Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), speaks with Jang Young-mi, Vice President of the Jeju Haenyeo Association, on June 4 at the coastal area of Beophwan-dong in Seogwipo, Jeju, discussing issues related to marine plastic pollution. (Image courtesy of Jeju Provincial Government)
JEJU, June 5 (Korea Bizwire) — As plastic pollution in oceans worsens, South Korea’s traditional sea women — or haenyeo — are finding their diving grounds increasingly choked with debris.
On June 4, Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), met with a veteran haenyeo on Jeju Island to witness firsthand the frontlines of marine ecological disruption.
At a seaside café overlooking Seogwipo’s Beophwan Port, Andersen spoke with Jang Young-mi, vice president of the Jeju Haenyeo Association, who has been diving for over 56 years.
Jang described how haenyeo are now routinely collecting increasing amounts of plastic waste, rescuing marine creatures trapped in debris, and witnessing firsthand the damage to underwater ecosystems.
“The safe spaces where we used to dive are shrinking,” Jang said. “I’ve personally seen plastics accumulating on the seafloor, along with noticeable declines in seaweed beds, abalone, and conch — species vital to our livelihoods.”
Haenyeo heading into the rough sea (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Andersen acknowledged the haenyeo as “both witnesses and warriors on the frontlines of marine change,” vowing that UNEP would intensify efforts to combat plastic pollution.
A video interview with Jang was also published on UNEP’s official YouTube channel, underscoring her testimony as part of the agency’s global outreach campaign.
Later that day, Andersen met with Jeju Governor Oh Young-hun, who expressed the province’s ambition to host the 2030 UN Climate Change Conference (COP33).
Andersen welcomed the proposal, noting that the summit is expected to be held in Asia, and praised Jeju for its “beautiful natural environment, warm climate, and exemplary environmental leadership.”
The Haenyeo Rescue Team collects marine debris that has been discarded into the sea. (Image courtesy of Jeju Maritime Police Agency)
She commended Jeju’s policies on plastic reduction, biodiversity protection, and sustainability as models of global action. However, she also advised that any future climate summit should be held at an appropriate scale to minimize environmental footprint and avoid ecological disruption.
Jeju’s story — from traditional haenyeo preserving the ocean to its modern-day climate diplomacy — continues to position the island as a symbol of both heritage and hope in the global climate conversation.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
