Challenges make life energizing. It gives us much courage to do anything we face in life. As a member of “Korea Youth Expedition,” I explored Norway for 18 days during last summer vacation.

Korea Youth Expedition, organized by the Korean Alpine Federation, is not so familiar to most university students, but it aims to breed global leaders with high global dreams and hopes. This year, ‘Korea Youth Expedition’ sent its members to five areas: Alaska, Ladak in the Himalayas, Tasmania in Australia, Ruwenzori in Uganda, and Norway. I went to Norway with the captain, Um Hong-gil.

Until last year, it was only possible for alpine club members to apply, but from this year the range of applications was extended to the general youth. As a result, more than 3000 people applied for the Korea Youth Expedition. There are three stages of selection. The first step is a written application through the homepage of Korea Youth Expedition. Anyone can see others' applications. Next is a thorough interview and test of physical strength (sit-ups, and running 1600m). Lastly, 100 youths are chosen to go camping in a mountain together for three days and two nights, and 50 of them finally are chosen.

On July 21, with great anticipation, I left for Norway. We went to Glittertind (2465m) and Galdhopiggen (2469m) in Jotunheimen National Park and Songnefjord. The first expedition areas are the highest mountains in north Europe. We packed all the necessary equipment to camp for 7 days. Although it was summer in Norway, we could see some snow here and there. At that time, the weather was similar to Korea’s fine autumn. The shapes of the mountains seemed to have become gentle through glacial erosion. The scenery of Glittertind was so beautiful that I could not help admiring it. Everything there looked fantastic and fresh to me. However, as I was getting closer to the top, I felt my body and backpack were heavier and heavier. However, I could not stop until I stood on the summit, so I never gave up. I finally set my foot on the top and felt the achievement I made by myself and the pleasure of challenge. We met many foreigners and talked to them about Korea and Korean people.

Afterwards, we went to Oslo, the capital of Norway, and then we decide to leave for Songnefjord. Even if we did not have much time and got tired, we were full of energy. Going through many mountains, rivers, and gorges, we finally reached Songnefjord. It was awesome! It was one of the masterpieces of nature. The mountains, waterfalls, and sea made a wonderful harmony with one another.

I learned many things and gained new experiences from the Korea Youth Expedition. I gained not only challenges and cooperative spirit but also made new friends and met nice people. I really recommend Keimyung University students apply to this program. If you want to have a special experience and test your limits, why don’t you give it a try?