Haenyeo: The Breath of Jeju (Special Exhibition)

Haenyeo: The Breath of Jeju is a special exhibition about the women free divers of Jeju Island, South Korea, presented by the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C., in collaboration with Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. Through authentic diving equipment, informational panels, videos, books, and hands-on activities, the exhibition introduces Haenyeo life, their distinctive muljil diving practice, and their sustainable relationship with the sea.

The exhibition also explores the strong community traditions through which Haenyeo cooperate, share knowledge, and pass skills between generations. Their culture was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.

When: August 17–November 20, 2026

Venue: Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C., First Floor

Schedule: Visitors may drop in during the center’s regular visitor hours.

Admission: No RSVP is needed.

Exhibition features: Authentic Haenyeo diving suits and tools, informational panels, videos, books, and hands-on activities.

Focus: Jeju Haenyeo culture, muljil free diving, sustainable living in harmony with the sea, and community cooperation and knowledge-sharing.

Tickets: Price not available