"Haenyeo," traditional female divers, walk along a Jeju Island beach in this undated photo. Courtesy of Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Office
Along the rocky coastlines of Korea, the ancient art of the "haenyeo" — traditional female free-divers who harvest sea life without breathing apparatus — has long stood as one of the country’s most remarkable cultural institutions. But as the legendary matriarchs of the deep grow older and their numbers dwindle, coastal cities are searching for creative ways to keep their heritage alive.
Starting this month, the southern port city of Busan is launching a new initiative that turns this UNESCO-recognized legacy into an immersive tourism experience.
Beginning Aug. 4, the Busan Tourism Organization and municipal officials will roll out Learn the Sea with Haenyeo, a 20-session cultural immersion program running through September at Gamji Beach on Yeongdo Island. Designed to bridge the gap between curious travelers and the city's remaining divers, the three-hour guided experience pairs participants directly with active local haenyeo.
The program offers an intimate window into a lifestyle shaped by centuries of oceanic folklore and environmental stewardship. After a storytelling session where the veteran divers share personal history and marine insights, certified safety instructors lead small groups of up to 15 participants into the coastal waters for guided snorkeling. Together, tourists and divers observe native marine life before concluding the session with a classic seaside Korean meal of fresh seafood ramen and gimbap.
