Juno Moon

Seaflower Haenyeo

Beneath the vast, azure sky of Jeju Island, a mesmerizing sight unfolds: women, known as haenyeo, gracefully dive into the ocean, their buoys bobbing like delicate flowers. While many associate the haenyeo and their unique ‘숨비소리’ (breath-holding sound) exclusively with Jeju, these sea women can be found in coastal regions throughout Korea. For generations, haenyeo have sustained their families by hand-gathering seafood from the ocean, acting as guardians of the marine ecosystem. However, rising sea temperatures, environmental changes, and the aging population threaten their way of life. As these elderly haenyeo often say, ‘It’s not that we are getting too old to dive, but rather, the ocean is aging faster than us.’ This exhibition showcases not only the haenyeo of Jeju but also those who have traveled to the West Sea and Ulleungdo, sharing their lives dedicated to living in harmony with nature.
Let us echo their cry: ‘The ocean must live for us to live!’

Juno Moon is a renowned photographer whose work is dedicated to capturing the lives of Korean haenyeo (sea women). Her exhibitions, such as “Seaflower Haenyeo,” have been showcased in galleries across Korea and internationally, offering intimate portraits of these women and their profound connection to the sea.