Visiting Tips & Safety

Jeju Haenyeo are the legendary women free divers of Jeju Island who harvest seafood without using oxygen tanks. For centuries, they have relied solely on breath-hold diving techniques, remarkable physical endurance, and deep knowledge of the sea to collect marine resources from the ocean floor.

More than skilled divers, the Haenyeo represent courage, independence, environmental stewardship, and community cooperation. Their sustainable harvesting methods and unique maritime culture have been passed down through generations, making them one of Korea's most extraordinary living traditions.

In 2016, Jeju Haenyeo Culture was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its outstanding cultural value and the important role Haenyeo continue to play in preserving both cultural heritage and the marine environment.

Today, visitors can discover the world of the Haenyeo through museums, cultural exhibitions, diving demonstrations, seafood restaurants, and hands-on experience programs across Jeju Island.

Highlights

Why Learn About the Haenyeo?

Best Places to Experience Haenyeo Culture

Popular Experiences

Safety Requirements

Participants should:

Actual free-diving activities are always supervised by trained instructors.

What to Bring

Photography Tips

Haenyeo villages offer excellent photography opportunities.

For respectful photography:

Travel Tips