Song Ji-hyo sets out to become legendary haeonyeo in BBC's Deep Dive Korea
FOR years, Song Ji-hyo captivated fans as an award-winning actress, appearing in numerous blockbusters such as Wishing Stairs, A Frozen Flower and New World. Her fame then exceeded South Korea's borders upon her appearance in the long-running reality show Running Man.
But after 24 years in the entertainment industry, the 43-year-old is undertaking the greatest challenge of her life, becoming one of South Korea's legendary haenyeo (sea women).
The haenyeo are keepers of a tradition passed down from generations for at least 400 years, a lifestyle Unesco has recognised as an 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity'.
Every day, these women dive up for seven hours a day without air apparatus or advanced equipment, to gather shellfish, seaweed and other sea life for their families and livelihood.
In her latest three-episode documentary Deep Dive Korea, Song takes viewers on a personal journey, subjecting herself to the intensive training necessary to become one of those legendary sea women.
Speaking to theSun, she opens up about her passion for the cause, the intensive training she endured and her hope for viewers to take away from the documentary.
Why did you decide to do this show?
I decided to do a documentary on haenyeo because I wanted to experience their lives. I wanted to understand their lives as haenyeo because the focus is usually on what they do. The focus has not been on how they became haenyeo.
So, I wanted to emphasise this aspect – of how they put so much effort into becoming haenyeo. I wanted to not only understand their jobs as haenyeo but also convey their stories and efforts.
Would you say this differentiates Deep Dive Korea from other travel and diving series?
Yes, it is a deep dive into our cultural heritage, which is haenyeo that is all across South Korea. The series not only showcases haenyeo as a job, but also their culture, community and lifestyle.
You will get to see how even when they are sad, happy, sick or have recently given birth, they still have to dive in for their survival. That kind of warrior type of lifestyle is what differentiates this entire show from just a mere travel programme.
What was it like to squeeze 30 years' worth of training into one month?
I have never been afraid of water since I was young. But, the process of becoming a haenyeo was difficult. The process of getting used to the water and going down to the depth and finding something to harvest was difficult.
It was physically difficult, and it stressed me out during the whole training month. But what was most challenging was the responsibility to showcase the true side of haenyeo. I was worried that my portrayal of a haenyeo might seem clumsy or imperfect.
I was under the stress that if I did not perfect it, everyone would look down on haenyeo. So, I was being a perfectionist while training. But, I was mentally determined to be recognised as a haenyeo. So, this motivated me to keep going.
Did the fear of drowning ever cross your mind?
Yes. I was always afraid of incidents such as that because the sea is always dangerous. Whether you are prepared or not, the sea always invites some sort of danger. And so, definitely, I was under a lot of pressure, worrying 'what if this happened, what if that happened?'
What are some moments on the show that you will cherish?
I saw a dolphin for the first time outside a cave. They were not enclosed and were freewheeling. On my arrival to Jeju and my day of departure, they were there – as if they were saying hi and goodbye.
There was one haenyeo, in fact, who passed away on the surface in the neighbouring area Hadori because she had a heart attack. Incidents such as this can happen to anyone and everyone – no matter how experienced you are. You just need to know your condition and be aware of the danger. Just have to always be careful.
What are some moments on the show that you will cherish?
I saw a dolphin for the first time outside a cave. They were not enclosed and were freewheeling. On my arrival to Jeju and my day of departure, they were there – as if they were saying hi and goodbye.
Another unforgettable memory I have is how I got to learn so much about the underwater lifestyle while training to become a haenyeo. I learnt how they had their rules, orders and an entire community I was unaware of.
It was one of the coolest experiences I had. One particularly vivid memory, for instance, was when one of the haenyeo cut the sea urchin, cracked open and gave it to a fish. The fish surprisingly led her to an area with more sea urchins.
That was their way of communication – 'Hey, I feed you a sea urchin. If you want more, let me know where I can find it.' So, that is when I realised this is the harmony of living with nature. We can live and co-exist together.
What was the most beautiful sight you saw under the sea?
There was once I tried catching a sea urchin. I could not take it off and it got ripped. It then cracked open and the sea urchin was exposed. The fishes thought I was feeding it to them because they swam towards me.
So, we ended up swimming together as the fishes were all around me. It was fun. Now that you have heard the story when you watch episodes two and three, you will understand why there were a lot of fishes around me and not other haenyeo.
What do you hope viewers take away about South Korea and the haenyeo community after watching the show?
I want people to understand haenyeo are not greedy people who will dive into the water and take as much as they want. They will hold their breath as long as possible. They will go down and search for what is available and then come back up.
It is a compromise with nature. They will only take whatever nature allows them to. So, that is why they do not use oxygen tanks when diving. This determination and appreciation for nature is what I want people to focus on and learn.
I also hope for viewers to learn more about their lifestyles, and how they dedicate their tasks as haenyeo, farmers and mothers. There is more than what is seen on the outside.
Do you hope to do this again?
Definitely! If they are doing season two, I want to do it. I am not satisfied yet as I have not mastered haenyeo truly. So, I want to continue myself.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
9 hours ago
- The Star
Egypt, Greece agree to protect status of Mount Sinai monastery, after court ruling
FILE PHOTO: A general view of St. Catherine's Monastery in South Sinai, Egypt, March 7, 2019. Picture taken March 7, 2019. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany/File Photo ATHENS (Reuters) -Greece and Egypt have agreed to safeguard the status of one of the world's oldest sites of Christian worship, foreign ministers of both countries said late on Wednesday, after an Egyptian court ruling last week cast uncertainty over its future. The St Catherine's Monastery, at the foot of Egypt's Mount Sinai, was founded in the 6th century and is the oldest Christian monastery still in use for its original function, says UNESCO, which has listed the area as a World Heritage site. Revered by Christians, Muslims and Jews, the monastery is at the site where by Biblical tradition Moses received the Ten Commandments. But last week, an Egyptian court ruling seen by Reuters ordered Orthodox monks to vacate several plots of land that the monks have used for years, including vineyards and gardens adjacent to the monastery compound, on the grounds that they were illegally sequestered, prompting a diplomatic flurry between Cairo and Athens over the site's status. "We agreed in the immediate future to work towards safeguarding the rights of the monastery, as well as its legal status," Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said after meeting his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty in Cairo. "Both Egypt and Greece intend to move forward based on the long-standing tradition and the already established status of an emblematic monastery for its Greek Orthodox character of worship". Abdelatty said that the ruling preserves the monastery's profound spiritual value and religious standing, and confirmed that the monks would continue to have access to and use of the monastery and its religious and historical sites, according to a foreign ministry statement. With a long history of diplomatic ties, Greece and Egypt have deepened cooperation in recent years. St Catherine's is a sprawling complex, and according to tradition it was built around a burning bush where God was said to have spoken to Moses as described in the Book of Exodus. Its library is one of the most extensive worldwide, containing some of the world's earliest Christian manuscripts. (Reporting by Renee Maltezou, Mohamed Ezz and Michele Kambas, Editing by William Maclean)
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Sipping Tea while Enjoying Opera: The 2025 Beijing Chaoyang International Tea Culture Week Showcases Cultural Charm
BEIJING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 3 June 2025 - On May 29, the 2025 Beijing Chaoyang International Tea Culture Week officially opened. This year's festival, with a main venue at the Junwangfu Hotel, and a satellite venue at the China Central Place, creates a tea culture feast that blends tea tasting, opera appreciation, cultural experiences, and consumption. The Junwangfu Hotel, a cultural landmark near Liangma River, features Qing Dynasty architecture and traditional Chinese gardens. During the festival, the hotel is filled with the rich aroma of tea. Visitors can purchase tickets to immerse themselves in the 'Royal Tea Gathering' and enjoy the leisurely atmosphere of 'a view with every step, a tea with every seat.' The tea market brings together more than 70 modern tea brands, offering international flavors from New Zealand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Azerbaijan, as well as regional specialties from Yunnan, Guizhou, China's Taiwan region, and others. The market also features tea-themed cultural and creative products. At the 'Floating Fragrance Tea Market' located in the sunken garden of The Ritz-Carlton at China Central Place, more than ten food and beverage businesses, renowned tea companies, and emerging tea drink brands offer special tea drinks, DIY tea-blending experiences, and tea art performances. Sipping tea while enjoying opera—tea in the teahouse, opera on the stage—reflects the romantic lifestyle of ancient Chinese society and has become a novel form of social interaction today. As the scent of tea wafts through the air, the Junwangfu Hotel echoes with traditional melodies and captivating performances. Peking Opera, Yue Opera, Nanyin music, and folk instrumental ensembles take the stage in turn. Between performances, visitors can experience Song-style whisked tea, Chaozhou gongfu tea, and the craftsmanship behind West Lake Dragon Well tea at the Yinan Hall, gaining a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness of tea. From 'Tea and the World' to 'Tea and the City' and 'Tea and Culture,' Chaoyang District has hosted the Tea Culture Festival for three consecutive years, consistently promoting the theme: 'Sharing a Cup of Fine Chinese Tea with the World.' The event continues to elevate Chinese tea as a cultural symbol that speaks to the world. Once, the fragrance of tea traveled the ancient Tea Horse Road and the Silk Road to reach distant lands. Today, tea is grown in more than 60 countries and regions, with over two billion people worldwide enjoying it. 'With Chaoyang's tea, we welcome friends from around the world.' Chaoyang District extends a warm invitation to global friends to join us in savoring fine teas and traditional operas.
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
Lao economic indicators show signs of recovery amid global uncertainty
Tourists visit the town of Luang Prabang, a Unesco world heritage site in Laos, July 15, 2022. Foreign tourist arrivals rose by 21 per cent year-on-year to 4.12 million, generating US$1.13 billion in revenue. - Xinhua) VIENTIANE: The Lao government has observed encouraging signs of economic recovery, despite ongoing domestic economic difficulties and global turbulence. Inflation dropped to 8.3 per cent in May, marking the first single-digit rate since May 2022. This reflects a steady decline over 11 consecutive months since June last year, easing the price hikes that had affected the country for years. Improved revenue collection also supported fiscal operations, with government earnings reaching 93 percent of the first half-year target, amounting to 31,773 billion kip (US$1.476 billion). However, expenditure reached only 56.26 per cent, or 21,682 billion kip, of the planned budget. 'The government will strive to meet or exceed its revenue targets,' the government spokesperson Sonexay Sitphaxay told local media on Friday (May 30) following the two-day cabinet meeting for May. Exports (excluding electricity) rose 16.2 per cent from the previous month to over US$662 million (14,284 billion kip), resulting in a trade surplus of over US$14 million (302 billion kip). Increased exports have strengthened foreign reserves, now sufficient to cover at least five months of imports. 'Debt servicing for both domestic and external obligations is proceeding as planned,' added Sonexay, who also serves as Minister to the Prime Minister's Office. Chaired by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, the monthly cabinet meeting reviewed implementation of the socio-economic development plan and expected performance for the first half of 2025 and preparations for the second half. The government has set a growth target of 4.8 per cent this year, up from 4.6 per cent in 2024. The cabinet noted that efforts to ramp up domestic production and reduce imports are gaining momentum, as Laos is becoming largely self-sufficient in producing staple foods to meet domestic consumption needs. Meanwhile, tourism continues to rebound, thanks to improved transport networks and promotional campaigns under the Visit Laos Year 2024 initiative. Foreign tourist arrivals rose by 21 per cent year-on-year to 4.12 million, generating US$1.13 billion in revenue. The cabinet also discussed measures to further develop transport infrastructure. Key projects include the nearly completed bridge across the Mekong River linking Lao Xayaboury and Bokeo provinces, and the Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge connecting Borikhamxay province with Thailand's Bueng Kan province, set to open by year-end. These projects are expected to boost trade and regional connectivity. Efforts are underway to enhance passenger and freight transport, leveraging the Laos-China and Laos-Thailand railways and the Thanaleng Dry Port - Laos integrated logistics hub. Investment promotion remains a priority with effort being accelerated to improve the business environment. In May alone, seven new projects were approved, worth more than 9,244 billion kip and US$3 million (more than 64 billion kip). Looking ahead, the cabinet outlined key actions for the coming months, including strengthening foreign reserves, centralising foreign currency exchange, prioritising essential imports, monitoring goods price in local markets and enhancing revenue collection mechanisms. Other priorities include regulating movement of and certifying concentration of minerals, repairing disaster-hit infrastructure, expanding vocational training, and creating jobs. To support long-term growth and stability, the cabinet approved in principle seven strategic documents. These include draft strategies on state finance through 2035 and a vision for 2040, as well as draft decrees on direct borrowing, One District One Product, startup promotion, and tourism attraction management. The draft Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026–2030 was also presented at the meeting. - Vientiane Times/ANN
