Searching for the rare Jeju Mermaid (해녀)

Jeju-do is famous for it's "mermaids", women who free-dive into the ocean up to 20 meters deep in search of shellfish.  It is a trade that is disappearing and most who still do it are in their upper years.  It is a tradition that is passed along from mother to daughter and said to be genetically chosen.  They are hard to spot due to their limited number, but we hoped to see some on our trip so during the children's nap time, we went searching for them.

Using the navigation in our rental car, we found some small roads by the sea and drove down many of them to get a better view of the magnificent ocean.  Some of the small roads took us to private homes, parks and even a soccer field.  However on one road, we came upon a mermaid home and explored it.  It was vacant at the time,which allowed us to take some candid pictures. But still, it would have been even better to meet a mermaid and see her catch.

This is a panoramic view standing in front of the mermaid home.  Jeju's beaches are scattered with these black  porous stones which are the remnants of volcanic activity that created this island.  I can imagine many sea creatures and shellfish living in between these stones that pierce the surface, gaining protection from the tidal waves.  This also makes it a great diving area to collect shellfish for the mermaids.

Mermaid spotting off the East Coast of Jeju!

Coming home after a quick few days away. The sights were amazing and food supremely fresh and delicious. Elizabeth reaping the benefits of family time and new experiences and Vincent accomplishing his first rollover and breath of sea air. -S