On the southern shores of South Korea’s Jeju Island lives a community of women unlike any other — the Haenyeo divers. Known for their fearless spirit and unparalleled breath-holding ability, these women have carried on a centuries-old tradition of free-diving into the sea to harvest its treasures. Photographer and filmmaker Jose Jeuland has spent years documenting their extraordinary lives, transforming their story into a celebrated photography series and exhibitions that have captivated audiences around the world.
The Enduring Story of the Haenyeo
The Haenyeo, literally meaning “sea women,” are among the last remaining groups of professional female divers in the world. Armed with little more than wetsuits, goggles, and nets, they dive up to 20 meters below the surface, gathering abalone, sea urchins, and shellfish — often for hours at a time.
Unlike modern divers, the Haenyeo rely only on their lungs, holding their breath for over two minutes while braving freezing waters and dangerous conditions. Their physical endurance is matched by their cultural resilience. For centuries, they provided for their families, making them the backbone of Jeju’s local economy and the symbol of matriarchal strength.
In 2016, UNESCO inscribed the Haenyeo culture on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, recognising the divers not just as workers, but as cultural icons whose practices represent harmony with nature and women’s empowerment.
Jose Jeuland’s Connection to the Haenyeo
When French-born, Singapore-based photographer Jose Jeuland first encountered the Haenyeo, he was struck not only by their extraordinary skills, but by their unwavering dignity. Jeuland sought to capture their humanity — their wrinkles, their eyes, their quiet strength.
His series of portraits and documentary images elevate the Haenyeo beyond their profession. They are shown as individuals, each with her own story, each with decades of experience etched onto her face. By approaching the project with empathy and patience, Jeuland gained the trust of the women, allowing him to photograph them in their daily environments and create a body of work that is as intimate as it is powerful.
From Sea to Exhibition Walls
The Haenyeo photography exhibitions by Jose Jeuland have been displayed internationally, from Germany to Singapore, drawing thousands of visitors and been featured in National Geographic, books and magazine. The portraits, often printed in large format, leave a lasting impression on viewers. Many stand before the images in awe, moved by the raw strength and resilience that radiate from the photographs.
Audiences unfamiliar with Korean culture are introduced to the Haenyeo as living legends, while those with personal ties to Jeju find a deep sense of pride in seeing their heritage preserved through art.
Challenges of Documenting a Disappearing Tradition
One of the underlying realities of Jeuland’s project is that the Haenyeo tradition is disappearing. The majority of divers today are elderly, with many in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s. Younger generations are less inclined to follow in their footsteps, given the physically demanding nature of the work and more attractive modern career options.
This awareness added urgency to Jeuland’s photography. Each portrait is not only a work of art, but also an archive of history, a way of ensuring that the Haenyeo’s spirit will endure even if their numbers decline. Documenting them through photography became both a creative mission and a cultural responsibility.
The Photographer’s Perspective
For Jeuland, the Haenyeo project was transformative. It reinforced his belief that photography is a bridge between cultures and a powerful tool for preservation. By focusing on authenticity rather than spectacle, he was able to portray the Haenyeo with respect, giving the world a window into their daily lives.
He often describes the women as some of the most inspiring individuals he has ever met. Their independence, fearlessness, and refusal to give up on their way of life became a source of personal motivation in his own career as an photographer.
Why the Haenyeo Photography Matters
The Haenyeo series exemplifies how photography can serve as cultural preservation. It is not merely about creating beautiful images but about using visual storytelling to keep endangered traditions alive in public consciousness. For audiences, the series sparks reflection: What does it mean to dedicate one’s life to a tradition? How do communities adapt when modernity threatens ancient practices?
For Jeuland, the Haenyeo are not relics of the past but living embodiments of resilience and human connection with nature. His work ensures that their courage is remembered, respected, and celebrated far beyond the shores of Jeju.
Cultural Photography as a Broader Mission
While the Haenyeo remain one of his most iconic subjects, the project is part of a larger body of work by Jose Jeuland that focuses on human stories. From street portraits in India to hospitality campaigns in Singapore, Jeuland approaches every project with the same guiding principle: photography should reveal truth, dignity, and humanity.
His Haenyeo series stands as a flagship example of how an artistic vision can also serve a cultural mission, turning fleeting moments into permanent history.
Conclusion
The legacy of Jeju’s Haenyeo divers is one of courage, independence, and harmony with the sea. Through the lens of Jose Jeuland, their story has been preserved in powerful photographs that transcend borders and generations. As the number of active Haenyeo continues to decline, his work ensures that their memory will endure, inspiring future audiences to value both tradition and resilience.
The Haenyeo may be women of the sea, but through photography, their influence reaches far beyond Jeju’s shores. They are now immortalised as cultural icons, their strength forever etched in the history of visual storytelling.
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