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Haenyeo:
Sea Legends
The Jeju Island Haenyeo are Korean free divers who, for over 1700 years, have collected seaweed and sea mollusks like abalone and then have sold them at markets to provide for their families. Haenyeos can dive from 15 to 20 meters and can stay up to three minutes underwater. Many Haenyeos in the past were the main breadwinners of their families, and some went to work in Japan, China and Russia during off seasons. Haenyeo also protested against Japanese imperialism and are seen as strong-spirited, independent thinking pioneers who reflect the women-centered culture of Jeju Island.
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