HAENYEO

A commission by the Korean Arts Council.

"The now famous Haenyeo (sea women) from Jeju Island, South Korea, jump from a fast moving boat into the sea and free dive down perhaps 50 ft in search of a variety of delicacy shellfish. These 60-80 year old women have been working together in this way since they were teenagers and can hold their breath in the deep for around two minutes. I was amazed every morning by these strong women and their boat-disembarking drill which resembles a precision military SEAL operation. It's clearly hard physical work and yet the women seem happy and are constantly joking and laughing with each other. They are highly respected in their communities but this will be the last generation of Haenyeo as the young now seek another life. I am honored to be in their presence."

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