This study aims to analyze the applicability of a drone-based rescue system for Jeju haenyeo (female divers), whose risk of marine accidents has increased due to aging, rapidly changing ocean conditions, and limited emergency accessibility. The resear...
This study aims to analyze the applicability of a drone-based rescue system for Jeju haenyeo (female divers), whose risk of marine accidents has increased due to aging, rapidly changing ocean conditions, and limited emergency accessibility. The research integrates technological, policy, and social perspectives to develop a comprehensive model for improving emergency response. The occupational characteristics of haenyeo and the structural risk factors of marine accidents were examined, along with a review of national maritime safety policies and recent advances in drone technologies. Theoretical foundations were established through the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Unified Theory of Technology Acceptance and Use (UTAUT), risk perception theories, and the Technology–Policy–Society (TPS) framework. A survey of 100 haenyeo was conducted to empirically examine the relationships among technological perception, risk perception, policy awareness, and drone acceptance intention. Statistical analyses—descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, ANOVA, regression analysis, and cluster analysis—showed that perceived technological effectiveness, social influence, and perceived need for government support positively affected acceptance intention, whereas perceived difficulty significantly hindered it. Respondents were categorized into three groups: high-acceptance and policy-linked, low-acceptance and skeptical, and moderate-balanced types. Based on these findings, a four-stage drone response model—(1) situation awareness, (2) emergency search, (3) rescue support, and (4) post-analysis— was developed. Scenario models for weather-driven accidents, drift-isolation accidents, and underwater blackout incidents were also designed. Expert reviews were conducted to evaluate the technical, operational, social, and institutional feasibility of the proposed model. A multi-layered roadmap integrating technology, policy, and society was established, along with educational, equipment, and regulatory support strategies, a community-based implementation plan, and a stage-based operational framework. The study contributes academically by presenting an integrated analytical framework for understanding haenyeo accident risks and empirically examining drone acceptance in a traditional occupational group. Policy contributions include actionable guidelines for implementing a drone-based rescue system tailored to Jeju’s maritime environment. The findings provide a foundation for advancing maritime safety governance and developing innovative emergency response technologies for traditional coastal communities. Keywords : Haenyeo, Marine Rescue, Drone-Based Response System, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Unified Theory of Technology Acceptance and Use (UTAUT), Risk Perception, Maritime Safety Policy