The Korean Cultural Center in Brazil and the Jeju Haenyeo Museum have successfully launched a special exhibition, 'Sea of Breath: Jeju Haenyeo, Women, and Community,' in São Paulo. Commemorating the 10th anniversary of Jeju Haenyeo culture's inscription as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the exhibition aims to showcase the resilient lives of these female divers and their sustainable community culture to a global audience. This event is expected to introduce Brazil's local visitors to a rich aspect of Korean heritage, strengthening cultural exchange between the two nations.
The Jeju Haenyeo Story Unfolds in São Paulo, Brazil
The Korean Cultural Center in Brazil and the Jeju Haenyeo Museum are currently hosting the special exhibition 'Sea of Breath: Jeju Haenyeo, Women, and Community' in São Paulo, Brazil, introducing the unique culture of Korea's Haenyeo. The opening ceremony on June 12 saw a large turnout of local visitors, demonstrating significant interest in Jeju Haenyeo culture.
This exhibition was organized to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Jeju Haenyeo culture's inscription as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. By shedding light on the Haenyeo's lives and community traditions, it aims to highlight the value of their resilient spirit and sustainable practices to the international community. More than just an exhibition, it serves as a significant platform for cultural diplomacy, showcasing the diversity and depth of Korean culture.
The Resilient Spirit of Jeju Haenyeo: Lives and Sustainable Community
As its title, 'Sea of Breath,' suggests, the exhibition deeply explores the unique way of life of the Jeju Haenyeo (female divers) who have coexisted with the sea. Their resilience, diving into the ocean without oxygen tanks to gather seafood, symbolizes not just a livelihood but a harmonious co-existence with nature. The exhibition vividly conveys the Haenyeo's working environment and their daily lives, fostering a deeper understanding among visitors.
This special exhibition particularly focuses on the core elements of Jeju Haenyeo culture: 'women' and 'community.' For generations, these women have supported their families through their diving work, leading independent lives on Jeju Island. Furthermore, their strong sense of community, characterized by mutual help and reliance, has been a crucial factor in sustaining Haenyeo culture. Through this, visitors can experience the values of solidarity and cooperation embodied by the Haenyeo, gaining profound insight.
Bridging Cultures: Korea and Brazil Through Exchange
The Korean Cultural Center in Brazil is leveraging this special exhibition to introduce a broad spectrum of Korean culture to the local Brazilian audience. During her congratulatory remarks at the opening ceremony, Director Jeong Jeong-hee emphasized the exhibition's significant meaning, stating, 'We hope this exhibition serves as an opportunity to showcase the diversity of Korean culture and further invigorate cultural exchange between Brazil and Korea.'
Local Brazilian visitors showed keen interest in the unique history and way of life of the Haenyeo. Through the displayed photographs and materials, they gained an understanding of Korea's beautiful natural landscapes and the stories of the people who have lived within them. This exhibition is lauded as an excellent example of how traditional Korean culture can retain relevance in modern society and resonate with international audiences.
