KOREAN K-2 EXPEDITION LEADER KIM WI-YEONG
Koreans leave for K-2
MAY25-2000
By
Asem Mustafa Awan
ISLAMABAD
— Seven member Korean expedition from Taegu Branch of Corean Alpine Club
will leave for K-2, 8611 metres on Friday (today).
Forty
five year old Kim Wi-Yeong leads the expedition which has five member
climbing team attempting the peak from the South East Abruzzi Ridge.
The
entire expedition except Hwang Ki-Yong (31) is visiting Pakistan for the
first time.
Hwang
attempted Gahserbrum IV in 1997 and was 200 metres short of summit.
The
leader Kim has been active at the mountaineering front for the last 15
years and his endeavours in the field includes 2nd world ascent of
Chamlang (7319 metres) in Nepal in 1986. It was the first Korean ascent on
the peak and first ascent in the autumn season.
He
attempted Everest in 1988 South West Face in Winter and managed 8000
metres. He has also made the top of McKinley thrice,
first time in 1996 and twice in 1998.
We
expect to find good weather on the peak," said Kim adding," The
difficult portions are between Camp 2 and Camp 3 which is steep and offers
mixed terrain added with a steep climb in the last 300 metres to the
summit."
"The
team is quite strong and we hope to be on the top Insha Allah," said
Kim adding," We will make the summit bid in mid July."
The
expedition will attempt the peak in Semi Alpine Style and will fix 2500
metres of ropes on the peak.
Overall
the team has experience of climbing in the Alps and Nepalese Himalayas.
The
other team members are: Jang Ki-Su (30), Lee In-Sik (27), Park Jae-Ho
(27), Lee Seung-Ik (40, record) and Kang Jung-Gu (36, photographer).
The
expedition will make Base Camp at 5200 metres, Advance Base Camp at 5500
metres, Camp 1 at 6250 metres, Camp 2 at 6880 metres, Camp 3 at 7450
metres and Camp 4 at 7900 metres.
CAPTION:
Kim Wi-Yeong