IPB University Ecological Genetics Expert Reveals the Scientific Side of the Uniqueness of Korea’s Traditional Female Divers, the Haenyeo

One of the unique aspects of South Korean tourism that is often highlighted and reported on is a group of strong women known as the Haenyeo. Their daily lives as free divers without equipment, searching for seafood on Jeju Island, have become the talk of the world.

These women are accustomed to diving in groups, supporting one another. This uniqueness has become a culture passed down to subsequent generations.

Prof Ronny Rachman Noor, an expert in ecological genetics at IPB University, is interested in explaining the scientific aspects of the Haenyeo’s uniqueness. He states that these free divers have the ability to dive as deep as 18 meters below the sea surface for an extended period of time. They collect sea urchins, abalone, and other seafood as their family’s livelihood. 

“The endurance of these resilient women is truly remarkable. In a single day, they can dive without equipment for 4–5 hours, of course with several surface breaks to breathe,” he said.

Historical records indicate that the practice of diving for seafood has been ongoing for thousands of years. This diving skill is passed down from one generation to the next. The next generation of free divers typically begin learning to dive from their mothers at a young age.

“It is speculated that with the decreasing number of male divers, the Haenyeo female divers eventually emerged,” explained Prof Ronny.

The Combination of Genetic and Environmental Factors

The uniqueness of South Korean female free divers has caught the attention of researchers. They question whether these female divers have special DNA that allows for more efficient oxygen use. This is believed to enable them to stay underwater longer than average people.

Additionally, there is also the question of whether their ability to stay underwater for extended periods is the result of gradual training conducted from a young age until they are elderly?

Prof Ronny revealed that researchers from South Korea, Denmark, and the United States have discovered that the Haenyeo possess at least two unique traits. First, a lower heart rate. Second, lower blood pressure while diving compared to ordinary people.

“From an ecological genetics perspective, these two unique traits can be interpreted as an evolutionary process that enables these traditional female divers to better cope with and withstand the physiological stress caused by free diving,” explained Prof Ronny.

He added that when Haenyeo are underwater, they face stressful conditions such as oxygen deprivation, cold water temperatures, and water pressure.

“The evolutionary and adaptive outcomes, such as lower blood pressure and slower heart rate, represent genetic variations that could be leveraged for future health improvements, particularly regarding stress resilience,” he stated.

According to him, the process and mechanisms of Haenyeo’s adaptation to stressful conditions while diving in water without equipment are particularly intriguing. Even under extreme conditions, humans can adapt effectively.

Prof Ronny believes this phenomenon will be highly beneficial for enhancing individual resilience under stressful conditions. This is because the Haenyeo’s lower blood pressure and slower heart rate allow them to use limited oxygen more efficiently under stress compared to ordinary people.

“The Haenyeo’s resilience to cold water temperatures and pain caused by water pressure is another example of how humans can adapt and evolve to survive under stressful conditions,” explained Prof Ronny.

The hypothesis of this gradual adaptation process is reflected in the fact that these traditional female divers continue to dive even when they are pregnant. Their babies are also exposed to a stressful environment from the womb.

The resilience of these female divers has developed gradually because they are trained to dive in all weather conditions, including during snowfall with minimal diving gear.

Threatened with Extinction

The uniqueness and resilience of these South Korean female divers have become legendary and an iconic tourist attraction that draws many international visitors.

However, as Prof Ronny noted, their fame now seems threatened because the average age of Haenyeo is around 70 years old, and there are very few young women interested in this profession. 

“If there are no successors, it is indeed concerning. South Korea would not only lose its tourism icon but the world could lose the opportunity to study the genes they possess, which could benefit humanity,” he explained.

Prof Ronny concluded that Haenyeo is an example of a phenomenon combining genetic and environmental factors that function to maintain a normal metabolic system under stressful conditions (homeostasis). 

“This genetic variation in stress resistance is both an evolutionary product and a resource for living organisms, including humans, to survive when faced with environmental stress,” he concluded. (IAAS/LAN)