1 week Ago By Korea Bizwire
The Haenyeo Rescue Team collects marine debris that has been discarded into the sea. (Image courtesy of Jeju Maritime Police Agency) JEJU, April 29, (Korea Bizwire) — Members of Jeju’s newly formed Haenyeo Rescue Unit collected 300 kilograms of marine debris in their first official operation, marking a new chapter in community-led ocean preservation efforts. According to the Jeju Coast Guard on Monday, about 20 members of the Haenyeo Rescue Unit, affiliated with the Jeju Marine Disaster Response Team, conducted a dive on April 26 near the Tapdong breakwater.
The team retrieved abandoned fishing gear and various plastic waste scattered across the seabed and floating in nearby waters. The operation — the inaugural activity since the unit’s establishment — drew attention from tourists visiting Tapdong Beach, as haenyeo (traditional female divers) filled large mesh bags with ocean waste in a striking scene of community-driven environmental stewardship. Concerns over marine pollution and its impact on Jeju’s natural beauty have prompted local authorities and civilians to collaborate more closely.
On April 27, a separate civilian marine rescue team recovered three tons of marine waste, including discarded fishing nets and tires, at Bukchon Harbor. A Jeju Coast Guard official noted that more than 10 tons of marine debris were collected through public-private cooperation in 2024 and pledged to continue regular underwater cleanup operations at village harbors and piers to ensure a “safe and clean ocean environment.” The Haenyeo Rescue Unit, officially launched on April 16, 2025, is the first of its kind nationwide.
Drawn from Jeju’s coastal villages, the haenyeo possess an intimate knowledge of local underwater terrains and currents, honed through decades of traditional diving work. This expertise positions them uniquely for search and rescue missions. Going forward, haenyeo will not only continue their livelihood of harvesting seafood but will also participate in marine accident response efforts, offering underwater search expertise, consulting with coast guard operations, and supporting further environmental cleanup missions.
Lina Jang ( [email protected] ).
