1. Um Hong-gil has led many South Korean summer expeditions to Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, where he has climbed South America's highest mountain several times.
12 Facts About Um Hong-gil
1. 2.
Um Hong-gil tried to climb Mount Everest in September 2005, but failed.
3.
Um Hong-gil tried again three years later and his attempt was successful.
4.
Um Hong-gil has reached the summit of all 14 eight-thousand-meter peaks in the world and is the first person to climb the 16 highest points on Earth.
5.
Um Hong-gil was awarded the Himalayan Crown when he completed the 14 highest peaks in 2001.
6.
Um Hong-gil is the first South Korean and the eleventh climber in the world to hold this distinction.
7.
Um Hong-gil led successful expeditions up Everest in 1988,2002, and 2003.
8.
Um Hong-gil has climbed both the North and South Sides of the Everest.
9.
Um Hong-gil has stood on top of Everest three times.
10.
Um Hong-gil invested his time with The Beautiful Foundation in his native South Korea.
11.
Um Hong-gil helped start the program "Gil Sarang Fund" in order to support cultural activities for handicapped people.
12.
Um Hong-gil received an honorary citizenship of Nepal for his philanthropy.