Old Hara Unveils VR Tribute to Jeju Haenyeo
United States-based Old Hara Studios has announced the development of a virtual reality (VR) game inspired by the Jeju Haenyeo culture, a tradition recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The project, titled Jeju’s Wave: Haenyeo School, aims to blend immersive media education with authentic cultural representation, potentially ushering the centuries-old diving practices of Jeju’s women divers into the global digital sphere.
Headquartered in North Carolina, Old Hara Studios specialises in immersive media technologies, including VR, augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and extended reality (XR). The company has built its reputation on producing educational content that addresses environmental and climate themes through interactive experiences. The latest endeavour marks its first major foray into cultural storytelling using game mechanics.
The inspiration for the Jeju Haenyeo–the island’s famed female divers- emanated from the studio’s representative, who first encountered Jeju in 2020. During a personal visit, the founder adopted two stray dogs from the island and subsequently developed a profound interest in its cultural heritage. Intrigued by the resilience and community ethos of the Haenyeo, the executive enrolled at Hansupul Haenyeo School in May 2025 to study both diving techniques and the wider social customs that underpin this unique maritime profession.
The game narrative follows the journey of “Eun Ji,” a young woman who abandons her urban career to train as a haenyeo on Jeju. Designed as an adventure-simulation, the experience guides players through successive lessons in breath control, underwater foraging, and the communal rituals that bind the diving cohorts. Players will navigate realistic sea-bed environments, interact with local instructors, and master the traditional tools and songs that support Haenyeo dives. The demo version has been completed, and the team is targeting a full release in 2026.
In recent meetings with Jeju Island authorities, Old Hara Studios presented its educational aims and the technical roadmap for integrating motion tracking, haptic feedback, and spatial audio to recreate authentic underwater sensations. The studio emphasised its commitment to accuracy, having engaged local cultural advisers and participated in hands-on training with seasoned haenyeo. Jeju’s provincial government has pledged logistical and promotional support throughout the development process, with officials noting that the game could raise international awareness of the island’s living heritage.
By marrying advanced XR technologies with a focus on cultural preservation, Old Hara Studios seeks to offer both entertainment and enlightenment. Users will gain an appreciation for the physical demands of free-diving without oxygen tanks, the environmental knowledge that haenyeo pass down through generations, and the communal solidarity that sustains their practice. The educational component is woven into gameplay milestones, encouraging players to reflect on marine conservation and the importance of traditional environmental stewardship.
Analysts suggest that this venture could set a precedent for how indigenous and local traditions are showcased in digital formats. If successful, Jeju’s Wave: Haenyeo School may inspire similar projects worldwide, where UNESCO-listed customs find new audiences through interactive simulations. Beyond commercial prospects, Old Hara Studios envisions partnerships with cultural institutions to ensure that the game remains a respectful homage rather than a mere entertainment product.
With the global VR market projected to expand significantly over the coming years, the timing appears propitious. Old Hara Studios plans to conduct user-testing sessions on Jeju Island in late 2025, inviting both local residents and international visitors to experience early builds. Feedback will inform the final development phase, which emphasises accessibility features, multilingual support, and supplementary documentary content on Haenyeo history.
Through this innovative blend of technology and tradition, Old Hara Studios aims to give Jeju’s Haenyeo a “digital wing,” enabling their remarkable heritage to dive into the virtual realm and capture the imagination of audiences across the globe.
