Lessons from Jeju | Freediving and Motherhood with Kimi Werner | Patagonia

Seven months pregnant and apprehensive of the effect motherhood would have on her career as a professional freediver, Kimi Werner took a trip to the island of Jeju in South Korea to meet her heroes, the haenyeo - a group of freediving and fishing women often regarded as Korea’s first working mother’s whose culture dates back centuries.
Expecting her first child, Kimi will explore how the haenyeo represent feminine strength and resilience as a self sufficient sisterhood of diving mothers and grandmothers. As Kimi transitions from a solo underwater adventurist to a mother cultivating a family, she longs to learn from the haenyeo elders - many of which are well into their 70’s and continue to dive.
Join Kimi on her journey in Lessons from Jeju, where she gains a deeper understanding of what it means to pass on her own legacy and learns motherhood for a professional athlete isn’t a roadblock but instead a path forward.
Directed by Nicole Gormley
DP/Editor: Chris Naum
Underwater DP: Justin Turkowski
Audio/Translator: Nancy Kwon
Produced by: Backroads Pictures
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At Patagonia, we appreciate that all life on earth is under threat of extinction. We’re using the resources we have-our business, our investments, our voice and our imaginations-to do something about it.

[@blueemu9725]

I'm a father of four. My wife... oh my, my wife.. this video brought tears to my eyes because she feels very much that her desires have expired, and it breaks my heart. Women are SO STRONG! It's a hidden strength that very few people (men such as myself) can truly empathize with. This made me want to be a better husband, father, and supporter of my wife's dreams and ambitions. Kimi, you're a real hero to me. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to hear this story. Thank you

[@tahnieg1083]

You sound like a wonderful husband and a great team with your wife, I'm sure with some inspiration she will reignite her desires. 🌊

[@jackdean3717]

Likewise.... What the AzulEmu Said... Brilliant 🤙🏽🤙🏽 An Kimi as always envy and inspiration 🙏🏽🐳 Bless these sacred waters and all those whom she embrace . Ah'o

[@sand7800]

I first saw them when I was 17, and have been mesmerized ever since. I am now a marine scientist because I was first inspired by them.

[@elijahmedrano9217]

How’d you go about becoming one?

[@brahnini]

this video is the reason why i started freediving and why i’m studying to be a marine scientist

[@jlalijawhar5799]

Just waw

[@elizabethmcleod246]

That’s amazing. They inspire me to.

[@outofmind_surfingoomsurfin1709]

Shout out to Patagonia for sharing "Haenyeo" culture in Jeju Island, South Korea.

[@patagonia]

Our pleasure!

[@kimcheezy3433]

@Babushkiable Don't you have something better to do with your time? Go scream at the sky somewhere else. What a sad person you are. You could learn a lot about humility and integrity from the wonderful Haenyeo of Jeju. ✌️

[@Minsang1st]

Babushkiable boohoo what a miracle that two regions that have had cultural and human exchange for millenniums have similar aspects in their culture. I’ve never seen that before anywhere in the world. Grow up and read a little more dude. Everything in japan came from china and korea if you wanna think of it that way and japan has no originality of their own. Cultures move and become localized and turn into something else that is their own, just like how things like karate and ramen are very much japanese things although their histories are pretty short.

[@stephen_x]

@Babushkiable Hilarious opinion 🤣

[@dsads4187]

@Babushkiable if you study history of jeju you won't say that there are history of them since 14cen it doesn't came from anything many male are dead cause of sea so girls who left sent to sea. not that it came from something they have to go sea. also it is hard condition of farming so sea was the only answer

[@mollydavisyoga]

Last year I read "Island of Sea Women" by Lisa See. I just stumbled across the novel and it made a huge impact on me for so many different reason....more knowledge about the history of South Korea, the Korean war, that this island and the people exist, and this island has been run by women for decades!!! So beautiful!!! I had tears rolling down my cheek through the whole show. Beautiful story!! Thank you, Patagonia, Thank you, Kimi! Thank you to the haenyeo!!

[@patagonia]

Thank you so much for watching Molly!

[@TheHahaha247]

100% if this movie interested you, I also suggest to read Lisa See's book. Beautiful women and great story telling.

[@yeoni3560]

I’ve seen that book at a local library here in Canada but never read it. It seems quite interesting. As a South Korean, I’ve never met Haenyeo (sea women) in person nor did I even explore Jeju island deep enough as I only visited for a very short moment. Thank you for sharing your experience with that book.

[@earth3planet103]

Mommy I love you and I want to say thank you

[@miekefairhurst7891]

Another amazing book on the haenyeo is White Chrysanthemum set in WWII, if anyone is interested in reading more

[@kimiwerner]

I can't wait!

[@nicolegormley1745]

me too :)

[@kino1298]

Still 5 days left. Cannot wait

[@jennifergalvin9133]

Really looking forward to this, Kimi!

[@nicholassinclair4589]

Super beautiful piece and people. Very inspiring to say the least. Congratulations on your and your husband’s film and baby. 2 babies? Congrats to the rest of the crew and women featured as well!

[@liam4169]

Kimi Werner it was brilliant kimi, hope you can get back into the water soon :) ❤️

[@patagonia]

Thanks so much for tuning into the premiere and happy Mother's Day everyone! Hopefully you enjoyed. We'll be going on Instagram Live tomorrow at the same time 5pm PDT with the director Nicole Gormley on the patagonia_surf instagram and Kimi on hers. Send any questions to their instagram accounts that you want hear about!

[@stephaniechao9377]

Can English be added as a CC option please for English-reading Deaf folks?

[@Jinicos]

Oh wow! I'm from Jeju and my grandma used to be haenyeo. I'm currently living in Dublin and it feels strange to see english speakers talking about something from my hometown haha. Amazing video tho! thanks for showing this to the world. Hope everybody here get chance to visit Jeju :)

[@joanchristison-lagay6351]

I lived in Korea for two years and was amazed by the strength of many Korean women. The Haenyeo of Jeju rise to the top of an already impressive body of strong women.

[@medeainparis]

As a woman, mom and landlocked diver, this tender film speaks to me. Know where your food comes from and honor that. Touch the places where the sun kissed your face and be thankful. Most of all, know that being a mom changes you, yes, but for the better and in ways you can only imagine. Happy Mother's Day, and thank you for this, Kimi.

[@user-ev7hk8lb6p]

Wow, I'm from Korea and I've never seen such a cool video about Haenyeos. Great job Patagonia!

[@patagonia]

Thank you so much!

[@humblemumble410]

한국에서도 많이 다뤘는데.. 못봤다니 아쉽

[@user-yi2rj4zt7u]

전 제주에 살고 있는데요~~~ 멋진 영상입니다 제주해녀분들의 희생으로 제주가 있는거죠~~~

[@bigoof9486]

This is so wholesome. Every one of them are so excited to talk to her, tell their story, and their love for the ocean. You can see the joy in their eyes and smiles of what they do.

[@tomkwon1440]

Jeju is like the only place in Korea with a dialect different enough from the rest of the Korean dialects that I, a Korean, had to read the English subtitles to understand what they were saying.

[@user-pn1kc1oo8i]

ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@tmon583]

?? 잘 이해되는뎅

[@naomi8305]

I had a roomate from Jeju once...and wow I couldn’t understand what she’s saying when she was talking with her friends from there !

[@user-dh9hq5nu3x]

Naomii305 hahahah yeah its kinda hard for me to understand too lmao

[@junkka83]

I had no problem understanding them. It was pretty much standard Korean. The real Jeju dialect is rarely spoken these days.

[@alexsagormley7435]

Such a powerful film! These women are the role models our society needs more of

[@katierichardson6146]

We need this more than ever 🙏💙

[@eddyeun-sukkim7204]

@Babushkiable Do you really want to talk about the history between Korea and Japan? Are you serious?

[@tifcvan]

These women seem to be the same age as my mom! After watching this I'm reminded that sometimes men may be stronger in physical strength, but women are almost always tougher. Great vid Patagucci!

[@samjwa1989]

Thanks to Patagonia for showing my hometown!! In Boston, I am missing everything about JEJU so much. I understand every word they are talking to each other. It reminds me of my grandma. How beautiful and friendly they are.

[@ashleyunderwood4855]

I am in awe. These women are amazing and inspirational.

[@shielapaguilaman7745]

Such a beautifully made and empowering film. These ladies are legends.

[@alyssaulama]

Teary eyed after watching this. There is so much strength and beauty in what the Haenyeo women do. I pray their tradition lives on. Would love to have the opportunity to meet and dive with them one day. Very inspiring ❤️

[@dawnrowan8327]

Wonderful!!! I’m so inspired by these women. I am 56 years old and feel like I am just getting started in living my best life. There is so much power and beauty and resilience in being fearless, whatever that looks like for each Soul!

[@relativXY]

This story is one of the most beautiful ones I've seen in a long time. I can relate to the fear of not being this individual anymore, which I know and I love to be and instead just becoming a loving and caring mom. In my opinion, there must be a way to be both at the same time.

[@shawnmurakawa206]

Just amazing women and so happy I actually got to see them work in person. Proud to be a part Korean woman.😊

[@forcepull33]

Always find beauty in truth and I'm so glad Patagonia supports and exposes these beautiful people. Inspiring!

[@eongmaengjinchang]

국뽕에 취한다 .... 찍어 주셔서 감사합니다 멋진 제주

[@seok_ryu]

BrightGraphy 좀만 기다려주시고 홍보 많이 부탁드려요!!!

[@eongmaengjinchang]

@@seok_ryu 드디어 나왔네여 ㅠㅠ

[@bbansta]

인스타 스토리 보고 왔지 모얌

[@esterradai9227]

A powerful film So much ❤ from israel Happy mother day

[@brendanmemmott1597]

I lived in Korea and love free diving myself! I'm a man but despite that I would love nothing more than to spend the day diving with these amazing Korean woman. Bucket list item for sure, if they'd allow me to go with them If you liked the video, give the book, 'Island of Sea Women' a chance! Its a wonderful book that goes in depth on the day to day lives of the haenyo as they find balance in diving and motherhood.

[@diyfreediver]

Congratulations, Kimi! You certainly chose the best company to be with during your transition to motherhood!

[@vanzijlp]

What an inspiration, for all women out there: "Run with the wolves!" Thank you, Kimi and the divers that inspired you....

[@captainheather]

Crying now... thanks Kimi and Patagonia for capturing!

[@user-hy4bg5og9u]

Such a wonderful women and Jeju island. Thanks for making this film.

[@trdtrek3717]

Babushkiable .... Whatever dude!

[@manakalaala]

Babushkiable 日本の歴史って長くは無いじゃん

[@werhope4world]

It's totally touched and inspired to me as a woman who is worrying about a career after having a baby. Thanks, Patagonia and Haenyeo.

[@matthewappleby8026]

This is simply an outstanding short film. Seen similar documentaries about women divers from South Korea before but this programme was a wonderful piece of filming. I’m passionate about the ocean and was totally absorbed.

[@antbco]

The world needs more of this!

[@pruiz9045]

This shows the great beauty of humankind, that’s what we need to see these days excellent work!

[@spencerbybee3018]

Just watched this with my daughter...special time. Loved the movie and message.

[@radiancewithin951]

So beautiful. Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible mom's out there!

[@izzymmm]

Thank you Patagonia and Kimmi for bringing these awe inspiring women and their culture to light. 💕🙏

[@fingerluck]

Trully salute to all Ama chan (female divers) that still off to the ocean make a living looking for abalone and sea urchin. Thanks always Kimi for always inspiring. Mahalo

[@Noma37]

Thank you for introducing Jeju. I've never seen such a beautiful introduction video. There are many sacrifices and pains, but I respect them.

[@gustavoandrade4710]

wow, amazing film ! ... that the man knows that the woman is stronger than we think ...

[@autumnskye5882]

These women are so Inspiring!! Love the sisterhood. I grew up near the ocean and love and there’s nothing that compares to its energy.

[@michaelenelmar]

Thank you so much.

[@MatjazKostrevc]

Inspiration, real divers. Great story !

[@jigmelhamo4270]

I had the privilege of meeting some Haenyo when I was in Jeju. Some of the most resilient, weathered, and kindest smiles I had ever been met with ❤️ thank you for sharing a glimpse, I hope we get to see more

[@christinaongyt]

Kimi, congratulations! This short film is so touching. Thank you for making this. Love to all the women and men in this video!

[@BSmithPPG]

An inspiration, and proof that a woman does not have to give up the beauty and miracle of having children to pursue passions in life. We need more mothers like this in the world, who champion the importance of motherhood and the beauty it brings into the world.

[@kimiwerner]

B Smith agree!

[@franceschoun4665]

I have seen a few films featuring about the Haenyo women, but this was a most beautiful cinematic treat! Thank you Kimi and your family to celebrate the Haenyo in Jeju! The strength and beauty of this story made my day!

[@kimyongbum3547]

너무나 아름다워서 눈물이 흘러내리는 시 한 편을 보았네요. 정말 아름다운 영상과 소리입니다.

[@Rockmanner1234]

It's the incredible story with Jeju's the mom diver and I respect all parents in the world. It's the family month in May so it would be great if call our parent right now.

[@user-jj5jf7kl6f]

As a person who lives in Jeju island, As a person who has a friend who has a Jeju haenyeo as a mother, Thank you very much for this movie. Mother is the one who can be stronger and stronger than anyone else in the world. And it is Jeju Haenyeo who can feel strong mother. Also, thank you for showing the beautiful scenery of Jeju so beautifully. When the pandemic infection of this corona19-virus is over, please come to Jeju and enjoy the beautiful nature. Although I live in Jeju because of my work, Jeju Island is really beautiful and I want to live for a long time, and it is a recommended travel destination. 제주에 살고 있는 사람으로서, 제주해녀를 어머니로 둔 친구를 가진 사람으로서 , 이 영화 깊은 감사와 찬사를 보냅니다 이세상 누구보다도 더 강하고 강해질수 있는 사람이 바로 어머니 입니다. 그리고 그 강인함을 잘 느낄수 있는 어머니들이 바로 제주해녀 입니다.

[@michaelpence468]

Great presentation! Thanks for your dedication to Motherhood and diving.

[@sosopark3522]

가슴 뭉클한 영상이에요. 모든 어머니들께 존경을!! 그리고 제주에만 해녀가 있는게 아니라 부산에도 많았고 영동지역 해변가에도 다들 있으셨어요! 마지막까지 제주해녀분들이 남아 있어서 그렇죠! 부산은 이제 해녀분들이 없다네요~!

[@haotoeee]

Got the chance to meet these amazing haenyeos in 2016! Can't wait for this!

[@cJeremy]

as a Korean, these women are the pride of South Korea... so much respect.

[@hilaryheijmen3005]

I also read Lisa See's book. Amazing story of courage and tenacity.

[@Antonio-nn5ot]

This is one of the best docs I have seen! Biblical!

[@Fpl8646]

Why doesn’t this video have 100M views? This is amazing. I wish there were a way for me to learn free diving and spear fishing in my country 😞

[@endlessummermaui8995]

wow just amazing views from women and of the world. A perfect Mothers day movie...so beautiful...

[@VRMediaI]

We all become part of the story, our consciousness momentarily entwined in the care for the lives of others.. Beautifully filmed, framed, music score and edited.

[@Leoslady]

I desperately want to visit Jeju after watching this and the drama, Our Blues. I am in awe of the haenyeos. Learning about their history and the way they support each other is just inspiring. I am planning a trip to South Korea, and Jeju was the first place I added in my list of stops.

[@jpallen719]

We love you kimmy! You will be a great mom, what a experience it will be, passing on what you know:)

[@felipeduque4620]

Many mahalos Kimi for sharing your love and wisdom for the ocean, and for showing the world that anyone who dares to look into a new frontier, can also be a part of the ultimate experience…, Yemayá on one breath🤙🏼

[@swy0921]

영상이 너무 아름답습니다 ㅎㅎ 고마워요 파타고니아! Thank you Patagonia!

[@radian8554]

The last message is impressive. Thank you for the beautiful video

[@svetlanakim-pacher5200]

Inspiring and beautiful!

[@chadtetzlaff9556]

I'm so thankful for teams of creatives that put together films like these in order to tell stories that matter. So thankful for all of the incredible women in my life.

[@SaraKo]

These women inspire strength and resilience! Can’t wait to watch it

[@ninalab88]

This is beautiful, thank you Kimi. Brought tears to my eyes, thank you for being a source of inspiration. Much love.

[@seungdaelee8299]

My favorite brand..!!! Respect this company because they love nature and the people around the world.

[@pelind.768]

So happy to watch you again. It is an amazing film. Thank you for the feelings and information you conveyed. Love from Bodrum, Turkey.

[@fentyt2012]

absolutely beautiful. i need to make Jeju island on my bucketlist top visit👌🏻 and of course fresh conch dishes

[@user-xe2ee3mq9s]

Such a powerful and inspiring film!! Thank you so much for sharing beautiful Haenyeo culture to the world

[@lilinoeysmith4955]

Here from Kimi’s channel 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@JP-kb8sd]

What a beautiful short video on my mother country! Haenyeo translates to 'sea woman' in Korean, if anyone was wondering :)

[@kdh11111]

This is why I love Patagonia. Thank you guys for everything :)

[@juliablandford5211]

Ugh this is absolutely, absolutely so beautiful. Loved this, thank you Patagonia

[@patagonia]

Thank you so much!

[@eugenierochefort9844]

So inspiring and beautiful, thank you 🙏

[@PavolJr]

Well done Nicole and the entire team! The quality of visuals and audio is next level. Storytelling is also 10/10 thank you for sharing 😁

[@ashleyunderwood4855]

How AWESOME is this??? Fellow woman diver and ocean lover here and I love what these women do and represent. Respect from Texas, USA.❤️❤️❤️

[@sharonbonnemazou4773]

Looking forward to it. 5 hours to go!

[@carolewarner101]

Beautiful. I had the great privilege of visiting Jeju Island in 2010 and saw the Haenyeo women diver's museum. I also saw some of them cleaning their harvest on the beaches one day. What an honor to actually get to go out with them for the harvest and hear all their stories, experience and wisdom...

[@zenyoon]

I'd like to say Thank you Kimi & Pantagonia for capturing & sharing my culture! I'm Korean and this reminded me how beautiful and strong those Haenyos are. 'Haenyo' is quite forgotten and the culture is disappearing these days. But I know that free diving in Korea is getting more popular and hope this culture continues.

[@patagonia]

Thank you too!

[@user-ss1ne2sv3l]

와~우연히 봤어요~ㅎ 영어보다 우리나라말을 더 못 알아 듣겠어요~ㅎㅎ제주도방언! 넘넘 감동적이네요..^^

[@rickythemummy]

These mama's are miracles True blessings that needed to be shared with the world. Thank you for this video.

[@JustMorals]

Thank you for creating and sharing this. Truly humbling seeing just a glimpse of what the hard work they put in for food.

[@patagonia]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@HambaAllah76544]

Thank you for this amazing film!!!

[@k3athry3n]

Amazing piece! Honest and vulnerable and moving. Thank you Kimi for your courage in sharing your journey into motherhood with the world. And thank you to the Haenyeo for being aquatic heroes.

[@kimiwerner]

Thank you so much Kathryn!

[@patagonia]

We love you Kat - grom

[@ml242]

this film is a gift, thank you.

[@darkknightwithanidea1845]

Masterpiece of film making. Thank you.

[@caseyyang4322]

Reminds me of my mom and the strength she had. Love this video, thank you.

[@bodhi821345]

What a wonderful film! Thank you for sharing.

[@jdawg8157]

This is great keep them coming I sincerely appreciate it.

[@pkjoesd]

I am from Jeju Island. I lived on a tangerine farm 10 minutes from a fishing village. I always saw the diving women whenever we went into the village. Pretty awesome to see this film and see these amazing women recognized.

[@chnm0708]

Reminder set. On my calendar!!

[@100peeper]

Looking forward to this documentary.

[@rooracer78]

What an amazing story/ doco. Beautiful.

[@mastaminch]

Simply put this was beautiful and amazing to watch. Amazing work from everyone involved!

[@SumrSurf]

I love watching Kimi she is such an inspiration. The Korean ladies as well.amazing.

[@kimiwerner]

SumrSurf thank you so much!

[@SumrSurf]

@@kimiwerner Thanks KImi , You should come to Southern Japan next time round for a little look..

[@eugenepark8636]

A magical world so well-portrayed! Thanks Patagonia!

[@ExhaleYogaRetreats]

Congrats Nicole and everyone involved in this project!! Love it!!

[@heeyul1]

I am not good at English, so I got help from Google translation. Jeju haenyeo may have been a necessity of survival. Before 1900, Jeju was isolated by the government and there was no traffic. I had to live with the people of the island itself, and I relied on fishing and some agriculture. As the majority of people are engaged in fishing, many husbands have died in accidents such as typhoons and weather changes, and countless mothers have become haenyeo for the family's livelihood. It may be a little different from the present, but it's still a tradition in that history. Perhaps the mother's infinite sacrifice for her family is the history of the birth of Jeju haenyeo.