A story of haenyeos or women of the sea who have to hold their breath to survive and of mulsum, or breathing underwater, that represents a desire and temptation that could not be contained. 7 years of exclusive filming reveals a closed community of haenyeos and their lives.

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In Jeju Province, located off the southern coast of Korea, are the women of the sea who hold breath of life. Typhoons and the barren volcanic soil of the islands left the people enduring years of poor harvest and famine. For survival, women looked to the frigid sea. Haenyeos, women of the sea, still exist and they have been diving without air tanks for more than 1,000 years. They go into the waters of 10-to-20 meter depth to harvest seaweed and shellfish to make a living. They work from 7 to 8 hours a day without even a sip of fresh water. At the end of the day, they return with sumbisori, a while-like noise at the near end of their breath.

Original title: Breathing Underwater
A Soom Be Production
Film by Hee-young Ko

2016 © Licensed by First Hand Films