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Study Reveals Haenyeo Divers' Remarkable Underwater Endurance

8/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A University of St Andrews study finds elderly Haenyeo women divers from Jeju Island have underwater endurance similar to marine mammals.
The research monitored seven divers aged 62 to 80, revealing they spend over 56% of their dive time underwater.
The UNESCO-recognized Haenyeo culture is declining, with most divers over 60 and few younger women involved.
Researchers stress the need to document these divers' abilities to preserve this cultural heritage.

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Story summary

A University of St Andrews study finds elderly Haenyeo women divers from Jeju Island have underwater endurance similar to marine mammals.
The research monitored seven divers aged 62 to 80, revealing they spend over 56% of their dive time underwater.
The UNESCO-recognized Haenyeo culture is declining, with most divers over 60 and few younger women involved.
Researchers stress the need to document these divers' abilities to preserve this cultural heritage.