Kylie Genter becomes South Korea’s first foreign haenyeo

Kylie Genter, a 36-year-old American, has become the only foreigner to hold a haenyeo license in South Korea. Haenyeo are traditional female divers on Jeju Island who harvest seafood by free-diving without breathing apparatus.

Based in the coastal village of Youngrak-ri, Genter has gained local celebrity status due to her unique role. Local fishery chief Kim Chang-sik noted that her presence has drawn visitors to the village. Her achievement comes at a time when the haenyeo community faces challenges from a decreasing and aging population.

Genter originally moved to South Korea in 2012 to work as an English teacher in Jinju. Her transition into this traditional role offers potential hope for the preservation of Jeju's cultural heritage by potentially opening the practice to more international participants.