and for the unique culture of Haenyeos. Seongsanri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea, october 2107.

During my 20 days stay in Jeju Island (September and octuber) the Haenyeos where specially interested in the turban shell but they also collected some octopuses whem they found it. The eco-friendly harvesting techniques of these women are sustainable as well. Because there’s a limit to how long they can hold their breath underwater, any personal desire for an excessive harvest is naturally restrained. The fishing village cooperatives adminis- ter the local fishing grounds by regulating such mat- ters as harvest periods, diving time, and minimum size of marine products that can be collected, in addition to controlling diving techniques and the kind of tools that can be used. Is has impressed me the habity they have the take big octopuses from under the rocks in a single breath and using only a primitive tool. Seongsanri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea, october 2017.

Haenyeos are categorised into three groups according to level of experience: hagun, junggun and sanggun with the sanggun offering guidance to the others. Before a dive, prayers are said to the Jamsugut, goddess of the sea, to ask for safety and an abundant catch. IThis picture I did in a day that Haenyeos were working far from the coast dispite the strong wind and waves. Whem in the surface I could see the frigile ladies in the vast ocean. I think this picture translates my feelings of that particular day. Seongsanri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea, october 2107.