Photographs by Hyung S. Kim
By Grace Ebert | August 5, 2024
In a stunning photographic series, Seoul-based photographer Hyung S. Kim has captured the essence of South Korea’s iconic ocean women, the haenyeo, in a set of life-size portraits that highlight their resilience and the dying tradition of this centuries-old practice.
Haenyeo: The Ocean Women
Haenyeo, which translates literally to “ocean women,” are celebrated divers who harvest shellfish and other sea life from deep underwater without the aid of oxygen tanks. The divers require the ability to hold their breath for up to three minutes, a skill honed over generations. Kim’s subjects, ranging in age from 38 to over 90, represent the last generation of haenyeo, with many nearing the end of their diving careers.
Aging and Tradition
Today, the number of haenyeo has significantly dwindled from approximately 20,000 in the 1960s to just 2,500 in recent years, according to the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, where the haenyeo were added in 2016. This decline reflects not only the aging of the community but also the challenges faced by this traditional practice in the modern era.
The Role of Women
Originally male-dominated, the practice of haenyeo began to reflect the semi-matriarchal society of the Jeju people by the 18th century and has continued to be led by women. The divers’ role in the community underscores the significance of their craft in the preservation of local culture and heritage.
Photographic Legacy
Kim’s photographs, taken just after the divers emerged from the water, emphasize their dirt-speckled shoes and wet, shining gear against a stark, white backdrop. The equipment, including the tewak (an orange sphere that floats at the surface during each dive) and lead weights attached to their waists for descent, are prominently featured.
Preserving an Iconic Tradition
Impressed by the strength and power of the haenyeo, even in old age, Kim aimed to preserve their story through photography before it fades into obscurity. His work not only documents the beauty of these women but also the unique and diminishing tradition of the haenyeo divers.
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This article serves as an introduction to the story of the haenyeo, highlighting the significance of the photographic series by Hyung S. Kim and the broader cultural and historical context of the practice in South Korea.
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