Breathing Underwater
In Jeju Province, located off the southern coast of Korea, are the women of the sea, those who hold breath for life. These women still exist and they still dive the old way, without tanks. They go into the waters of 10- to 20-meter depth to harvest seaweed and shellfish to make a living. They make a living in the same sea, but each haenyeo’s sea of life is different. The community is divided into three tiers- Group A, B and C, based on skills and capabilities. One’s rank is determined by sum or breath. Sum, is pre-determined at birth. Therefore, sum is desired. However, the ocean is harsh. May you desire! But seek what is not yours, the ocean will devour you. Life, for these women of the sea, is about holding one’s breath, and containing and controlling one’s desire. The film is a six year record of the lives of the haenyeos in Udo, an islet in the province of Jeju, known to be the birthplace of haenyeo. It is a close look into the lives that stand on the boundary of life and death.

similar movies
The Last of the Sea Women
2024
genre:Documentary
Vote Young Ones
2021
genre:Documentary
Lessons from Jeju
2020
genre:Documentary
Until the Stones Speak
2024
genre:Documentary
The Ghosts of Jeju
2013
genre:Documentary
Diving Women of Jeju-do
2007
genre:History
Documentary
Jeju Prayer
2013
genre:Documentary
Jam Docu GangJeong
2011
genre:Documentary
The Red Filter is Withdrawn.
2020
genre:Documentary
Gureombi, The Wind is Blowing
2013
genre:Documentary
Hot Pink Dolphins
2023
genre:Documentary
Legend of the Waterflowers
2023
genre:Documentary
Their Own Ways
2023
genre:Documentary
Map without Island
2021
genre:Documentary
Daughter of the Sea
2023
genre:Documentary
May•JEJU•Day
2021
genre:Animation
Documentary
Jeju Note
2018
genre:Documentary
Burial Of This Order
2023
genre:Documentary
My Heart Puppy
2023
genre:Romance
Comedy
Drama
Family
The Uprising
1999
genre:Drama