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Samda-do

SAMDA-DO

Since Jeju is abundant in Wind, Stone and Women, it has often been called Samda-do, a nickname which has been since olden times. First and foremost since it is surrounded by water from all side,s plenty of wind is obvious. Every house has a piled up layer of stones called ‘Doldam’ which have holes in it that is why even fierce winds also pass by them easily. All these stones in Jeju were formed by Mt. Halla’s volcanic eruptions. The reason behind a higher number of women compared to men is as the men used to go into the sea to catch fish and they often get caught in typhoons etc. and hence were not able to get back home. Jejudo natives have to deal with harsh natural environment . It is because of them that this beautiful Island still exists.

Wind Stone Woman
  • Woman
  • Woman

    Though the number of women divers is reducing every year in Jeju, you can still find some making their distinctive whistling sound as they go about their underwater activities. Leaving taewak(floats) on the surface of the water, Jeju’s women divers take a connecting rope and dive as deep as 20 meters under the sea to collect marine products. The haenyeo are well-known for their diving skills and their strong willpower.