- Updated 2024.4.16 17:33
- All Articles
-
member
icon
-
facebook
cursor
-
twitter
cursor
|
Art&CultureEvents |
The 4th Jeju Haenyeo FestivalA celebration of the island’s diving women, Oct. 15 to 16 |
|
| |
 |
|
| ▲ Photo by Anne Hilty |
The 4th Jeju Haenyeo Festival took place on Oct. 15 and 16 at the Haenyeo Museum in Hado-ri and nearby Sehwa Port.
A much larger event than in previous years, the express purpose of the festival, according to Dr. Choa Hye-Gyoung of its organizing committee, was to contribute to the preservation of the diving women's culture through increased awareness and, ultimately, renewed inter-generational transmission.
“Haenyeo culture globalization” and the potential for UNESCO designation of the diving women's profession is currently in an exploratory phase. Toward that end, Governor Woo Keun Min awarded certificates to members of an “international promotion team” consisting of 14 foreigners representing 10 countries.
Opening and closing ceremonies of the festival were provided by the Chilmeoridang Yeongdeung-gut Preservation Society. The UNESCO-recognized shamanic Yeongdeung ritual is closely associated with the haenyeo culture.
Celebrated vocalist Han Seo-Kyung and the cast of Nanta PMC Jeju gave dynamic contemporary performances, prompting spontaneous audience participation.
| |
 |
|
| ▲ Photo by Anne Hilty |
| |
 |
|
| ▲ Photo by Anne Hilty |
Traditional cultural performances were also provided, in forms of song, dance, and a dramatic play. Notably, the “Song of the Haenyeo,” designated by Jeju's provincial government as Intangible Cultural Asset No. 1, was performed by its official Skill Holders, Kim Young-ja and Kang Deung-ja.
Japan's Toba City Ama Performance Team depicted in song and dance the tradition of southern Japan's “ama,” counterpart to Jeju's haenyeo. Sara Arts Group performed the sorrowful and nostalgic “Chulga Haenyeo Song” concerning those divers compelled by economic circumstance to regions outside of Jeju.
Other cultural performers included an 11-member troupe of haenyeo from the Daepyung-ri Diving Association, Jeju Farming Song Preservation Society (Intangible Cultural Asset No. 16), Ieodo Drama Company, Folklore Preservation Association of Gujwa-eup, and Lee Dance Company.
Competitions were a highlight of the festival, among them diving and shellfish harvesting, topshell de-shelling, taewak swimming, seafood cooking, and singing. For children, there were photo and drawing competitions, and the making of fish farms.
| |
 |
|
| ▲ Photo by Anne Hilty |
As promoted, the festival was highly experiential. Options included diving with the haenyeo, shallows harvesting of turban shell and conch, and taewak net-making. Informational displays for many local fish and shellfish were provided and the products available for purchase, courtesy of Suhyup.
The Jeju Haenyeo Festival Committee accomplished a well-organized and attended festival celebrating Jeju's diving women.
Disclosure: the author is one of the designated “international ambassadors” for Jeju haenyeo culture.
Dr. Hilty is a cultural health psychologist. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ⓒ Jeju Weekly 2009 (http://www.jejuweekly.net)
All materials on this site are protected under the Korean Copyright Law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published without the prior consent of Jeju Weekly. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Photo by Anne Hilty |
|
|
|
| Jeju-Asia's No.1 for Cruise |
|
|
|
Title:The jeju Weekly(제주위클리) | Mail to editor@jejuweekly.net | Phone: +82-64-724-7776 Fax: +82-64-724-7796
#503, 36-1, Seogwang-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Korea, 63148
Registration Number: Jeju, Ah01158(제주,아01158) | Date of Registration: November 10,2022 | Publisher&Editor : Hee Tak Ko | Youth policy: Hee Tak Ko
Copyright ⓒ 2009 All materials on this site are protected under the Korean Copyright Law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published
without the prior consent of jeju weekly.com.
|
)
)
)
)
