Haenyeo: The Legendary Korean Divers Who Push Human Limits and Inspire Science

In the frigid waters surrounding Jeju Island, South Korea, a remarkable group of women carries on one of the most extraordinary diving traditions in the world. Known as haenyeo, which means “women of the sea” in Korean, these divers descend to depths of up to 15 meters armed only with a knife and the power of their lungs, searching for marine delicacies like octopus, abalone, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers.

This craft is not just a profession — it’s a cultural legacy passed down from mother to daughter for centuries. Historical records referencing the haenyeo date back to the 17th century, though it’s believed the tradition may be even older.

In addition to being recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, these women have caught the attention of scientists worldwide. Researchers are investigating how a lifetime of extreme diving may have led haenyeo to develop rare genetic adaptations that could offer clues for treating conditions such as high blood pressure and strokes.

A Tradition That Shaped an Entire Society

Diving was originally a male-dominated activity. However, from the 17th century onward, women began to take on this role out of necessity — as wars, migration, and long fishing expeditions kept men away for extended periods. Women became the primary providers, diving into the sea to gather food and secure the family’s income.

This shift led to the emergence of a unique matriarchal society on Jeju Island. In some communities, men were responsible for child-rearing and household tasks, while women earned the family’s income through their underwater labor.

Local customs reflect this social structure: dowries were paid by the groom’s family, and the birth of daughters was often celebrated more than that of sons. To be a haenyeo meant having respect, autonomy, and a strong voice within the community.

Endurance, Risk, and Overcoming Limits

The life of a haenyeo is anything but easy. Their dives can last between five and seven hours a day, even during winter, in cold waters that test the limits of the human body. They free dive — without air tanks — reaching depths of up to 20 meters.

Although modern gear, like neoprene wetsuits, masks, and fins, has replaced traditional cotton garments, the risks remain high. Haenyeo face hazards like getting tangled in fishing nets, encountering sharks, dealing with respiratory stress, and suffering from decompression sickness — despite diving on breath-hold.

Many have experienced partial or total hearing loss, caused by repeated exposure to drastic changes in water pressure throughout their lives.

A Source of Scientific Knowledge

In recent years, genetic studies have revealed that haenyeo may possess unique biological traits developed over generations of extreme diving. These adaptations could be linked to their ability to cope with low oxygen levels and withstand rapid pressure changes — insights that might one day help in understanding or treating cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

The legacy of the haenyeo is far more than a cultural treasure. It’s a testament to the extraordinary resilience and adaptability of the human body — and a valuable source of knowledge for science and the future of medicine.

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