Discover the depths of Busan’s feminine divers who free-dive 10 metres under the floor.
Within the coastal metropolis of Busan, South Korea, a neighborhood of haenyeos – which interprets to sea girls – have been plunging into the depths of the Yellow Sea for hundreds of years. They free-dive with out oxygen masks, descending as much as 10 metres under the floor.
In a day, a haenyeo will spend a number of hours at sea foraging shellfish to help their households. A lot of them can maintain their breath for as much as three minutes. It’s not nearly working, haenyeos have a deep reference to the ocean, and this apply performs a non secular function of their lives. Though industralisation has changed a lot of the work of the haenyeo, some girls nonetheless select to maintain up the apply.
Intrepid travellers can meet a former diver on South Korea Highlights and be taught extra about this fearless diving neighborhood.
Under the floor
Haenyeos are an essential a part of Busan’s tapestry and have been for hundreds of years. A few of them, nicely into their 80s, defy the restrictions of age as they skillfully navigate the underwater world with the grace born of a lifetime spent at sea.
For a lot of haenyeos, diving grew to become a lifeline and a solution to help their households when males had been misplaced to struggle, fishing accidents or in periods of colonisation. Haenyeos are sometimes the breadwinners at house and, in some circumstances, the heads of households too. Ladies are additionally drawn to this career due to the bond between the feminine diving neighborhood – haenyeos are revered and have an virtually sacred place in Korean maritime tradition.
Nevertheless, from the Nineteen Seventies onwards, the variety of haenyeos has declined. Industrialisation and a altering society have created different job alternatives and contributed to a reducing curiosity on this demanding career. Due to that, as we speak’s haenyeos play an much more essential function as stewards of the ocean. They carry the duty of preserving marine ecosystems and heritage and passing down the legacy of this custom.
A day within the lifetime of haenyeo
A haenyeo’s day begins at daybreak. Donning distinctive black rubber fits and goggles, they enterprise into the chilly waters, armed with a tewak – a small buoy-like flotation system. As they disappear under the waves, their breath-holding methods show experience that comes from years of expertise.
Once they come up for air, haenyeo’s emit distinctive sounds. These whistles and calls assist the divers talk with each other and launch stress after deep dives. This vocal custom, handed down by means of generations, is a crucial a part of their id.
Group and spirituality
The best way of the haenyeo is greater than only a career. It’s a lifestyle that forges a robust sense of unity and reference to the ocean. They’re a tight-knit neighborhood. Divers are given totally different ranges: hagun, junggun and sanggun, with the sanggun (who’re essentially the most skilled) providing steerage to the others.
For a haenyeo, the ocean is not only a useful resource, however a drive of nature deserving of respect. Earlier than diving, people provide prayers to Jamsugut, the ocean goddess, searching for security and a bountiful catch.
Meet Busan’s sea girls
Because the solar units over Busan, casting hues of orange and pink over the Yellow Sea, haenyeos return to shore with the day’s catch. It’s a narrative of energy, custom and deep-rooted connection that has sustained generations.
If you wish to dive into their world and witness their resilience first-hand, you’ll be able to go to Busan with Intrepid on South Korea Highlights. You’ll acquire a deeper understanding of the human spirit after assembly these extraordinary girls.
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