Does Haenyeo Have a Michelin Star?

The haenyeo, or female divers of Jeju Island, have been a source of fascination for many tourists and travellers to South Korea. For centuries, the women have braved the cold waters of the ocean in pursuit of shellfish, seaweed and other bounty from the sea. The haenyeo are an integral part of Jeju Island’s culture and history and have become a symbol of female resilience in Korea.

The hard work and dedication of the haenyeo has been recognised around the world, with UNESCO awarding them with World Intangible Cultural Heritage status in 2016. This recognition has led to increased interest in the cuisine that these women produce, as well as an increase in tourism to Jeju Island.

The haenyeo’s cuisine is renowned for its simplicity and freshness. Their dishes are often made with ingredients sourced directly from their dives, such as abalone, clams and razor clams. These ingredients are cooked with minimal seasoning for maximum flavour, making for a unique culinary experience.

As interest in haenyeo cuisine continues to grow, there has been speculation that it could be worthy of a Michelin Star. Michelin Stars are awarded to restaurants that demonstrate exceptional quality in their food, service and atmosphere. While there are no restaurants on Jeju Island that currently hold a Michelin Star, some believe that haenyeo cuisine could be up to standard.

Conclusion:

While haenyeo cuisine is renowned for its freshness and high quality ingredients, it is still yet to receive a Michelin Star rating. Whether or not it will ever achieve this status remains to be seen but there is certainly potential for it to do so. For now though, the haenyeo continue to provide an invaluable service to Jeju Island’s culture and economy.