KOREAN NANGA PABAT EXPEDITION LEADER HONG KI KUN
Korean expedition leaves for Nanga Parbat
MAY27-2000
By
Asem Mustafa Awan
ISLAMABAD
— Nine member Korean team from Kyungsangbuk-Do Alpine Federation
specialists in high altitude mountain rescue, left for Nanga Parbat in the
early hours of Saturday morning.
The
expedition is attempting the peak from Diamir side in Semi Alpine Style
using 1000 metres of ropes to be fixed in difficult portions of the climb.
Forty
seven year old Hong Ki Kun who commands the elite mountain rescuers from
the Korean province is leading the out fit which is expected to share
their experience when any untoward situation arises high on the mountain.
"We
have the biggest range in the Korean province and the best climbers have
been picked for the challenge," said Hong Ki Kun adding," We
were supposed to come in 1998 but we ran out of finances, we paid the
royalty to the Tourism Ministry in 1998 but it was a waste."
"This
year we are supported by Posco Steel and we
will Insha Allah go all out in fulfilling our promise and
commitment for scaling Nanga
Parbat, 8125 metres."
Two
of the expedition members Kim Byeong Seak (38) and Kwon Oh Soo (35) have
been to Pakistan before in 1993 and have the summit of Gasherbrum II 8035
metres in Karakorums.
Kwon
Oh Soo, Lee Hong Kil (32) and Cheng Pong Kyo (32) are the three members
who have experienced the challenge of Everest. The three managed above
8500 metres from the North side in 1997 and were forced by the weather to
come down.
"We
will look for a variation if conditions allowed us," said Hong Ki Kun
adding," We have planned three summit bids in July 15, 18, 23,
weather and snow condition permitting."
"The
hardest potion of the climb we expect is between Camp 1 (5200 metres) and
Camp 2 (6200 metres) where we will be fixing the ropes."
The
other members of the team are: Lee Hwa Hyeung (33), Kim Yong Soo (32),
Kwon Oh Il (31) and Lee Sang Eun (26). The four climbers are attempting an
8000er for the first time and apart from the two members who have climbed
Gasherbrum II all seven are visiting Pakistan for the first time.
The
expedition will make the Base Camp at 4200 metres, Camp 1 at 5200 metres,
Camp 2 at 6200 metres, Camp 3 at 6700 metres and Camp 4 at 7600 metres.
Semi Alpine Style. Route Diamir side. Summit bid July 15.
CAPTION:
Hong Ki Kun
ROUTE
MAP