Have you ever dreamed of swimming alongside the haenyeo, those mysterious female divers from Jeju Island? With its new exhibition, the Korean Cultural Center takes visitors on an immersive journey to the heart of this volcanic island in southern Korea, a place that is both wild, spiritual, and rich in centuries of tradition. Jeju Island, living with the sea unveils a rare maritime culture shaped by exceptional women, whose quiet strength and solidarity defy winds and tides. The exhibition traces the connection between the people of Jeju and their environment, offering a vibrant tribute to an island shaped by the sea… and by the women who embrace it every day.
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Jeju, land of memories
In the south of the Korean Peninsula, Jeju Island showcases its stunning volcanic landscapes: black cliffs, lava tunnels, dense forests, and wind-swept coastlines create its enchanting scenery. Recognized several times as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jeju is also fondly known as Samdado, “the island of three abundances” – stones, winds… and women. Among them, the haenyeo, extraordinary divers, pass down a tradition of sustainable, artisanal fishing from mother to daughter. Island of Jeju, living with the sea pays tribute to them through a journey that blends videos, photographs, ritual objects, and testimonies.
Listed as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity since 2016, the haenyeo embody a unique way of engaging with the world. Without tanks or assistance, they dive to depths of up to twenty meters.
You go out to gather seashells, seaweed, or sea urchins, in a silence where you can sense concentration, mastery, and even a touch of spirituality. Today, women are at the heart of numerous works, displayed in a unique way at the famous cultural center.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
An Artistic Dive with the Mermaids
As you wander through the exhibition, you'll be captivated by the powerful videos by Jane Jin Kaisen, who delves into the history and memories of the women of the sea. You'll tenderly listen to the songs brought back to life by the ikkibawiKrrr collective, and marvel at the striking portraits by Kim Hyung-sun, where every wrinkle tells a story of a dive, a struggle, a life. The journey also connects with other realms, like in the work of Jean-Julien Pous, who compares the haenyeo of Jeju with the shepherds of the Pyrenees. As a complementary echo, two enriching facets enhance your visit: a poetic exploration of the Jeju Olle hiking trail and a documentary exhibition on the 1948 uprising, recently recognized by UNESCO.
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Jeju Island, living with the sea
Korean Cultural Center
20, La Boétie Street – 8th
From May 20 to September 6
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