Final Project Proposal: Haenyeo

South Korea, despite being one of the largest economic powerhouses in the world, is consistently ranked as being one of the highest countries in gender pay gaps in the OECD, with women only earning 63 percent of what men make for the same type of work. With economic disadvantages inevitably come social implications since sexism is deeply entrenched in all strata of Korean society.

This is why Sue and I are particularly drawn to the haenyeo of Jeju Island who seem to defy the classic patriarchy that dominates mainland Korea. Haenyeo are divers in Jeju Island who submerge up to thirty meters underwater without the help of oxygen masks to gather abalone, conch, octopus, sea slugs, and other delicious deep sea treasures. Though their occupation is dangerous, it is also lucrative, often designating them as breadwinners of their family. Their historical importance has contributed to Jeju’s characteristic semi-matriarchal attitude and the island’s three proud abundances (samda): wind, rocks, and women. They are the epitome of eco-feminism with their strong, tight-knit group of haenyeo who care for each other’s safety and wellbeing, while simultaneously ensuring the preservation of the ecosystem to which they owe their livelihood. Throughout the year, haenyeo abide by strict regulations regarding harvest seasons to ensure the sea animals are not overexploited.

Our project serves as an homage to the haenyeo of Jeju Island, whose population is largely dwindling as expert haenyeo age and their daughters choose safer jobs on land. The installation will highlight different aspects of their unique lifestyle and provide a glimpse into their experience as respectable female leaders of a community that manages to flourish despite continuous aging and suffering. Their close relationship with the tides reflects both their tumultuous history and resilience in life.

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Inspiration Board

Project Plan

Possible Interactions

• Picking up volcanic rock … Plays ocean and wind sounds

• Picking up shellfish … Plays recording of sumbisori

• Blowing on side of enclosure … Moves little haenyeo underwater using fans to create current

• Touching parts of volcano, ocean waves … Lights up parts of the model with embedded LED lights

• ? Looking into goggles … Changes projected image on the bottom of the sea

• ? Talking to phone … To learn about haenyeo history

List of Materials

Volcano model & little haenyeo models:

• Polymer clay

• Shells

Ocean waves model (sitting on top of water):

• Resin

• Blue dye

Enclosure:

• Acrylic panels

• Acrylic cement

Sensors/Electronics:

• Speakers

• Piezo sensors

• Phototransistors

• RGB LED lights

• Brushless DC fans