Dokdo sea women, Haenyeo, raise the Korean flag, Taegukgi, to celebrate Liberation Day.
Haenyeo's Symbolic Dive at Dokdo Reaffirms Korean Identity
On August 8, 2023, the Haenyeo, traditional female divers from Jeju and Ulleung islands, performed a powerful and symbolic diving demonstration off the islets of Dokdo. The event was a testament to the Haenyeo's deep cultural significance and their relationship with Dokdo, symbolizing Korea's maritime sovereignty and national identity.
The Haenyeo, renowned for their breath-hold diving skills and unique human adaptation to marine life, unfurled the Taegeukgi, the Korean national flag, off Dokdo's coast. This act served as a powerful symbol of Korea's historical and ongoing claim to Dokdo, asserting national pride and sovereignty in a disputed maritime region.
The demonstration was organized by the Jeju Provincial Government and attended by Dokdo lighthouse staff and members of the Central 119 Rescue Team. After the demonstration, the Haenyeo presented a traditional Jeju meal to the attendees, showcasing their rich cultural heritage.
The Haenyeo's relationship with Dokdo and the Taegeukgi is multifaceted. Culturally, they represent resilience and tradition as iconic female divers. Politically, they are active participants in affirming Korea’s territorial claims to Dokdo through symbolic, peaceful demonstrations on the water with the national flag.
The Haenyeo culture, recognized worldwide for its UNESCO cultural significance, is a living cultural tradition connected to Korea's maritime heritage. Their use of traditional diving tools such as the tewak (buoyant diving aids) and their practiced breath-hold dives demonstrate this connection.
The Haenyeo's symbolic dive at Dokdo reaffirms their deep connection with Korea's maritime identity and sovereignty. This event is a powerful reminder of the Haenyeo's role in preserving and celebrating Korea's rich cultural heritage and asserting its territorial claims.
[1] Source: The JoongAng Ilbo, translation and editing by the website staff [2] Source: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List [3] Source: Jeju Provincial Government Tourism Website [4] Source: National Geographic [5] Source: Smithsonian Magazine
- With the Korean national flag unfurled, the Haenyeo's symbolic dive at Dokdo underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating Korea's rich environmental heritage and marine lifestyle.
- The government of Jeju Province is actively working to protect and promote the Haenyeo culture, recognizing its value in terms of both tradition and business, particularly in the home-and-garden and outdoor-living sectors.
- As the world grapples with climate change and its impact on health, the Haenyeo's unique lifestyle and adaptations can provide valuable insights for research and innovation.
- As protectors of Korea's maritime heritage, the Haenyeo's symbolic dive serves as a powerful statement for environmental conservation and sustainable business practices.
