EQUIPMENT AND DIVING TOOLS

1 Yeoncheol (lead belt)

The switch to wetsuits meant the need for lead weight to counter the added buoyancy. The appropriate number of lead pieces were strung together to make the yeoncheol, which was worn around the waist. Prior to the use of lead, the haenyeo would use bags filled with stones

2 Wangnun (underwater goggles)

Used around the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century

3 Wetsuit

Wearing their traditional cotton outfits, the haenyeo could dive for no more than an hour. Rubber wetsuits made it possible to dive for many hours at a time

4 Taewak

A buoy that is clasped to the chest and used as a floating device while swimming

5 Oribal (fins)

Rubber flippers were also introduced alongside wetsuits, allowing the women to swim more efficiently

6 Bitchang

A metal tool that is used to pick up abalone attached to rocks

7 Kakuri

Considered the most useful tool for the haenyeo, the kakuri is used to pick up sea life between cracks in the rocks

9 Jeonggehomi

A sickle-shaped hoe used to cut sea grapes and seaweed

10 Mulgudeok 8 Jaksal

A tool for spearing fish

A bamboo basket used to carry their catches and their tools. The women use cushions called goaegi to protect their backs when carrying the baskets