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The Haenyeo women, known to be the "Toughest Women of the World."

These women have lived their entire lives diving without air tanks, into the frigid ocean waves around Jeju Island, South Korea. Daily they dive, either from boats or walking out from the shore. They will spend several hours or a full day diving, then take their harvests of sea urchins and other seafood to the local markets for sale.

Having developed their skills from generation to generation, they are now the last of their kind. Haenyeo are exclusively older women now, with most between the ages of 60 and 80. Very few women between 40 and 60 are Haenyeo, and none are in their 30's. The skill and the way of life dies with these women.

Shooting the Haenyeo is an unforgettable experience. The women are wholly focused on their work. A respectful approach and conversation is required to get photos of the women up close.

These photos were shot on a Rolleiflex 3.5F in the Spring of 2016. Observe the women's strength and beauty,

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