The Last Mermaids of Korea (2025)

The Last Mermaids of Korea (2025) poster

The phenomenally resilient sea women of Marado Island, at the southernmost tip of South Korea, are like no one else on the planet. Six women aged in their 40s, 60s, 80s and 90s have lately been joined by a solitary young male diver, Min-Jong. Most of the women are well beyond 60. They may stumble walking on land, but underwater, they are transformed into graceful swimmers who haul in twice their bodyweight in seafood every day. These are Korea’s traditional Haenyeo: female divers who hold their breath for more than two minutes to depths of up to 20 meters. They make their livelihood combing the seabed for culinary treasures for restaurants in Korea and Japan: kelp, sea cucumbers, conchs, and, most prized of all, abalone.

Director: Lim Wan-ho
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 82 min
Release Date:
Language: 한국어/조선말
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Lim Wan-ho
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Last Mermaids of Korea about?
The phenomenally resilient sea women of Marado Island, at the southernmost tip of South Korea, are like no one else on the planet. Six women aged in their 40s, 60s, 80s and 90s have lately been joined by a solitary young male diver, Min-Jong. Most of the women are well beyond 60. They may stumble walking on land, but underwater, they are transformed into graceful swimmers who haul in twice their bodyweight in seafood every day. These are Korea’s traditional Haenyeo: female divers who hold their breath for more than two minutes to depths of up to 20 meters. They make their livelihood combing the seabed for culinary treasures for restaurants in Korea and Japan: kelp, sea cucumbers, conchs, and, most prized of all, abalone.
Who directed The Last Mermaids of Korea?
The Last Mermaids of Korea was directed by Lim Wan-ho.
How long is The Last Mermaids of Korea?
The Last Mermaids of Korea has a runtime of 1h 22m (82 minutes).
What genre is The Last Mermaids of Korea?
The Last Mermaids of Korea is a Documentary film.