[This article is written by a JDC Junior Journalist. The JDC Junior Journalist program is an educational project sponsored by Jeju Free International City Development Corporation (JDC). JDC Junior Journalist articles are only briefly edited by mentors before publishing.]

In Jeju, there are three things there are a lot of. There are women, wind, and rocks. Also, on Jeju island, there are some women who fight with strong winds in the ocean. They are the haenyeo. They dives under the sea to catch Turban shells, Ear shells, Wakame, Sea weed fusiformes, and Agars.
Haenyeos are located only in Korea and Japan. In Korea, haenyeos are dispearing on each coast and many islands. Jeju’s Haenyeo are the most prevelant. According to reaserch, in 1980s, there were about 20,000 haenyeos, but these days the number of haenyeo are decreasing.

In Jeju, the coastline is 253 kilometer long and reaches a depth of 100 meters. Under the sea, the continental shelves are widely stretched. And the temperature of the water is suitable for fish to live. Also warm currents make for plenty of fish. So in the 1960s, women started diving for seafood to support their families. They were called ‘Jamnea’ in the past, and these days, they are called ‘Haenyeo.’

At Jeju Aqua Planet, the Haenyeo’s perfomance are performed in the main water tank. Three Haenyeos performed a performance. They are real volunteer Haenyeos from Jeju. They wanted to share thier culture, so they volunteered to put on the show at Aqua Planet.

At the Haenyeo performance, an audience can learn more about the jeju Haenyeo. The water tanks water pressure is high enough to deflate a basketball. Three Haenyeo went to the bottom of the water tank and picked up shells. During the perfomance, the announcer explained the Haenyeo’s gear and clothes. Haenyeo just wore a Sokgot(a Korean petticoat) and Muljeoksan(an unlined summer jacket) in the past. But now they wear special goggles called ‘nun’ and wear special clothes made with rubber.

The president of the Jeju Aqua Planet Haenyeo performance said, “I’m from Seoul but I’m very interested in the Jeju Haenyeo. I heared the news that the number of Haenyeo is decreasing. So I wanted to promote the Jeju Haenyeo. Now I'm the president of the Haenyeo performance. I want many people to have an interest in the Haenyeo. And that will increase the number of Haenyeo. ”

He also said “Haenyeo dive in the hard sea to earn a money for their family. So I call them ‘the mother of the sea’.“

Earning money as a Haenyeo is very difficult. But that can’t stop the Haenyeo from diveing into the water. Because their family love is much more strong. And when you want to see the Jeju Hanyeo’s performance, visit Aqua Planet in Jeju. Jeju Aqua Planet is available 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. It open at 10a.m and finish at 7p.m. The performance is performed in the main water tank(The Ocean of Jeju) at 10:40, 12:40, 14:40, 16:40. When you want more information call 064)780-0900, and visit http://www.aquaplanet.co.kr/jeju/.