The Haenyeo Diaries
My year-long photographic diary dedicated to Jeju Island’s haenyeo, female free divers (mostly in their 70s and 80s) who forage the ocean for edible seafood without any breathing apparatus. I was very fortunate to see them frequently near my home in Oedo-dong (15 mins drive west of Jeju City), constantly looking out for their orange tewak (floatation devie) and then going out to help them bring in their massive catch of foraged sea creatures, usually weighing upwards of 30~40 kg gathered in a three or four hour period. Although they have been documented quite extensively on TV and the media, it was truly more amazing and humbling to watch them in person and document them in their natural element.
Day 19: It’s All About the Muneo (Octopus)
Day 18: I’m Their Unofficial Bodyguard
Day 16: Me, Myself, and the Haenyeos
Day 14: Making Ooh-Moot Gasari (Seaweed Jelly)
Day 13: Day Off and Repairing Equipment
Day 12: Collecting 600 kg of Seaweed
Day 10: Foraging More Hong Haesam (Red Sea Cucumbers)
Day 9: Annoying Domestic Tourists
Day 8: Learned Why This Will Be the Last Generation of Haenyeos
Day 7: Haesam Brings in the Money
Day 6: Fast Sales of Prized Ingredients
Day 5: Getting More Intimate Photos
Day 4: Haenyeos Heading Out at Kimnyeong Port
Day 3: Haenyeo Meet a Foreigner
