The growing popularity of Jeju Island’s haenyeo may not be enough to save the fate of a centuries-long tradition, which has ...

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Born from volcanic fury, Jeju Island in the far south has been compared to Hawaii for its azure waters and popularity with local ...

Often likened to mermaids in media reports and popular culture, South Korea’s famed Haenyeo (“sea women”) spend much of the day underwater, diving without scuba gear to collect abalone, octopus, kelp ...

At 70, Lee Bok-Soo still descends into the cold waters off Jeju Island, holding on to a centuries-old practice that is now fighting for survival. As one of only 35 haenyeo left in her village, she ...

A couple of years ago, Melissa Ilardo found herself aboard a motorboat traversing the ocean around Jeju Island, which sits some 50 or 60 miles off the coast of South Korea. Before the vessel had even ...

Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. An island 50 miles ...

Sue Kim remembers the first time she saw the haenyeo. The director was eight when she traveled to Jeju Island with her family and came across a group of women clad in wetsuits and masks. "They were so ...

A couple of years ago, Melissa Ilardo found herself aboard a motorboat traversing the ocean around Jeju Island, which sits some 50 or 60 miles off the coast of South Korea. Before the vessel had even ...