Gumi City Reaches the Summits of the World's Seven Continents After 12 Years of Challenge

First Korean Local Government to Conquer the Highest Peaks on All Seven Continents
Continuing Their Global Challenge
Preparing for the Asian Athletics Championships

Gumi City in North Gyeongsang Province has set a historic record as the first local government in Korea to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents.

Clockwise Everest, South Pole ascent, Kilimanjaro, Carstensz?this is the miracle created by 12 years of challenge. Gumi City stands proudly at the summits of the world's seven continents.

At the homecoming ceremony held on the 14th, more than 200 people attended, including Gumi Mayor Kim Jangho, National Assembly member Koo Jagun, City Council Chair Park Gyosang, and officials from the Gumi Mountaineering Federation, to celebrate the team's success.

The expedition team completed their 12-year-long journey last December by reaching the summit of Vinson Massif (4,892m) in Antarctica, where they waved the national flag and the Gumi City flag.

◆ The Beginning of the Seven Summits Expedition

Gumi City's challenge began with the 2008 Cho Oyu (8,201m) expedition in the Himalayas. The 'Yes Gumi Cho Oyu Expedition Team' successfully reached the summit on October 2 of the same year, installing the 'Yes Gumi Monument' and marking the start of their journey.

In 2011, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the city's elevation to city status (2018), the Seven Summits project was officially launched. The 'Yes Gumi Seven Summits Expedition Team' began with Mount Elbrus in Europe in 2012 and continued their challenge by conquering one peak each year.

◆ Unyielding Challenge Amid Numerous Crises

The journey was not always smooth. In 2015, the Everest expedition was halted due to the Nepal earthquake (magnitude 8.1), and later, financial difficulties delayed the Antarctic expedition. Despite these hardships, they never gave up.

In 2016, they summited Aconcagua in South America and Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania. In 2017, they succeeded in their second attempt at Everest, bringing them closer to their goal. Finally, in 2024, they concluded their challenge with the ascent of Vinson Massif in Antarctica.

◆ Twelve Years of Challenge, Preparing for a New Beginning

Expedition leader Jang Heonmu (participated 8 times) said, "I can never forget the moment we experienced the earthquake on Everest, the days we ate in the rain in the Carstensz jungle, and the pain of losing a teammate."

Team member Kang Kyungsook (Gumi City Mountain Rescue Team leader, participated 5 times) said, "Every mountain was difficult, but it was possible because I was with my teammates," expressing gratitude to sponsors and citizens.

Leader Jang added, "Our next goal is to return the 8,201 wish papers buried on Cho Oyu in 2008 to the citizens in 2028," signaling a new challenge ahead.

Gumi Mayor Kim Jangho emphasized, "This expedition was not just about climbing, but a testament to Gumi's spirit of challenge and unity. Gumi will continue to grow with its citizens by taking on challenges that transcend limits."

Gumi City plans to build on the success of this expedition by continuing to take on international challenges such as the Asian Athletics Championships, furthering regional development and strengthening global competitiveness.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.