UNESCO Recognition & Tourist Attraction
Prior to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition of the Heanyeo, the elder members of the group had been asking for more economic, educational, and cultural support to ensure the protection and dissemination of their unique lifestyle and culture. To that effect, a Haenyeo Museum was built, close to where some Haenyeos still dive. It includes exhibits, including dioramas showing gatherings around the bulteok.
Heanyeo Houses are restaurants where food caught by the divers is served. They are also located where Haenyeo still dive. Haenyeo Kitchens are more of an immersive experience, where not only do you get to savor the fruits of the Haenyeos’ labor, but you also witness a performance by Haenyeos describing their work, like a dinner theatre. Haenyeos also put on shows at their diving sites. Tourists are allowed to interact with the divers and see them bring back their catch of the day.
You can also catch a show at a kind of Haenyeo SeaWorld, called Aquaplanet Jeju, where a huge tank allows visitors to witness a recreation of the diving and collecting process for about 20 minutes. Finally, there is a completely immersive experience available, where you can live as Haenyeo for a short time. The Hado Fishing Village experience lets you wear the Haenyeo uniform, dive and attempt to catch some of your dinner in the sea. You can then eat your fresh catch.
