Korean actress and variety show darling Song Ji-hyo is trading red carpets for wetsuits in Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure—a new docuseries that promises both breathtaking visuals and emotional depth. Premiering 11 May on BBC Earth and BBC Player, the series is BBC Studios’ first original co-production with Korean broadcaster JTBC, and it puts one of Korea’s most treasured cultural legacies in the spotlight: The haenyeo, or “sea women,” of Jeju Island.
For over 400 years, the haenyeo have practiced a unique tradition of free-diving—often plunging up to 20m with no breathing equipment—to harvest shellfish from the ocean floor (watch Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines). Many of these women are well into their 80s, their strength and stamina shaped by decades of rigorous training and an unshakable connection to the sea. Recognised by UNESCO as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” their way of life is fading—but not forgotten.
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Enter 43-year-old Song Ji-hyo. Inspired by her own aunt, a former haenyeo, the actress embarks on a physically gruelling and emotionally transformative journey to try to join their ranks. The catch? Most haenyeo start training at age eight. Ji-hyo has just one month to catch up on over three decades’ worth of practice.
The three-part series unfolds on the dramatic volcanic shores of Jeju—often dubbed the “Hawaii of Korea”—where Song must master not just diving techniques but the mental and spiritual resilience that defines the haenyeo. “Having the opportunity to directly experience the lives of Jeju Island's sea-faring women and learn their way of life has been a precious opportunity that I'll never forget,” Song says. “Through this series, I hope that audiences in Korea and throughout the world will gain a deeper understanding of the haenyeo community's deep heritage and precious traditions.”
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Expect a visual feast of crashing waves, underwater serenity, and soulful storytelling as Song immerses herself in the rhythm of haenyeo life. With her trademark humility and curiosity, she opens a window into a rarely seen world—and invites us to reflect on the power of tradition, community, and womanhood.
We caught up with Song over Zoom to talk about what surprised her most underwater, what she learned from Korea’s sea women—and how she managed to hold her breath (literally and emotionally) through it all.
Why did you decide to take on such a physically and emotionally demanding project like this documentary?
In my 25 years of acting, I’ve taken on many roles, but I found myself stuck in a repetitive routine. I wanted to challenge something completely new—something I had absolutely no clue about. I wanted to be schooled again, to grow. This was my first time doing a documentary, and it involved the sea, which I love. The project was new, unfamiliar, and yet strangely close to my heart. All three aspects—documentary, sea, and the culture of haenyeo—just clicked for me. There was no reason to say no. It may have sounded dangerous, but I managed to finish it safely.
Did you have any diving training before starting? How did you prepare for the physical demands?
My mom was a swimmer, and she only retired when she found out she was pregnant with me. So, I’ve always joked that I was introduced to water even before I was born. Because of that, I had no fear. But I now realise I was overconfident. I thought, “I’m good with water, so why train?” I focused more on physical strength than on familiarising myself with diving techniques. That was a mistake. Shooting the first episode taught me that confidence alone wouldn’t get me very far.
There’s a moment in the documentary where you're visibly upset. What was going through your mind?
You probably saw me crying. I was angry at myself. I regretted not preparing better. I had underestimated how demanding it would be. But more than that, I felt a huge sense of responsibility. I didn’t want to misrepresent or bring a bad name to the haenyeo. Their lives are so much more than what we see on the surface.
What struck you most about the lives of the haenyeo women?
Their daily routine is beyond admirable. They dive in the early mornings, farm vegetables in the afternoons, take care of their families in the evenings, and sleep just a few hours before repeating it all the next day—for 30 or 40 years. Their physical and mental strength is incredible. They endure so much pain but never show it. What I gained most from this experience is a deep, deep respect for them.
We saw a very raw side of you in this documentary—no make-up, curly hair, childlike joy around dolphins. Was that intentional?
It wasn’t planned at all. I didn’t care about how I looked on TV. I wasn’t trying to show a different side of me. All I cared about was truly becoming a haenyeo. I took this seriously. I didn’t approach it as an actress playing a role—I approached it as Cheon Soo-yeon, my real name, a human being trying her best to become one of them.
Were you worried about sun damage to your skin, being out in the elements all day?
Not really. But when I got back, I realised I was super tanned—and had a few extra freckles! But it was all worth it. I also earned a new skill: sea survival! That felt like a level-up in life.
Do you recommend viewers visit Jeju Island—and where should they go if they want to experience what you did?
Jeju is too beautiful to recommend just one place, but I do highly recommend going to Hadori, home to many of the female divers, where I trained with the haenyeo. You can go to the haenyeo experience centre there, and real haenyeo will train you and even catch sea snails for you. It’s amazing, and I highly recommend you try being a haenyeo for a day!
Stream "Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure" every Sunday from 11 May at 9pm SGT on BBC Player and BBC Earth (StarHub channel 407 and Singtel channel 503).