"The Last of the Sea Women": Where Tradition Breathes Deep With Legendary Female Free-Divers. Plus, BONUS K-dramas About Remarkable Jeju!
- lewishooper1
- 51 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Centuries of tradition meet modern understanding as these remarkable women showcase adaptation in its purest form on the small Korean Island of Jeju. Let's dive in and take a closer look! Plus, we added a BONUS for K-drama lovers about this wonderful island you MUST check out!
Our dynamic planet relies on our survival and adaptation, a process woven into our very DNA. More than mere willpower, it's a testament to the human body's remarkable capacity to transform across generations as it has done for these remarkable Korean women, whom are often faced with diverse environmental demands, as our physiology subtly shifts, honing the traits that empower us not only to endure, but to flourish, but will this last for the next generation?
So, who are these incredible women?
You know how amazing the human body is, right? Like how people living way up in the mountains have adapted to breathe easier in less oxygen? Well, get this – scientists have actually pinpointed the genetic markers for this kind of adaptation on South Korea's Jeju Island. And guess who holds these secrets in their DNA?
The Haenyeo! These unbelievably strong women who free-dive into freezing waters, season after season, to bring food up from the seabed.
For a long time now, the small Korean Island of Jeju has depended on their incredible skills, although at times it is bittersweet because the need for their work is decreasing daily, and most of these remarkable women are older, showcasing an age of around 70! Will this be the end of an era?
Pushing boundaries
For centuries humans have been pushing the boundaries of what we think is possible, adapting in ways we can barely fully understand .
Now, let your curiosity wander to the windswept shores of South Korea's Jeju Island and the legendary Haenyeo, who are formidable women who for generations have plunged into the chilling depths to bring forth treasures from the sea. Could they, too, possess unique biological advantages honed by centuries of this demanding practice? This is what some people are thinking and wanting to study further! Could they hold key genetics to help humans in their evolution journey?
Get this! Turns out, when it comes to their genes, the super-diving Haenyeo of Jeju Island are basically twinsies with their land-loving neighbors on the same island! No secret genetic code for holding their breath like underwater ninjas, nope! BUT! Here's where it gets cool (literally!): those Jeju folks, divers and non-divers alike, are like four times more likely to have a genetic quirk that gives them naturally chill blood pressure compared to folks in Seoul.
Lets think about it – holding your breath underwater is like your body going "squeeze!", which can make your blood pressure zoom up. So, for these amazing pregnant Haenyeo who are still out there crushing it underwater, having naturally relaxed blood pressure is like having a built-in safety feature against any pregnancy pressure spikes. How awesome is that?! For sure, this is not something that I would have the strength or stamina to do, and I am sure that most of you would agree! For sure I do!
The Last of the Sea Women - Apple TV+
Dive into a world where tradition meets the tide in The Last of the Sea Women on Apple TV+! Journey to the captivating island of Jeju, South Korea, and meet the legendary Haenyeo, a sisterhood of free-diving women who for centuries have braved the ocean's depths. Witness their breathtaking skills and the profound connection they share with the sea, all while facing the poignant reality of a fading way of life. Prepare to be blown away by their resilience, their unique culture, and the stunning beauty of their underwater world in this truly captivating series.
Let's take a look at the official trailer!
Sadly, one stark difference emerged between the Haenyeo and their fellow islanders who never took to the sea. When faced with the cold, simulated dive, the hearts of the Haenyeo slowed with a profound stillness, a far deeper descent than that seen in either of the other groups. It seems this remarkable slowing, this vital adaptation to their watery world, isn't etched in their genes, passed down through generations. Instead, it appears to be a hard-won response, a fragile skill cultivated through countless years of braving the icy depths. A poignant testament to their dedication, yet one that might fade with them.
BONUS! Here are some K-dramas inspired by these amazing women!
Our Blues (2022)
This amazing drama showcases the lives of several different generations of Jeju people, and is just a good slice-of-life drama with an amazing cast!
Welcome to Samdal-ri (2023)
This romance/comedy is definitely a "feel-good" drama that features a veteran cast and will leave you feeling good! With childhood friends rekindling their feelings once again after growing up, this drama is one of our favorites!
When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025)
No drama screams more "Jeju" than the most recent Netflix hit, When Life Gives You Tangerines. Monstly, filmed on Jeju Island, this drama is the epitome of life on Jeju spanning several decades with an amazing cast headed by Park Bo Gum and K-pop sensation, IU! It is a definite must-watch!
Inspired by the legendary free-divers? Let us know what resonated with you by leaving a comment!