I wanted to share some welcome news today for the Jeju haenyeo who have spent decades watching over the sea around Jeju Island, South Korea.
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Jeju City Oceans and Fisheries Division are currently running a haenyeo retirement allowance support program.
It was created to help active haenyeo age 75 and older retire safely.
The benefit provides $362 per month for 3 years to help replace lost income.
Source: Official Jeju City blog
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Program name |
Elderly Haenyeo Retirement Allowance |
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Application start date |
July 6, 2026 |
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Payment amount |
$362 per month |
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Payment period |
For 3 years starting from retirement |
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Total support amount |
Up to $13,032 |
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Applications now open |
Rolling applications are open in the second half of 2026 |
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Contact |
Jeju City Oceans and Fisheries Division |
064-728-3364 |
Jeju City is operating this program to help Jeju haenyeo mothers wrap up a lifetime of diving work safely by filling the income gap that can come after retirement.
The core purpose of this program is to prevent safety accidents caused by pushing through difficult diving work and to support a more stable life after retirement.
Since it pays $362 every month for 3 years, the total support adds up to $13,032.
Because the goal is to ease the burden of losing income after retirement, the haenyeo retirement allowance is not just a one-time payment. It is best understood as 3 years of ongoing income support.
Source: Official Jeju City blog
Eligibility requirements and required documents
To apply for the haenyeo retirement allowance, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements.
The most basic requirement is age. Applicants must be active haenyeo age 75 or older. That is required.
In addition, applicants must belong to a fishing village association that can verify recent diving work records. That is also required.
And proof of actual diving work historyis especially important.
Details on required documents can be provided through the applicant’s fishing village association or the relevant department.
Source: Official Jeju City blog
Elderly haenyeo retirement allowance application method and important notes
Rolling applications are currently open for the second half of 2026.
You can get guidance through the Jeju City Hall department in charge, your local eup, myeon, or dong community service center for your registered address, or your fishing village association.
After you apply, your age, diving work record, and other qualifications will be reviewed before final approval, and the allowance is paid only after the recipient is officially confirmed. Once you begin receiving the haenyeo retirement allowance, you will officially give up your status as an active haenyeo.
That means returning to diving work later is not allowed.
So if you are applying after deciding to retire but think you may want to resume diving in the future, it would be wise to consider the decision carefully before moving forward.
I really hope this kind of support continues so that the haenyeo who have protected the sea around Jeju for so long can enjoy a more comfortable life after retirement.
If you know an eligible haenyeo elder in your community, please make sure to share this news with her.
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