Sung Jung Hee, head of the Guryongpo Fishing Village Cooperative in the town of Guryongpo-eup in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, is one of this year's "100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development" of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. (Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries)

By Jeong Euiseok

A haenyeo (female diver) with 40 years of experience going underwater is on this year's list of "100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development" of the United Nations (U.N.) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries on Oct. 15 said Sung Jung Hee, head of the Guryongpo Fishing Village Cooperative in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, was among the honorees.

In conjunction with the U.N. designation of 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer, the FAO selected the 100 to highlight the leadership and innovative contributions of women who have played key roles in the sustainable development of rural and fishing communities.

The nominees were those active across the agrifood ecosystem, ranging from farmers and fishermen to scientists, entrepreneurs, and representatives from the public sector and civil society. Of the some 600 nominees sent by FAO member states, 100 were selected.

Sung was the lone selection from Korea.

A fisheries worker as well as a haenyeo for approximately 40 years, Sung is a leader of her fishing community, heading the cooperative and the Gyeongbuk Haenyeo Association. Throughout her long diving career, she has sought to improve the welfare and working conditions of her fellow haenyeo, as well as raise awareness of the vital roles and contributions of women in fisheries.

"It is highly meaningful that the traditional know-how and leadership of our haenyeo, who have safeguarded our fishing waters for around 40 years, have gained such high recognition from the international community including the U.N. and the FAO," said Seo Jin-hee, director general of the ministry's International Cooperation Policy Bureau. "We will spare no effort in supporting the preservation and development of our unique haenyeo fishing heritage."

innocence@korea.kr