On Jeju Island in South Korea, there’s a group of amazing women called haenyeo. Some are in their 80s, yet they dive as deep as 10 meters without scuba tanks to collect shellfish like abalone and sea urchins. They hold their breath for about a minute each time and work for hours in the cold sea. Scientists found that these divers’ heart rates slow down underwater, helping them save oxygen.
The tradition began long ago, when men were lost at sea or in war, and women became the main providers. Today, fewer young women continue this tough work, but UNESCO honors the haenyeo as an intangible cultural heritage. Their skills and courage are now taught in schools and shared through the Haenyeo Museum.
Evelyn Nam For The Kids Times kids/1763605110/1613368258
1. Who are the haenyeo divers?
2. What do haenyeo collect underwater?
3. Where do these women dive?
1. Would you try diving?
2. When do you feel most brave?
3. Do you admire haenyeo?
On Jeju Island in South Korea, there’s a group of amazing women called haenyeo. Some are in their 80s, yet they dive as deep as 10 meters without scuba tanks to collect shellfish like abalone and sea urchins. They hold their breath for about a minute each time and work for hours in the cold sea. Scientists found that these divers’ heart rates slow down underwater, helping them save oxygen.
The tradition began long ago, when men were lost at sea or in war, and women became the main providers. Today, fewer young women continue this tough work, but UNESCO honors the haenyeo as an intangible cultural heritage. Their skills and courage are now taught in schools and shared through the Haenyeo Museum.
