Haenyeo are women divers who plunge into the sea without oxygen tanks to harvest shellfish and seaweed, and are a celebrated symbol of South Korea. Often called the ‘queens of the sea,’ they embody resilience, independence, and the intergenerational bond between humans and the ocean. Their story has inspired many Korean dramas and films, blending the beauty of Jeju’s landscape with narratives of survival, tradition, and human connection.
Below are some notable K-dramas and films that beautifully capture the haenyeo spirit.
Welcome to Samdal-ri
On the scenic shores of Jeju Island, ‘Welcome to Samdal-ri’ portrays the warmth of small-town life while highlighting the struggles and pride of local haenyeo. The drama blends romance and family ties, but what truly stands out is its reverence for the women divers, presenting them as keepers of tradition and pillars of community.
Our Blues
An ensemble drama rich with Jeju Island’s culture, ‘Our Blues’ features characters who embody the everyday struggles and hopes of the island. The series shines a special light on the haenyeo, portraying their grueling labor, unshakable solidarity, and the quiet strength of women bound to the sea. Among them is Lee Young-ok, played by Han Ji-min, who appears as a first-year haenyeo navigating both the waves and her own struggles.
When Life Gives You Tangerines
"Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Jeju, ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ explores youth, resilience, and the island’s cultural identity. The drama vividly portrays the life and struggles of the haenyeo through Ae-sun’s mother and her fellow divers, whose unwavering support embodies the strength that anchors Ae-sun through hardship.
Canola
‘Canola’ is a touching drama film that follows the story of Gye-chun, a haenyeo grandmother, and her long-lost granddaughter. The sea and Gye-chun’s life as a diver serve not just as a backdrop but as a central theme, reflecting memory, separation, and reunion. After being apart for 12 years, Gye-chun is miraculously reunited with Hye-ji, only to face heartbreak again when her granddaughter disappears after a trip to Seoul for an art competition.
SMUGGLERS
This action-packed crime film set in the 1970s reimagines haenyeo divers as women entangled in the dangerous world of smuggling. ‘Smugglers’ showcases their toughness and skill in the water, merging their heritage with thrilling, high-stakes storytelling. The film is said to be inspired by accounts of the notorious female smuggling ring that operated in Busan at the time.
My Mother, the Mermaid
‘My Mother, the Mermaid’ contrasts past and present through the life of a haenyeo mother. The story follows Na-young, who feels burdened by her timid father and embarrassed by her rough-edged mother. When her father suddenly disappears, her plans to go abroad collapse, and in searching for him, she is transported back in time, where she meets her mother as a young haenyeo, revealing a side of her she never knew.
Tamra, the Island
A historical drama that blends romance and comedy, ‘Tamra, the Island’ dives into Jeju’s haenyeo culture in the 17th century during the European colonial expansion into the Far East. It dramatises their daily routines and traditions while layering a love story, reminding viewers of the long history of these women divers as guardians of the sea.
Swallow the Sun
Though primarily a melodrama filled with action and ambition, parts of the series ‘Swallow the Sun’ are set in Jeju and highlight the lives of haenyeo, capturing the island’s spirit and struggles. It uses Jeju’s coastal life as a powerful metaphor for survival against all odds.
Haenyeo embody courage, self-reliance, and a deep respect for nature, and they continue to inspire stories across generations and remain a unique cultural treasure.
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