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K-Haenyeo,” Who Protected the Sea for 40 Years, Selected as One of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s 100 Women of Excellence
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Date
2026.10.20.
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“K-Haenyeo,” Who Protected the Sea for 40 Years, Selected as One of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s 100 Women of Excellence
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister Hwang Jong-woo) announced that Seong Jeong-hee, head of the Guryongpo Fishing Village Association (and president of the Gyeongbuk Haenyeo Association), was officially selected as one of the “100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development” by the UN FAO.
As a United Nations specialized agency established to end hunger and promote food security, FAO selected the 100 Women Talents to highlight the leadership and innovative work of women who have contributed to the sustainable development of rural communities in line with the UN-designated International Year of Women Farmers 2026.
For this year's 100 Women Talents, candidates were recommended from across the agro-fishery food system including farmers, female fishers, community leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs, and public and civil society officials. FAO member countries recommended about 600 people, with 100 ultimately selected after a rigorous screening process. Seong Jeong-hee was the only person from Korea to be included.
Seong is a female fisher and leader of a fishing village community who has worked as a 'haenyeo' (meaning female diver in Korean) for about 40 years, currently serving as the head of the Guryongpo fishing village and the president of the Gyeongbuk Haenyeo Association. Having worked as a haenyeo for many years, she has strived to improve the welfare and working conditions of her fellow haenyeo and has widely publicized the role and contributions of female fishers.
“Haenyeo are eco-friendly marine managers who have protected the ocean by preserving its ecological value while utilizing it. It is very meaningful that the traditional knowledge and leadership of our Haenyeo—who have guarded the field for over 40 years—are exceptionally recognized by the international community including the UN and FAO,” said Seo Jin-hee, Director General of International Cooperation Policy at MOF.
- Discovering female leaders from around the world who have contributed to rural development in celebration of the International Year of Women Farmers 2026
- Seong Jeong-hee, Head of the Guryongpo Fishing Village Association, was the only Korean selected
【Related National Task】120. Realizing a G7 diplomatic powerhouse through contributions to and participation in the international community
- Seong Jeong-hee, Head of the Guryongpo Fishing Village Association, was the only Korean selected
【Related National Task】120. Realizing a G7 diplomatic powerhouse through contributions to and participation in the international community
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister Hwang Jong-woo) announced that Seong Jeong-hee, head of the Guryongpo Fishing Village Association (and president of the Gyeongbuk Haenyeo Association), was officially selected as one of the “100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development” by the UN FAO.
As a United Nations specialized agency established to end hunger and promote food security, FAO selected the 100 Women Talents to highlight the leadership and innovative work of women who have contributed to the sustainable development of rural communities in line with the UN-designated International Year of Women Farmers 2026.
For this year's 100 Women Talents, candidates were recommended from across the agro-fishery food system including farmers, female fishers, community leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs, and public and civil society officials. FAO member countries recommended about 600 people, with 100 ultimately selected after a rigorous screening process. Seong Jeong-hee was the only person from Korea to be included.
Seong is a female fisher and leader of a fishing village community who has worked as a 'haenyeo' (meaning female diver in Korean) for about 40 years, currently serving as the head of the Guryongpo fishing village and the president of the Gyeongbuk Haenyeo Association. Having worked as a haenyeo for many years, she has strived to improve the welfare and working conditions of her fellow haenyeo and has widely publicized the role and contributions of female fishers.
“Haenyeo are eco-friendly marine managers who have protected the ocean by preserving its ecological value while utilizing it. It is very meaningful that the traditional knowledge and leadership of our Haenyeo—who have guarded the field for over 40 years—are exceptionally recognized by the international community including the UN and FAO,” said Seo Jin-hee, Director General of International Cooperation Policy at MOF.
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