Jeju island is home to Haenyeo - women divers who harvest seafood for the livelihood of their families. In 2016, haenyeo was inducted in UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. Korean Cultural Centre in India organized a paper doll making workshop as a tribute to haenyeo women divers.
The workshop was open to everyone on a first come first serve basis. Participants included people of all age groups who patiently folded over the creases and gradually glued it to make a face like structure.
Haenyeo women divers are responsible for harvesting abalones, conches, sea cucumber and hijiki from the ocean. For this purpose they use such tools as a harpoon, basket, bitchang (metal tool to pick catch abalones), tewak (a round floatation device), etc.
All the participants were thankful to KCCI for introducing a unique aspect of Korean culture through an engaging workshop guided by the staff members. The example of haenyeo women divers is surely going to inspire a whole lot of young people to be brave and determined and ready to support their families in the future.