Asian Insider

Beating odds to be a young diver in a dying trade in South Korea

Ms Chae Ji-ae, who at age 39, is among a small but growing group of young haenyeo working in southern island Jeju. PHOTO: LEE YONG-KUN
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JEJU - Born in South Korea’s largest island Jeju, Ms Chae Ji-ae moved to the capital city Seoul to become a hairstylist with the blessings of her mother, a haenyeo. 

Haenyeo, which literally translates to “sea woman” in Korean, refers to female divers. 

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