Jeju's Haenyeo culture added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list

제주해녀문화 30일에 인류무형문화유산으로 등재

For centuries,... women called 'Haenyeo' on Korea's southernmost island of Jeju have made a living harvesting seafood by hand -- work that's both difficult and dangerous.
And that's why the number of 'Haenyeo' is on the decline.
But with the tradition being added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, preserving the culture could get a little easier.
Lee Ji-won has more.

At the 11th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Ethiopia,... Korea's southernmost island, Jeju's culture of haenyeo, or women divers, has been listed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
The haenyeo are known for their outstanding diving skills. They collect by hand marine products such as conch, octopus and sea urchins, diving as deep as 10 to 20 meters,... without any special equipment,... and only wearing flippers and goggles.
Cultural Heritage Administration quoted some reasons why the haenyeo are added to the list,... saying that the culture promotes social cohesion, fosters nature and sustainable development and promote women's rights.

"We couldn't be happier to have our culture be inscribed and preserved as a world cultural heritage. I am very proud,... I don't regret becoming a haenyeo."

"People's perceptions on haenyeo have changed. People don't look down on us any more,... and that makes me very happy."

But along with the milestone inscription, they also hope this will become a turning point.

"We hope this becomes a chance for more people around the world to come see us before we retire."

"The number of haenyeo is decreasing,... so I hope more people become interested in the haenyeo culture and even decide to become one,... so they can protect the sea once we are gone."

Experts say preserving the haenyeo culture is a task not only of the local community or the government, but also of the general public.

"Being a haenyeo is an occupation before it is a culture, and it needs to create profit and be maintained as a profession in order for it to last as a culture. It's now time for everyone to think of ways to preserve this unique job,... including environmentally protecting the sea and establishing a system to promote the haenyeo's regional products."
Lee Ji-won, Arirang News, Jeju.

Visit ‘Arirang News’ Official Pages