Young-sook

When the novel opens, Young-sook is 15. Physically, Young-sook is skinny, “jagged, rough, all edges, but useful and no-nonsense” (35) from living in the harsh environment of Hado. Young-sook’s most positive attributes are her practicality, her ability to work hard, and her concern for her family. She is tied to her mother and follows her life in the sea, and she works hard in the fields as well. As a young person and even into her adulthood, she is always hungry, explaining this phenomenon as a result of her diving in cold waters and working in the fields. She states, “the work combined with constant shivering…ate whatever stores I had in my body faster than I could replenish them” (85).

When Sun-sil, her mother, dies, Young-sook supports her father and siblings by diving and growing vegetables. Although she is fearful as a young haenyeo, Young-sook grows strong and becomes...