SOOM B
Flowcell scooter for HaeNyeo
2016
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Refurbish 2019
Designed by Minwoo Kim & Hyungju Do
Project Type: Personal Project
Jeju Haenyeo, the women divers of Jeju Island in South Korea, are recognized as an important cultural heritage and have been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. However, their population has significantly declined in recent years due to ongoing safety risks and diving-related accidents.
Soom-B reinterprets the traditional taewak and mangsari, essential tools used by Haenyeo, through a modern product design approach. By applying flow cell technology that generates power from saltwater, Soom-B reduces the need for conventional charging and supports a safer, more convenient diving experience.
The product name Soom-B is inspired by “Sumbi,” the distinctive breathing sound Haenyeo make after returning to the surface from a dive. Soom-B modernizes the traditional taewak and mangsari, essential tools used by Haenyeo during their diving work. Its exterior design is inspired by the turtle, reflecting its natural ability to move between underwater and surface environments, much like Haenyeo. The product also features an ergonomic form, allowing Haenyeo to ride comfortably and control the device with ease.
Soom-B requires no charging or fuel refilling. Its flow-cell technology generates power from seawater, allowing the device to operate more conveniently during diving.
Soom-B functions as a modern reinterpretation of the taewak, the traditional buoy used by Hae-Nyeo during diving. The front handle allows users to steer and control the device while moving across the water. Its structure is designed to provide a comfortable riding posture, allowing Hae-Nyeo to rest their upper body on the device and navigate more easily at the surface.
Mangsari is a traditional net used by Hae-Nyeo to carry their catch during diving. Soom-B features an attachable Mangsari that can be easily connected or removed with a simple sliding mechanism, helping improve the efficiency of seafood collection. In addition to its use with Soom-B, the Mangsari can also function as a traditional net on land, making it practical throughout the entire diving process.
Designed by Minwoo Kim & Hyungju Do