Jeju Island is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, but among its most inspiring legacies are the Haenyeo, the women divers who embody strength, resilience, and a deep connection to nature. As part of NomadHer’s mission to empower and inspire through meaningful travel, we are proud to feature our hosts, MyeoungRang Haenyeo Couple Eunju and Hyungjoon, in this series highlighting our incredible partners. Here is an intimate conversation with them, shedding light on their journey and the essence of the Haenyeo culture.

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‍🙋‍♀️ For those unfamiliar, who are the Haenyeo, and what makes their work unique?

The Haenyeo are women divers of Jeju who harvest the ocean’s gifts—abalone, seaweed, and shellfish—without modern equipment. We’ve been doing this for centuries, living in harmony with the sea and respecting its cycles. What makes us unique is our commitment to sustainability and our ability to adapt, even as the world changes.

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‍I. Passion for Jeju’s Heritage

🙋‍♀️ What inspired you to become Haenyeo and start the Jeju Haenyeo Camp?

🗣️ Myeoung Rang Haenyeo: For women, being a Haenyeo is one of the most authentically Jeju things you can do. We were drawn to Jeju because of its natural beauty and our love for diving. What started as a personal adventure turned into a calling. We realized the importance of preserving and sharing the Haenyeo heritage with others, especially visitors from around the world. It’s about more than just diving. it’s about preserving a way of life and inviting others to understand its significance.

II. From Seoul to the Shores of Jeju

🙋‍♀️Tell us about your journey to becoming Haenyeo and settling in Jeju.

🗣️ Myeoung Rang Haenyeo: Both of us were born and raised in Seoul, living the busy city life. But we always felt drawn to Jeju—its natural beauty, slower pace, and a sense of serenity that’s hard to find in the city. We started visiting frequently, indulging in our shared passion for diving. At first, it was just about exploring, but the more we immersed ourselves, the more we felt connected to the island.

We began with a month-long stay, which turned into a year, and eventually, we decided to make Jeju our home. While looking for a truly “Jeju” way to live and contribute, we discovered the Haenyeo School. It wasn’t easy—the competition was fierce, but Eunju’s determination led her to be accepted. That was the beginning of our journey into the Haenyeo life. It wasn’t just a new career; it was a transformative experience that deepened our love for Jeju and its traditions.

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III. Safety in Every Dive

🙋‍♀️How does the Haeyneo camp ensure safety for participants?

🗣️ Myeoung Rang Haenyeo: Safety is our top priority. Every participant begins with land-based training where they learn the basics before heading to the sea. We provide proper gear and ensure that experienced Haenyeo guide the participants at every step.

The program is designed to be accessible for women of all skill levels, creating a safe space to embrace the ocean’s beauty without fear.

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IV. Empowering Women Through the Sea

🙋‍♀️What makes this experience empowering for participants?

🗣️Myeoung Rang Haenyeo: There’s something transformative about diving into the ocean, holding your breath, and resurfacing with treasures from the sea. It’s not just about the physical act of harvesting. It’s about discovering a sense of resilience and strength within yourself.

Many participants tell us they feel empowered and more connected to themselves after the experience. For us, seeing their confidence grow through this connection to nature is deeply rewarding.

V. Building Bridges Through Culture

🙋‍♀️How does the camp act as a cultural bridge?

🗣️ Myeoung Rang Haenyeo: One of the defining features of the Sinheung-ri Village Haenyeo team, which we lead, is the presence of many younger Haenyeo. While the average age of Haenyeo in Jeju is 76, our team includes women in their 20s and 30s, with a significant number in their 40s as well. This mix of generations brings vibrancy and ensures that the culture can be shared effectively with a wide audience. Having a team capable of introducing the Haenyeo tradition to many people is our greatest strength.

VI. Memories That Resonate

🙋‍♀️What are some memorable moments from the camps?

🗣️ Myeoung Rang Haenyeo: Every moment is special, but one memory stands out. A participant shared her experience at the camp with her community back home. Soon after, her friends and even a local school reached out to join us. It’s these ripples of connection that make our work so rewarding. We’ve also had participants who start as strangers but leave as lifelong friends. The bonds formed here are truly heartwarming, and they remind us why we do what we do.

VII. Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

🙋‍♀️What are your future plans for the Jeju Haenyeo Camp?

🗣️ Myeoung Rang Haenyeo: We’re developing a three-stage advanced diving program to make the experience more accessible to participants at different levels. We’re also upgrading our cooking class to include visits to traditional markets for a more immersive experience.

Our long-term goal is to turn our entire village into a hub for Haenyeo-themed activities, and we’re planning a Haenyeo festival next year to involve the whole community.

This is about building a legacy that uplifts the entire village.

🙋‍♀️Why do you think the Haenyeo tradition is so important to share internationally?

🗣️ Myeoung Rang Haenyeo: The Haenyeo tradition carries a profound history and reflects the resilience of women in harmony with nature. Sharing this with the world is about preserving a cultural legacy and inspiring others with the values of courage, community, and sustainability.

We hope that by experiencing this, participants will carry these lessons back to their own lives, spreading the spirit of the Haenyeo wherever they go.

NomadHer is dedicated to ensuring that all participants of the Haenyeo Camp not only come to see Sinraeri Fishing Village as a place to deeply immerse themselves in the world of the haenyeo — experiencing the rich culture, history, and spirit of these legendary women divers — but also to actively support and uplift the local community. Through this experience, we aim to inspire and empower women, celebrating their strength and leadership while fostering a sustainable way of life that honors the vital role they play in shaping both the village and the world.