Hyundai Heavy Group Practices ESG by Supporting Eco-Friendly Haenyeo Uniforms

Collaboration with Local Companies to Produce Biodegradable Diving Suits
Donation of Diving Suits Worth 24.42 Million KRW to Haenyeo in Dong-gu, Ulsan

Divers wearing eco-friendly diving suits provided by Hyundai Heavy Industries Group to haenyeo in the Dong-gu area of Ulsan. Photo by Hyundai Heavy Industries

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] As part of its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management activities, Hyundai Heavy Industries Group practiced sharing to preserve local traditional culture and protect the ecosystem.

On the 7th, Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and Hyundai Heavy Industries held an "Eco-friendly Haenyeo Diving Suit Delivery Ceremony" near the Ulsan Dong-gu Sound Experience Center and donated 37 haenyeo diving suits worth 24.42 million KRW to the Ulsan Dong-gu Comprehensive Social Welfare Center.

At the delivery ceremony, Lee Young-deok, Executive Director of Hyundai Heavy Industries, Lee Jeong-seok, Director of Ulsan Dong-gu Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, Lee Hyang-mi, CEO of Namo (NAMO), Kim Ok-ja, CEO of Haewang Diving Suits, along with haenyeo representatives from Ulsan Dong-gu?Kim Eun-soon from Jujeon-gye and Go Bok-ja from Bangojin-gye?attended.

The "Haenyeo (海女)," who harvest seafood underwater with minimal tools, were designated as a National Intangible Cultural Asset in May 2017, encompassing the skills, knowledge, and rituals passed down through generations. Ulsan is the region with the second-largest number of haenyeo after Jeju nationwide, with an estimated 190 haenyeo active in Ulsan Dong-gu.

The diving suits that help haenyeo maintain body temperature in cold seawater have traditionally been made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber material. This material does not decompose easily, is difficult to recycle, and has been criticized for its negative environmental impact.

In response, Hyundai Heavy Industries Group collaborated with local youth startups such as "Namo," traditional haenyeo suit manufacturer "Haewang Diving Suits," and other small business owners in Ulsan to produce and support haenyeo diving suits made from "Yulex," an eco-friendly rubber material derived from plants.

Notably, the fabric used in these diving suits was developed by the American company Yulex. It offers excellent elasticity, durability, and thermal insulation, aiding haenyeo in their free diving fishing activities. Additionally, it is biodegradable in soil, minimizing environmental impact. The suits were designed as separate tops and bottoms for ease of putting on and taking off, and were custom-made to fit each haenyeo’s body shape, considering their convenience and mobility.

A representative from Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering stated, "The eco-friendly haenyeo suit support project holds great significance as a social contribution combining stakeholder-centered ESG activities, regional economic revitalization, and ecosystem protection."

Meanwhile, Hyundai Heavy Industries Group established "Future From the Ocean" as its ESG management vision last year and announced the slogan "Beyond Blue, Forward to Green." Starting this summer, the group is striving to spread ESG culture throughout its management by introducing eco-friendly work uniforms made from yarn recycled from PET bottles collected within the company.