This thesis integrates geography and Korean studies, analyzing content from both disciplines to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The introduction presents Jeju Island, the largest island of South Korea, distinguished by its unique geological features, distinctive climate, and rich cultural heritage. The central research focus is on the haenyeo. The traditional female divers who harvest marine organisms such as abalone, shellfish, oysters, seaweed, sea urchins, octopuses, and fish without the use of breathing apparatus. This demanding activity requires high physical fitness, exceptional breath-holding ability, and profound knowledge of the marine ecosystem. Due to declining interest among younger generations, most haenyeo today are women over the age of 60, which poses a risk to the preservation of this traditional knowledge and skill set. Nevertheless, the haenyeo remain a powerful symbol of female endurance, ecological wisdom, and adaptability to specific natural conditions. In 2016, UNESCO inscribed their skills on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, underscoring their unique significance in both local and global contexts.
|
