HOOI (2022)

Over the past five years (2022), the number of Jeju Haenyeo has decreased by approximately 19% due to aging. Preserving and passing down their culture requires engaging younger generations, but there are significant challenges in experiencing and learning about Jeju Haenyeo culture. This project addresses these challenges by providing an interactive AR and gaming experience, allowing users to explore the traditions of Jeju Haenyeo through immersive storytelling, interactive activities, and gamified learning.

Group Project

My role: Project Manager, Unity/C# Developer

Team: 1 Unity Developer, 2 Designers

Concept & Branding

HOOI is derived from the sound Haenyeo make when surfacing after a long dive, known as the ‘Hooi’ breath. The game features Jisilee, a character whose name means ‘fruit that grows on land’ in Jeju dialect. Players help Jisilee grow into an adult Haenyeo capable of making the iconic Hooi breath through interactive and immersive gameplay.

Technology & Development

The application was developed using:

• Unity & AR Foundation – For building interactive AR content.

• Image Tracking & Spatial Anchors – For recognizing real-world images and linking digital content to specific locations.

• Firebase – For cloud-based storage and guestbook integration.

Key Features & Learning Methods

1. Stage Map

Users progress through mission-based stages, unlocking new content as they complete each challenge. This structured approach ensures an engaging and gradual learning process.

2. Historical Education

By recognizing an image, a virtual character appears, narrating historical facts about Jeju Haenyeo and playing an educational video.

3. AR Exhibition

Users scan Haenyeo-related images to unlock detailed descriptions and interactive pop-ups explaining the significance of each element.

4. Quiz

Users participate in an interactive word-matching quiz based on objects they recognize in the AR environment, reinforcing their understanding of Haenyeo-related terms.

5. Portal Game

Players enter a virtual diving environment, controlling the character using a joystick to simulate Haenyeo’s traditional diving activities.

6. Taewoo Experience

By recognizing the floor, the character boards a Taewoo, a traditional floating wooden raft used by Haenyeo for resting at sea.

7. Hooi Breath Game

When users tap the screen, NPCs swim and perform the Hooi breath sound as they emerge from the water, illustrating Haenyeo’s unique breathing technique.

8. Commemorative Photo & Guestbook

Users capture AR certification photos, which are then automatically uploaded to the guestbook, allowing them to share their experience on social media.