Life in Ocean's Embrace
David Alan Harvey has been exploring cultural diversity and people's lives for the past 50 years. Now he's in Korea's southern coast to delve into the lives of Korea's fearless sea people. Join the renowned Magum Photos member as he embarks on an expedition to Korea’s largest port city of Busan, Tongyeong, nicknamed the Vienna of Korea, and the city of Geoje.
Haenyeo, the mysterious women of the sea
Waters off Geojedo boast pristine, stunning vistas, deserving of its status as a national marine park. In a small fishing village of Dapori located in Geojedo David finds a special breed of women. They’re the haenyeo, Korea's intrepid female divers who brave icy waters armed with only a wet suit, a pair of goggles and the simplest tools to collect shellfish from the deep. David captures these hard-working women on film.
Dongpirang, a village saved by its murals
Tongyeong is one of the most beautiful port cities in Korea's southern coast. Dongpirang Village sitting atop a hill looking down on the entire city of Tongyeong has long been home to many common folks. But it was on the verge of being razed, because the neighborhood had become dilapidated. But the residents of Dongpirang Village banded together and drew colorful murals not only to save the village from destruction but also to turn it into a must-see attraction in Tongyeong. David joins some village residents to see the nightscape of Tongyeong from Dongpirang.
Oysters, a healthy gift from the winter sea
Tongyeong is Korea’s biggest producer of oysters. The city gets busy in winter as oysters are in peak season around this time of the year. David visits the bustling oyster farms in the early morning hours and the oyster shucking plant where women make the most fun out of what could be a tedious job. Then David samples some of the most delectable oyster dishes.
Busan, the narratives of back street dwellers
Ship repair yards more than a hundred years old, dubbed the general hospital for ships, dot the back streets of Busan Port. Old ships are transformed into new ones and sent out to sea. Also interesting are the narratives of the workers who have spent their lives fixing ships. This neighborhood also houses a shrine where prayers are offered to comfort the souls of those who perished in the seas.
Chungmu Morning Market
Chungmu Morning Market is the oldest marketplace in Busan. Located near Busan Port, the market provides a resting place for sailors who come ashore only once every 15 days as well as a glimpse into the market merchants' fierce struggles to make a decent living. David captures the beautiful scenery of the pre-dawn Busan Port and people whose daily lives begin at the crack of dawn.
