A growing number of young South Korean women are reviving the ancient haenyeo tradition, choosing to become free-divers who harvest seafood without oxygen tanks. This shift comes as many individuals seek alternatives to the country's demanding corporate work culture, characterized by long hours and low pay. Jin So-hee, a 33-year-old former nursing assistant, exemplifies this trend. After struggling with the pressures of urban employment in Busan, she relocated to the coastal town of Geoje at age 25. Inspired by elderly divers who maintain active, nature-based livelihoods well into their seventies, Jin underwent rigorous training to join their ranks. Despite the physical intensity and inherent dangers of the profession, these women view the sea as a sustainable escape from the modern rat race, finding purpose in a centuries-old practice that offers autonomy and a direct connection to the natural environment.
Source : Malay Mail
Photo : Malay Mail
