Oral Life History of a Jeju Haenyeo

During my journey of immersion, I serendipitously befriended Haenyeo Jasmine. She let me into her community of Haenyeo; as a proud advocate of her culture, she graciously shared her life story with me, which I recorded and organized in this volume.

‘Oral Life History of a Jeju Haenyeo’ is the third installment of the Treasure Island Book series.

This book compiles the memories and knowledge of Jasmine, a Haeneyo whom I befriended on my journey into the Jeju native community. As a proud advocate of her heritage, she kindly agreed to share her experience and knowledge in our in-depth interviews, which I’ve edited and organized to be presented in this volume. Jasmine was born and raised in a small beach village in Jeju Island, South Korea. She has lived her entire life working at the sea, as did all the women in her family. Her perspective as a Haenyeo, a mother, and a woman in Jeju Island reveals how the Jeju native community has shifted since her teen years to the present day, her seventies. Her deeply moving anecdotes yield insight into ‘Muljil,’ Haenyeo’s traditional method of fishing; the profound struggles of her work, including life-threatening accidents and post-traumatic stress disorder; marriage, childbirth, and gender roles; community spirit and practices; folk beliefs, rituals, and healthcare; and the crises and hopes that stand for the Haenyeo community in the future.

Treasure Island Book’s Anthropological Report Series 3

Book title: Oral Life History of a Jeju Haenyeo

Author: Remy Woobin Lee

ISBN #:  9791112043320

Pages: 161 pages

Publisher: www.bookk.co.kr

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