Korean Dictionary
How to say "Sea Woman Diver" in Korean
“Sea Woman Diver” in Korean is 해녀 (pronounced "Haenyeo").
해녀
Haenyeo
Usage & Context
해녀 are the legendary female free-divers of Jeju Island who harvest seafood by diving without breathing equipment. They are a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage representing Korean female strength and resilience. Haenyeo can dive to depths of 10 to 20 meters and hold their breath for minutes at a time.
Example Sentence
해녀는 제주도의 소중한 문화유산이에요.
Haenyeo are a precious cultural heritage of Jeju Island.
How to use 해녀 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Sea Woman Diver” is 해녀, romanized as Haenyeo.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 해녀.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '해녀' as 'Hae-nyeo'. 'Hae' sounds like 'heh' in 'heck' or 'hay' but shorter, with the 'a' sound like in 'cat'. 'Nyeo' sounds like 'nyuh' or 'nyo' (similar to 'new' but with a 'y' sound before the 'uh' or 'oh').
More Example Sentences
Recommending a tourist attraction.
제주도에 가면 해녀 공연을 볼 수 있어요.
If you go to Jeju Island, you can watch a Haenyeo performance.
Describing a museum visit.
해녀 박물관에서 그들의 삶을 엿볼 수 있었어요.
I was able to get a glimpse into their lives at the Haenyeo Museum.
Talking about a unique culinary experience.
해녀들이 갓 잡은 해산물을 맛보는 건 특별한 경험이에요.
Tasting freshly caught seafood by Haenyeo is a special experience.
Cultural Context
Haenyeo (해녀) are the legendary 'sea women' of Jeju Island, renowned for their unique tradition of free-diving to harvest seafood without breathing apparatus. This matriarchal profession, passed down through generations, symbolizes incredible strength, resilience, and a deep connection to the ocean. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Haenyeo are not just divers but cultural icons, representing the powerful spirit of Jeju women and their sustainable way of life. Their numbers are dwindling, making their legacy even more precious.
Editorial note
We review entries like 해녀 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
해녀는 정말 대단해요.
Haenyeo are truly amazing.
해녀의 삶은 고달프지만 자랑스러워요.
The life of a Haenyeo is tough but proud.
해녀 문화를 보존해야 해요.
We must preserve Haenyeo culture.
Related Expressions
물질
muljil
diving (specifically for Haenyeo's work)
제주도
Jeju-do
Jeju Island
해산물
haesanmul
seafood
잠수부
jamsubu
diver (general term, often male or with equipment)
More Animals Words
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