The Last of the Sea Women: A Story of Resilience and Tradition
Imagine a group of women who can hold their breath for minutes on end, diving under the sea hundreds of times a day to harvest seafood. These are the haenyeo divers of South Korea, a community of bold and vibrant women from Jeju Island who have been free-diving without oxygen for centuries.
Now, with most of them in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, their traditions and unique way of life are in danger as fewer younger women take up the profession and the ocean faces potential changes beyond recognition.
In a bid to share their story with the world, US-Korean filmmaker Sue Kim teamed up with female education advocate and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. The documentary, “The Last of the Sea Women,” sheds light on the challenges faced by these remarkable women and the urgent need to preserve their culture.
The film follows the haenyeo as they go about their grueling work during the harvest season, diving at 6 am daily, holding their breath for minutes at a time, and harvesting seafood for hours on end. The women’s resilience and strength are on full display as they navigate the challenges both in and out of the water.
Despite the risks and hardships they face, the haenyeo remain dedicated to their craft. However, the future of their profession is uncertain, with fewer young women choosing to become haenyeo. A training school was established to attract new recruits, but only a small percentage go on to pursue this demanding profession.
The documentary also highlights the environmental threats facing the haenyeo, including global warming and the discharge of radioactive water into the ocean. The women’s protests against these issues are a powerful reminder of their determination to protect their way of life.
As the older haenyeo pass on their knowledge to the next generation, there is hope for the survival of this unique culture. Young women inspired by the haenyeo’s resilience and camaraderie are stepping up to carry on their legacy.
“The Last of the Sea Women” is a testament to the strength and spirit of these remarkable women and a call to action to ensure that their traditions endure. The documentary will be available on Apple TV+ from October 11, 2024, inviting viewers to witness the incredible story of the haenyeo and the challenges they face in preserving their way of life.
