Song Ji-hyo Dives into the Depths with Korea’s Legendary Haenyeo
In the latest episode of Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure, airing June 22 on JTBC, actress Song Ji-hyo takes her first daring plunge into the ocean as she embarks on the real journey of becoming a haenyeo, South Korea’s iconic female diver.
Following her initial training in episode one under the guidance of veteran diver Park Mi-jeong in Hado-ri, Jeju, episode two showcases Song moving from learning to action. Clad in a traditional wetsuit and clutching a tewak—a floating buoy used by haenyeo—she enters the overwhelming vastness of the sea, where generations of women have harvested marine life to sustain their communities.
This part of the documentary offers a rare, intimate look into the autumn diving season, marking the end of the seafood harvesting ban period. Even for seasoned haenyeo, returning to the sea after such a hiatus brings a powerful mix of anticipation and anxiety. Song joins the “jidurim” ritual—an essential safety ceremony—to prepare spiritually and mentally for the dive, highlighting the deep cultural roots of this occupation.
As she struggles breathlessly to mirror the arduous routines of the haenyeo—repeatedly diving and resurfacing in search of sea life—Song comes face-to-face with the harsh reality of their work. The haunting phrase “earning in the afterlife, spending in this life” speaks volumes of the occupational risks and the respect this profession commands.
The segment emphasizes not just Song’s physical endurance, but also her emotional immersion into a culture deeply connected to nature, ancestry, and communal perseverance. According to the production team, “This episode shows Song Ji-hyo truly immersing herself—both figuratively and literally—in the world of the haenyeo. Her sincere effort reveals the intrinsic labor value and communal spirit embedded in this fading tradition.”
Known for her versatility in acting, variety shows, and even entrepreneurship, Song Ji-hyo adds yet another powerful chapter to her career through this immersive, meaningful challenge under the waves.
