Our sumbisori is the innermost sound of the world. It connects us to the future and the past. Our sumbisori allows us first to serve our parents and then our children.”
-- Sun-sil ("Swallowing Water Breath")

Importance: This quote demonstrates the reverence the haenyeo have for their sumbisori, the exhale sound they make upon coming to the surface. The haenyeo's sumbisori is significant because it symbolizes the haenyeo's almost supernatural abilities.

Every woman who enters the sea carries a coffin on her back.
-- Sun-sil ("Swallowing Water Breath")

Importance: Sun-sil states these words to the collective on one of their days diving. They are significant not only because they reflect the danger the haenyeo face every time they dive, but also they demonstrate Sun-sil's strong and fearless leadership style.

When we go to sea, we share the work and the danger…We harvest together, sort together, and sell together, because the sea itself is communal.
-- Sun-sil ("Swallowing Water Breath")

Importance: This quote demonstrates the unity of the...