Spiritus Stories: When The Sea is Ailing (Interview)

Jeju’s Haenyeo and the Sea: A Story We Must Protect

Last weekend, Spiritus, the CCA team, visited a small village in Jeju Island, where we met the village’s cooperative leader, Mr. Dae-hyuk Moon. According to him, the role of a cooperative leader is simple yet vital: “A cooperative leader is basically a helper,” he said. While he described it as being a “helper,” his responsibilities go far beyond that, from managing the village’s fishing grounds to ensuring the safety of the haenyeo and protecting the marine environment.

The Unique Role of Haenyeo in Jeju

Mr. Moon emphasized that haenyeo, the female divers of Jeju, are more than just workers. Equipped only with fins and diving gear, they harvest abalone, sea cucumbers, and seaweed, preserving techniques and traditions that are recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Haenyeo are not only vital to the local economy but also serve as a unique cultural symbol worldwide.

Changing Sea Environment and Marine Debris

However, the Jeju sea has been changing. Mr. Moon explained that climate change, along with agricultural and aquaculture runoff, has disrupted the marine ecosystem, causing seaweed harvests to drop by almost 90% compared to the past a decade.

One of the most pressing issues is marine debris. Plastic bottles, snack wrappers, and old fishing nets accumulate in the areas where haenyeo work. During typhoons, debris from other countries, like China, flows into Jeju’s waters. Elderly haenyeo find it difficult to remove heavy trash, making marine debris not just an environmental issue, but a direct safety hazard.

Declining Haenyeo Population

Mr. Moon also highlighted the decline in the haenyeo population. Fewer young people are entering this demanding profession, and with increasing physical and environmental challenges, the number of haenyeo has dropped from around 6,000 to about 4,000. Among them, over 70% are in their 70s or older, and only 8% are under 30.

What We Can Do

So, what can students and young people do? Mr. Moon stressed the importance of small actions. Participating in plogging and other environmental activities, preventing littering, and encouraging awareness among aquaculture operators and local businesses all contribute to protecting Jeju’s sea. Through this visit, we realized the true value of the haenyeo and the Jeju sea. It’s not just a tourist destination or a scenic spot, but a connected system of people, culture, and ecosystems. Protecting it is a responsibility we all share.