We ate this. (Be sure to play the video.)
Before:
After:
More proof:
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- Looks delicious, right?
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- Paired with the perfect beverage.
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- And a beautiful view!
These were caught by the Haenyeo, Jeju’s lady free divers. We saw them in action yesterday. The women of Jeju have been doing this for centuries…diving with no oxygen tanks, gathering seaweed, shellfish (conch, abalone), octopus, anything edible. They share their catch and the profits. They can hold their breath for up to two minutes and work year-round, despite the weather. Many of the Hanyeo are 60 or older. No offense, Mom, but I can’t imagine you and the aunties doing this. But maybe you should try it?
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- Everyday, they do a show for the tourists. Sing a song and demonstrate their trade.
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- After the song, they head to the water.
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- Like 3 old friends at the pool.
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- And they are pretty old…
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- Then into the water to catch lunch!
We ate two abalone and a conch. Added a bit of soy or hot sauce and it was sushi! Slightly chewy and rubbery sushi, almost crunchy in the case of the conch. But it was a fun experience and we supported the Haenyeo, who were very nice. They gave John a conch shell!
werefinemom.com 
DIS. GUST. ING.
Just got turned on to your blog by Scooter Johns. Excellent! I was also in Jeju but in much hotter months of this year. I think you picked a great time to go! If you have any interest in walking part of the Jeju Olle Trail, I have a good English-speaking contact there who volunteers for the trail. Enjoy!
Truly incredible! What a fantastic experience. Maybe something to consider once your year long adventure is over? I think you can hold your breath for at least two minutes….
Amazing!
I want to be a Jeju lady diver when I grow up!