Haenyeo, known as 'women of the sea', are South Korean female divers who skillfully dive to depths of 65 feet and can spend 56% of their working hours underwater. A recent study monitored seven Haenyeo aged 62 to 80 as they harvested sea urchins off Jeju Island. These divers demonstrate remarkable breath-holding capabilities and spend more time underwater than some marine mammals. Though they begin diving as teenagers, they can continue this demanding work well into their 90s, reflecting both extraordinary physical ability and deep cultural traditions.
The Haenyeo, or 'women of the sea', are South Korean female divers who can dive up to 65 feet and spend around 56% of their day underwater.
Researchers tracked the diving behavior and physiology of seven Haenyeo aged 62 to 80, revealing exceptional breath-holding and diving capabilities.
This study needs to be understood in the context of women's labor in Korea, showing that these divers' practices have a significant cultural legacy.
Incredible human capacity for breath-holding allows Haenyeo to spend more time underwater than even some marine mammals, demonstrating unique physiological traits.
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