In celebration of Canada’s 150^th anniversary of confederation, the Korean Cultural Centre Canada presents <Haenyeo: Sea Women> photo exhibition by Hyung S. Kim from Thursday, August 17^th to Friday, November 3^rd. 

Since its first exhibition at the Korean Cultural Centre New York in 2015, the exhibition has attracted a remarkable media attention from the world leading media outlets, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the New Yorker and the Guardian in the UK, the exhibition has been widely introduced though the major galleries and museums from other cities in the US, the UK, France, Australia and South Korea.     

          By forming a firm public consensus on the importance of haenyeo culture, the exhibition contributed to the inscription of Jeju haenyo culture into the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. UNESCO proclaims “while fragile, intangible cultural heritage is an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of growing globalization.…..The importance of intangible cultural heritage is not the cultural manifestation itself but rather the wealth of knowledge and skills that is transmitted through it from one generation to the next…  the culture of Jeju haenyeo has also contributed to the advancement of women’s status in the community and promoted environmental sustainability with its eco-friendly methods and community involvement in management of fishing practices.” (https://ich.unesco.org)

Recognizing this acknowledgement on the importance of haenyeo culture by UNESCO, this exhibition this time is morally supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.

 Youngho Lee, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre Canada (KCC) mentions “On the occasion of Canada 150, Korean Cultural Centre Canada has been presenting a list of Korean cultural events in Canada throughout the year. K-Connected is the major theme of this year-long festival to celebrate Canada 150. As part of K-Connected, the KCC would like to share this unique and inspiring culture of Jeju haenyeo with the Canadian public through this exhibition. I believe, with UNESCO’s inscription of Jeju Haenyeo Jeju haenyeo culture as Intangible Cultural Heritage, haenyeo culture will have a wider support to continue transmitting their knowledge and skills to the next generation.” 

● The exhibition is presented with the patronage of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea

● This exhibition will also be displayed at the Ottawa Public Library Main Branch (120 Metcalfe St.) from Monday, August 28^th to Friday, September 29^th (Friday).

● Inquiries: Moonsun Choi, moonsunchoi@korea.kr / 613-233-8008 ext.205

  Lee Hwaju (Hamo Jeju, 2014) Photo by Hyung S. Kim 

   Kang Soonae (Hamo, Jenu 2014)   Photo by Hyung S. Kim

  Park Chuwall (Haye, Jeju 2014) Photo by Hyung S. Kim