The art of diving in Jeju
In the icy waters of the Eastern Ocean, Jeju island is home to an exceptional group of divers known as Haenyeo. These women, with skills that challenge understanding, descend at depths of up to 15 meters, armed only with a knife and their lung capacity.
A cultural heritage at risk
With a tradition dating from the seventeenth century, Haenyeo are not only a symbol of cultural resistance, but are also recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. However, its number has decreased dramatically, from more than 30,000 in the 1960s to less than 3,000 today, which endangers this ancestral practice.
A family legacy
Most of these divers have inherited their trade from their mothers, a legacy that has endured throughout generations. Originally, diving was a male activity, but in the absence of men for various circumstances, women assumed this crucial role for the family economy.
Genetic adaptations and its impact on health
A recent scientific study has revealed that the extreme lifestyle of Haenyeo has not only shaped their bodies, but also their genetics. Researchers have found adaptations that could have significant implications in the treatment of chronic diseases.
Innovative research
Diana Aguilar Gómez, a specialist in population genetics, headed an analysis that shows that Haenyeo have unique physiological characteristics. This analysis included a study of his physiological responses in simulated diving conditions, revealing that his body reacts more efficiently to immersion stress.
Key discoveries
Among the most relevant findings was a genetic variant that could help regulate blood pressure, which is critical for Haenyeo, especially during pregnancy, when diving could increase the risk of complications.
The future of Haenyeo
Despite the efforts to preserve this tradition, the future of Haenyeo is uncertain. The new generations show little interest in continuing with a trade that implies so many risks and sacrifices, opting for safer and better paid job opportunities in the tourism sector.
Renewal and hope
However, there are flashes of hope. Young people like Sohee Jin have decided to embrace this tradition, adapting it to modern times. Through social networks and innovative ventures, they seek not only to preserve their legacy, but also revitalize and share it with the world.
A heritage that transcends
The work of Haenyeo not only represents a connection with the past, but also offers perspectives for the future of medicine and health. The discovered genetic adaptations could be the key to treating conditions that affect many people around the world.
As new investigations develop, it is clear that Haenyeo are more than simple divers; They are a symbol of cultural resistance and a source of scientific knowledge that could have a deep impact on global health.