Jeju Island’s Haenyeo are a South Korean icon, making a living by harvesting seafood during strenuous freediving missions
Jeju Island, located 130 kilometers south of the Korean coast, is a volcanic gem dominated by Mount Halla, the highest peak in South Korea at 1,950 meters. Known for its pristine ecosystem, Jeju is rich in natural resources, thanks to its volcanic soil and abundant marine environment.
At the heart of Jeju’s cultural heritage are the remarkable Haenyeo, or “women of the sea,” who have been diving for centuries without oxygen tanks to harvest seafood, seaweed, and other marine treasures. This practice dates back to the 1600s, when men were engaged in wars, leaving women to support families and communities. The Haenyeo became Korea’s first working mothers, marking a significant shift in traditional gender roles, as diving became an exclusively female activity in a patriarchal society.
Becoming a Haenyeo is a challenging path. Girls begin training as young as ten, learning to dive to depths of up to 20 meters and hold their breath for up to two minutes. By 2016, the tradition was endangered, with 85% of Haenyeo above retirement age. At its peak in the 1960s, there were 23,000 Haenyeo; today only about 4,000 remain. Despite this, their practices are being revived, admired for sustainability, community values, and resilience. UNESCO recognized the Haenyeo in 2016 as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, honoring their sustainable marine harvesting practices and their efforts to empower women and promote environmental education.
Haenyeo: Symbol of Strength and Resilience
The Haenyeo’s strength extends far beyond their diving abilities. Some continue diving until shortly before giving birth, with a few delivering babies aboard their boats. Their resilience is reflected in skincare too: constant exposure to saltwater, sun, and wind demands protective measures. Traditionally, they use oils such as camellia seed and flaxseed oil for nourishment and protection.
The Haenyeo’s simple, holistic, and community-centered lifestyle offers an enduring lesson for modern life. They are celebrated as changemakers, promoting sustainability, community, and harmony with nature—offering inspiration for those seeking a more grounded, environmentally conscious approach.
Wholeness: Inspired by the Haenyeo Way of Life
These values form the foundation of Wholeness skincare. Products, crafted from natural ingredients sourced from Jeju, embody sustainability, respect for nature, and a holistic approach to body care. They connect users with the wisdom of the Haenyeo and the purity of Jeju, celebrating the harmony of skin, mind, and spirit.
Beyond nature, the Haenyeo maintain a profound spiritual connection to the sea, which they regard as home to powerful marine deities. Before each dive, offerings of fruits, rice cakes, and soju are made to the goddess Jamsugut, asking for protection and a bountiful harvest. These practices, blending faith, tradition, and community, highlight the deep bond between the Haenyeo, the sea, and its energies.