Korean Cultural Centre India, in collaboration with Jeju Island, has launched a special exhibition Korea Haenyeo, diving into the sea of Indian Continent showcasing the Jeju Haenyeo in New Delhi, marking the onset of summer in the Indian subcontinent.
The exhibition, hosted at the gallery of Korean Cultural Centre India in New Delhi, commenced on May 6 and will continue until June 21. It aims to delve into the culture of Jeju Haenyeo, showcasing their attire, tools, daily routines, culinary traditions, expertise, communal bonds, and spiritual practices through an array of photographs and videos.
Recognised as an ‘Intangible Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO on November 30, 2016, Jeju Haenyeo culture is esteemed for its intergenerational transmission of skills in harvesting seafood without the aid of diving equipment. Emphasising the pivotal role of women within the community, the culture also underscores sustainable fishing practices in harmony with nature.
Designated as ‘National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 132’ on May 1, 2017, the Haenyeo tradition embodies enduring heritage, unique harvesting techniques, ecological knowledge, and a collaborative cultural ethos.
Taking place amidst the scorching summer of South Asia, with temperatures soaring close to 50 degrees Celsius, the exhibition offers a refreshing departure from mainstream Korean culture, presenting the distinctive essence of Haenyeo to Indian audiences.
Complementing the exhibition, Korean Cultural Centre India also hosted workshops on May 6 and 7, allowing participants to engage all five senses in crafting souvenirs like Jeju female diver music boxes and paper dolls, fostering a deeper appreciation for the culture.
Hwang Il Yong, Director of Korean Cultural Centre India said, “For the G20 summit held in India last year, there was a program to introduce and display videos introducing the representative cultural heritage of each participating country. At the time, the video content submitted by our Korean government included the information about this Jeju female diver, Haenyeo, so I wanted to introduce the exhibition program about Jeju female divers again”.
When: May 6, 2024 to June 21, 2024
Where: Korean Cultural Centre India Gallery, New Delhi
