The Haenyeo Community: Local Expert Facilitator for Tangible-Intangible Cultural Heritage and Its Economic Contributions to the Jeju Society, Korea

Abstract

“Culture of Jeju Haenyeo (women divers)” in Korea was inscribed in 2016 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Jeju Island is a volcanic area off the southern coast of Korea, and a women diving community collects seafood under the sea. Each haenyeo has her mental sea map and commands local knowledge on the winds and tides without oxygen masks. The knowledge is acquired through repetitive diving experience, transmitted to generations. Moreover, representing the island’s character and spirit, the culture of Jeju haenyeo has enhanced women’s status and environmental sustainability. They imprint an indispensable part of Jeju identity since most families have facilitated haenyeo. Questions arise on haenyeo’s contributions to the Jeju society through the tangible place (bulteok) and the intangible tradition (Jamsugut ritual) as a cultural space. It questions further the impact of the current natural (climate change) and social (pandemic) circumstances on haenyeo’s life: how are these factors integrated into them, regardless of Jeju Island as a tourist place worldwide. Among many possible solutions, strengthening Haenyeo Association as a sustainable community seems the best choice. This paper discusses Jeju haenyeo in cultural identity, heritage, collective memories and community bearers in the Jeju society.