These Korean 'sea women' have evolved to be able to free dive in ice-cold water to harvest seafood for a living.

The Haenyeo, or female divers, of Jeju Island have been gathering seashells and seaweed without breathing equipment for more than 400 years in Seogwipo-si, South Korea.

Footage captured by holidaymaker Alexis Dorado shows four elderly women in Lycra wetsuits singing a prayer to Jamsugut, the goddess of the sea, before beginning their dive.

They can be seen swinging their basket nets with peach-coloured floats as they ask for safety and a plentiful catch through a traditional shamanistic chant on November 16.

Crowds gathered on the rocky shore, watching in awe. Moments later, the group waded into the water and disappeared beneath the waves.

The Haenyeo are known to dive as deep as 33ft (10m), harvesting marine life with nothing but a knife and their bare hands. Their unique way of life has been recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.