BBC Studios announced on April 23 that audiences across Asia will be the first to watch “Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure,” which will premiere on BBC Earth in Asia on May 11. 

The docuseries stars Korean actress Song Ji-hyo, known for the longest running Korean variety show “Running Man,” as she undertakes the greatest challenge of her life: free diving with the legendary haenyeo or sea women in South Korea’s famous Jeju Island.

“Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure” (BBC Studios)

The show is the first original co-production between BBC Studios and Korean media company JTBC. 

“Haenyeo” refers to the legendary women divers in Jeju Island in South Korea whose culture has been inscribed in 2016 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

The haenyeo are keepers of a precious tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation for at least 400 years. 

Every day, these incredible women  risk their lives by plunging up to 20 metres to the seafloor without air apparatus or advanced equipment, to gather shellfish for their families and their livelihood.

Across three visually spectacular episodes, “Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure” documents Song Ji-hyo on an adventure like no other, as she subjects herself to the intensive training necessary to become one of Korea’s legendary sea women.

Song Ji-hyo’s aunt was a haenyeo and she is fascinated by the inspiring aquatic abilities and charisma of her relatives. 

“Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure” (BBC Studios)

However, most haenyeo start their training in the sea at the age of eight but Song Ji-hyo will have to cram over 30 years’ worth of training into just a month. 

She will not only need to exercise her body but also prepare her mind – it’s a high-stakes adventure that will reveal an unseen side to both Song Ji-hyo and Korea.

“Working on this series has been a very special and meaningful journey for me, and I'm sincerely delighted to be able to share this experience with viewers around the world. Having the opportunity to directly experience the lives of Jeju Island's haenyeo women and learn their way of life has been a precious opportunity that I'll never forget in my lifetime. Through this series, I hope that audiences in Korea and throughout the world will gain a deeper understanding of the haenyeo community's deep heritage and precious traditions,” said Song Ji-hyo.

All of this unfolds against the backdrop of Jeju, Korea’s breathtakingly beautiful southernmost island. 

This stunning volcanic landscape – often called the “Korean Hawaii” – conceals a complex history. 

Once a savage penal colony that people longed to escape, it has now become one of Korea’s most coveted travel destinations. By immersing herself in the haenyeo way of life, Song Ji-hyo will uncover hidden secrets about their culture, their home, and the limits of her own abilities. All in the hope that they will eventually accept her as their newest recruit.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with JTBC on our first original co-production together to celebrate the incredible lives of the haenyeo divers and immerse audiences in Song Jihyo’s most personal and demanding challenge,” said Ryan Shiotani, senior vice president of Content at BBC Studios Asia. 

He added, “At BBC Studios, we consistently have the unique privilege to work with the best in the business, and with expert camera work and Song Ji-hyo’s down-to-earth charm, this series is no different. We can’t wait to give viewers in Asia, and across the world, a deeper appreciation of Korea’s deep cultural heritage, like never before.”

Huh Jin, JTBC content production director said, ”’Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure’ is a documentary series that delicately captures the strong spirit and way of life of Jeju’s haenyeo. This co-production with BBC Studios was more than just a show—it was a meaningful first step to share Korea’s precious culture with the world. We are delighted to be able to bring the story of Jeju’s haenyeo with a global audience. JTBC will continue to connect with viewers around the world through original Korean content.”

Watch the premiere of “Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure” on BBC Earth every Sunday, from May 11 at 9 p.m., available on Cignal channel 245.

“Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure” (BBC Studios)