Jeju Haenyeo expo spotlights shared Qatar-South Korea maritime heritage

The Jeju Haenyeo exhibition opened Monday at Katara Cultural Village, featuring 32 artworks that highlight the remarkable similarities between Qatar’s pearl divers and South Korea’s Jeju Haenyeo women divers.

Dignitaries, including Katara deputy general manager Saif Saad al-Dosari, National Museum of Qatar director Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad al-Thani, and South Korean ambassador Hyunsoo Yun, attended the event. The exhibition will be on view until November 25.

In his speech, ambassador Hyunsoo underlined the striking commonalities between the Haenyeo and Qatar’s pearl diving heritage, saying: “Both groups dive without modern equipment and rely solely on their breath to collect marine treasures. Both communities dedicate themselves to sustainable practices, and preserving generations of cultural heritage."

Citing the Unesco recognition of the Jeju Haenyeo culture, he said: “In 2016, the Jeju Haenyeo culture was inscribed on Unesco’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, acknowledging their distinct cultural heritage, communal approach to preserving traditional fishing techniques, and commitment to environmental conservation through sustainable practices”.

The exhibition offers a glimpse into the lives of the Jeju Haenyeo, women who dive deep into the open sea barefoot, holding their breath for several minutes to harvest seafood.

“What you see are not just mere objects, but an embodiment of centuries-long history, cultural pride and identity, a thriving community, and touching tales of families,” Hyunsoo said.

The ambassador further detailed the Haenyeo’s sustainable practices, noting their method of “muljil,” a sustainable harvesting technique where only what is needed is taken, and smaller or younger marine creatures are returned to the sea.

“Speaking of sustainable practices, the Haenyeo’s sea-diving or ‘muljil’ is all about preserving nature,” he said. “To preserve the marine ecosystem, Haenyeo do not wear oxygen tanks and this practice is protected by law”.

The exhibition forms part of Katara’s 14th Traditional Dhow Festival and also marks the 50th anniversary of Qatar-South Korea relations, showcasing not only the artistry reflecting the Haenyeo's life but also historical maritime tools. These include diving suits worn by both the Haenyeo and Qatari male divers, providing a visual testament to the shared heritage of maritime cultures.

The Jeju Island itself, the ambassador said, is a place of “tremendous beauty”, boasting mesmerising volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and serene beaches with crystal-clear waters.

He added that the exhibition demonstrates the rich cultural heritage of these geographically distant communities, united by their shared reverence for the sea and its abundance.

It is learnt that the Jeju Haenyeo's legacy, already recognised as a Biosphere Reserve (2002), Unesco World Natural Heritage Site (2007), Global Geopark (2010), and Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage (2016), continues to inspire and resonate globally.