As soon as these ladies stepped onto the stage, the whole festival crowd on Udo Island surged forward, phones up, smiles wide, I was glad I’d had the foresight to move forward just a bit earlier to sit in front. At a festival celebrating the bounty of turban shells, it was clear: the real stars weren’t just the seafood, but the women of the sea. The most famous locals in Jeju might just be the Haenyeo, the legendary female divers who have worked these waters for centuries. There have been more documentaries and books released about them in the past few years, than I can remember seeing prior. Nothing beats seeing them in person or seeing how the locals celebrate them. Jeju is known for having three things in abundance: wind, rocks, and women. And not just any women — strong, resilient, fearless women who have shaped the island’s history and spirit. Whether they’re catching the creatures of the sea, or preparing them to be eaten (as I showed a couple vids back), or working the land, there’s a lesson in determination here. Follow @thesoulofseoulblog for more views of life on Jeju Island. #우도 #우도가볼만한곳 #udo #jeju #jejuisland #jejutravel #UdoIsland #UdoTurbanShellFestival #SpringInJeju #제14회우도소라축제 #최우수축제 #우도 #udosorafestival #haenyeo #해녀 #koreantraditional #koreantraditionaldance