Haenam of Sinsan-ri, Kim Hyung-jun
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Haenam of Sinsan-ri, Kim Hyung-jun
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About this listen
Kim Hyung-jun began his career as an advertising designer in Seoul and became one of Korea’s first-generation web designers. Drawn to the ocean through freediving, he moved to Jeju with his wife and now works as both the head of the local fisheries association and a haenam, or male sea diver, in Sinsan-ri, Seogwipo. His wife became a haenyeo first, and after helping her at sea, he naturally found his own path in the water. He co-authored the book Merry Haenyeo to share a more joyful and empowered image of sea divers, challenging the common perception of the work as solely harsh and exhausting. He describes diving as a form of moving meditation, where solitude and encounters with marine life bring deep reflection. Outside the sea, he continues to work as a designer, speaker, guesthouse operator, and photographer. Although settling into village life as an outsider had its difficulties, he has gradually become a trusted part of the community. His dream is to share haenyeo culture with the world and build a global brand that honors their spirit and legacy.