Enchanting Images Showcase South Korea's Mermaid Divers
Discover the enchanting world of South Korea's mermaid divers in Peter Ash Lee's captivating book, The Last Mermaid Immerse yourself in their extraordinary lives as these remarkable women showcase their exceptional freediving skills and unique seafood harvesting expertise
Photographer Peter Ash Lee, who spent several days with the Haenyeo, a group of women on South Korea's Jeju Island known for harvesting seafood from the ocean floor without scuba gear, said that one conversation with one of the youngest "freedivers" stood out. "Her biggest concern was that this tradition was ending," Lee told CNN of Ko Ryou-jin, a third-generation Haenyeo. "Speaking in Korean, she said, 'I'm going to be the last one.' Then, in English, she added, 'I'm the last mermaid.'"
The Haenyeo communitys remarkable traditions have endured throughout generations, specifically their skill in diving without equipment such as oxygen tanks.
Peter Ash Lee was influenced by Kos statement when creating the title for Lee's latest photography book. The book not only showcases the unique lifestyle and work of the Haenyeo, which was acknowledged by UNESCO as part of South Korea's cultural heritage in 2016, but also highlights the threat their longstanding traditions face from the climate crisis and the passing of time.
Lee has maintained contact with Ko since visiting Jeju in 2018, setting the stage for "The Last Mermaid." The series captures women of all ages as they prepare to dive with their traditional, hand-repaired equipment and emerge from the sea with their catches, using nets and floats instead of modern machinery. Detailed shots showcase the simple tools of the trade, from the heavy lead weights used to sink to the seabed to close-ups of marine life, including octopus tentacles and their rows of suckers.
A mural depicts Haenyeo divers returning to shore with their filled nets.
Peter Ash Lee
"The intriguing link between the Haenyo and the semi-matriarchal family structure of Jeju Island is at the core of this story," Lee writes of his book in an introductory text.
Peter Ash Lee
"Through generations, this island has been a stronghold of female strength and resilience," his introduction continues, "and the Haenyo embody this powerful heritage."
Peter Ash Lee
Lee moved to Toronto with his family at the age of seven, after living in South Korea. He had been aware of the Haenyeo since childhood, having visited Jeju. "I believe people perceive them mainly as workers," he mentioned to CNN, highlighting how the unique lifestyle of the Haenyeo is often overlooked in the local community.
Later in life, his curiosity about the community grew. "I began to think deeply about diversity, representation, and exploring my own identity," said the photographer, now based in New York City. His work has appeared in Vogue, Dazed, and the New York Times T Magazine. "As a Korean American who has lived most of my life in the US and Canada, it has been a rewarding experience to re-connect with my culture and heritage, and to share that with the world," he added.
In a bonding experience with the diverse community, Lee spent his days with the Haenyeo, although he did not dive himself. ("The water was very cold at the time!" he told CNN in an email.) The women, mostly in their 60s to 80s, would gather early in the morning at popular Korean bakery Paris Baguette for breakfast, before checking their blood pressure and spending the full day diving.
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A Haenyeo diver shows off a small octopus, part of her catch.
Peter Ash Lee
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The Korean flag flutter in a sea breeze.
Peter Ash Lee
Many wonder if it's too difficult, but I always respond that diving brings me the greatest joy. Holding my breath and exploring beneath the surface gives my life true purpose.
- Ko Ryou Jin, Haenyeo of Jeju Island
The women embraced Lee into their community in a way that brought back memories of his beloved late grandmother. "Historically, Jeju Island was a matriarchal society, with women taking on the role of divers and providers for their families, and being the main breadwinners," Lee explained. "There was a deep, special connection... family is a fundamental part of their culture."
The Haenyeo are committed to preserving their traditions by using simple, time-tested equipment such as neoprene wetsuits that are diligently patched and maintained, according to Lee. "It felt like stepping back in time. Their way of life has remained unchanged for the past 60 years or so."
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A woman holds fresh abalone, a historic delicacy in Korea.
Peter Ash Lee
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told CNN that there was no noticeable sense of hierarchy within the Haenyeo community in contrast to other parts of Korea. He noted that everyone was very supportive and doing the same work.
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"It just seemed more harmonious in a way. I'm so grateful to have been allowed into that space and to observe," he continued of his time spent with the women.
Peter Ash Lee reported that the Haenyeo face a new set of challenges as a result of the changing climate, which has led to warming waters and changes in marine ecosystems around Jeju. This has forced the Haenyeo to adapt their fishing methods and has made it impossible for them to continue their sustainable fishing practices due to the overpopulation of sea urchins and the presence of poisonous and predatory sealife.
Ko informed Lee that previously, divers could effortlessly locate turban conch, a type of marine mollusk highly sought after in Japan. However, Ko mentioned that now the Haenyeo have to swim for an entire hour before finding any. Lee expressed concern, noting that not only has the work become riskier, but it has also become more difficult to find marine life to catch. "Their sustainable practices have been compromised. They now have to exert extra effort to earn a living."
This Y2K pastime is gaining popularity among South Korean youth.
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All in a day's work: a heavy net, filled with turban conch.
Peter Ash Lee
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A Haenyeo diver surfaces, sea urchins in her hand.
Peter Ash Lee
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Ko Ryou Jin expresses a desire for the uninterrupted preservation of the beautiful Korean cultural tradition of Haenyeo in Lee's book. "I am steadfast in sharing my story in the hope of inspiring curiosity and encouraging others to embrace the challenge."
Peter Ash Lee
The diving traditions of Jeju may have origins dating back to the 5th century. The resilience and perseverance of the Haenyeo in upholding these traditions despite the turbulent history of Korea is something that resonates deeply with Lee. "It's a place that has undergone rapid transformation, evolving from a war-torn and impoverished country into a developed nation, and all of this weighs heavily on my mind," he expressed.
The rapid economic and social advancements in South Korea have led to a decreased interest in the traditional lifestyle of the Haenyeo among the younger generation, as mentioned by Ko. She has been making efforts to attract more young women to her community, but has found it to be quite challenging. Despite this, there have been some achievements - since Lee's visit, another young diver has joined the Haenyeo, which means that Ko is no longer the "last mermaid" for the time being.
Lee, who is planning an exhibition of the photographs in South Korea's capital Seoul, expressed her amazement at the endurance of a tradition that has persisted for over a thousand years. She feels that it is crucial to preserve as much of this history as possible, as there are uncertainties about its sustainability.
