PEOPLE & CULTURE

Last Mermaids, The

IN PRODUCTION

Mother to daughter, generation after generation. For over 2000 years, the women of Jeju Island off South Korea have survived by becoming Haenyos (women sea divers). We follow these women, aged 45-85, as they dive deep into the ocean; with only lead belts and a sharp knife, they skilfully pick abalone and octopus. These are the last mermaids.

Duration
1x60'
Production Company
Arirang TV
Original Language
English
YOP
2011
Definitions
HD
Biography
Ocean/Water
Streaming
coming soon

synopsis

Mother to daughter, generation after generation, for over 2000 years, the women of Jeju Island off South Korea have worked as Haenyos, or sea divers. We follow these women, aged between 45-85, as they dive deep into the ocean, with only lead belts and a sharp knife, skilfully picking abalone and octopus. At 83 years old, Ok-sun Hyun is the best diver in Jeju island. For 65 years, she has hung between life and death as a shell-diver. This is primitive, painful, lonely work, rife with danger. But the women are steadfast, comical, and spiritual. This remarkable, unique, programme follows the woman in the sea and at home, and they chase the shells, and hope the tides are kind. They are remarkable, proud, and brave. But is this an occupation from a previous generation? Will it survive to another age, or are these truly the last mermaids?

similar programmes

Over a thousand years ago, the Vikings swept like a storm through the world. They plundered, killed and enslaved many, but they also changed society forever and they still beguile and fascinate us today.
HISTORY
2021
IN PRODUCTION
Viking Empires
Journey into the lives of the planets ultra rich moguls and discover how their influence has shaped our lives.
HISTORY
2022
IN PRODUCTION
Tycoons
This is the true, extraordinary story of the final days of a notorious slave ship, the Meermin, and how in 1766 it was shipwrecked at the southernmost tip of Africa.
HISTORY
2010
IN PRODUCTION
Slaveship Mutiny
Privacy Policy

OTF Privacy Policy

Off the Fence (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects and uses limited personal information, such as names, email addresses and company details, to operate and improve our website, provide services, communicate with users and send relevant business communications. We do not sell personal information and only share it with trusted service providers where necessary. As a global business, data may be processed outside your country of residence with appropriate safeguards in place. Personal data is retained only as long as required and protected using reasonable security measures. You may request access to or deletion of your personal information and have the right to complain to your local data protection authority. Contact us at info@offthefence.com.