Jeju Haenyeo Museum — Attraction in Jeju

I would've given zero stars if this app allowed.

Due to some unfortunate and unforeseen events in my last day on Jeju Island, I arrived at the Jeju Haenyo Museum hours later than I had intended (15 minutes before closing). At the ticket counter, I was very deferential and apologized for the late arrival, and asked to buy a ticket. The ticket agent said no. I told him I was willing to pay for a full day ticket even though I'd only get 15 minutes to explore the museum. The ticket agent said that ticketing closed at 5 pm. I offered cash payment for a ticket. He said no. I asked if I could go in for free, since it was the last 15 minutes of the day. He adamantly said no. I asked him, since he won't accept my payment, then why can't I go in for 15 minutes for free - promising I'd return to the main doors at 6 pm closing time. He said it wouldn't be fair to other visitors if I got the last 15 minutes free. I explained I was sorry I was late and that I'd come from Canada to see this museum. He impatiently said I should come back tomorrow. I explained that I wish I could but this is my last day on Jeju Island. At this point he turned 90 degrees away from me and wouldn't acknowledge my presence. I was shocked. I'm Chinese-Canadian and all through my travels through South Korea this far, the people have been welcoming and we showed each other mutual deference (bowing, gentle tone of voice) and respect through my interactions with the locals I'd met. I slowly turned around and walked away. 4 steps into my dejected walk, his female ticketing colleague said something to him and the both started to laugh. I turned around to see that they were looking at me as they were laughing, clearly having belly laughs at my expense. I kept eye contact with them as I walked sideways out the main doors, and they kept laughing at me.

I had developed a fascination with Haenyo history and their continued contributions to Jeju's culture and economics. The women are incredibly strong on so many levels. I had been looking forward to exploring this museum, because where else in the world could I immerse in learning about Haenyo?

After this disrespectful and humiliating experience, I'm not sure I'd want to come back to this museum if I were ever to return to...

This place is incredible! The only things better are the brave, heroic Haenyeo women being honored.

Museum is done very nicely. So informative and beautifully laid out. I was so lucky to visit on a cultural day, no entrance fee 👍 I have been wanting to visit this museum for years, after reading about these Korean women sea warriors.

If you come to Jeju, put this one on your list of things to see and do. You'll gain a whole new appreciation for the original freedivers.

When you read about the hard work and difficult sea conditions these brave women faced every day, you will be humbled and in awe.

Stories of the Haenyeo include diving while pregnant, up until delivery. They returned to the water 1 week after giving birth, leaving their babies to be watched by other women, while they kept on free-diving (one breath, no oxygen tanks!)

Make your way to Seongsan Peak after, 1 and 3pm shows, where you can see the Haenyo at work and dine on their delicacies caught that...

The Haenyeo Museum gives great insight into the lives of the important women (海女）that formed the pillar of Jeju's economy. I liked that it was not only about what the Haenyeo did but also showcased their spirit of consideration for others. I thought it was a great learning point for anyone who visited this place. It starts with a video room and free-and-easy walk through the different exhibitions thereafter. The exhibitions showcased the clothes the women wore, the tools they used, how their homes looked like etc. There was even a children's section + play area to entertain the kids and perhaps have them learn a virtue or two while...