Name: Ryu Jong-moon
Major: Civil Engineering
Grade: Senior







I interviewed Ryu Jong-moon. He was the head of Keimyung University Alpine Club (KUAC) and a participant in the 2013 Dream Project of Kookmin Bank (KB). The 2013 Dream Project made an Antarctic expedition composed of 10 students from mountaineering clubs around the country. KB offered about 20 million won per person as well as opportunities to visit Deception Island, a famous volcanic island where they swam in the Southern Ocean, and to experience magnificent scenery and various animals.

1. What was your purpose in participating in the 2013 Dream Project?

I found out about the project for the first time from a senior in KUAC. My senior suggested participating in the project, and a few hours later, I got a call from KMU Office of Admissions. They suggested applying for the project with another woman. A mountaineering club’s student-oriented international activity is rare. Therefore, I applied for the project without any hesitation, regarding it as a big opportunity in my life.

2. What were your aims during the 2013 Dream Project?

There were several projects we planned. The first project was Korean day. Korean day was planned to introduce and promote Korea to all the foreigners who we would meet on the cruise in Antarctica. We chose bulgogi as lunch, and we asked the cook for help making the sauce for bulgogi. I can’t forget the many compliments from many foreign friends. The second project was making “Antarctica Style,” which was a parody of PSY’s “Gangnam Style,” to promote Korean culture. We used pajamas which made us look like a penguin. Also, we carried out a project to prevent illegal fishing, particularly for Antarctic krill.

3. What is the most necessary item in Antarctica?

Thermal clothes are the most important things against the intense cold. Fortunately, Black Yak, which is a brand of climbing clothes, supported us. Therefore, I didn’t have many personal expenses. In addition, sunglasses are also necessary because the light which is reflected by the snow is really strong.
4. What was your worst experience in Antarctica?

Seasickness was the worst because the 2013 Dream Project was on a cruise. Also, the over 40-hour flight was hard. I arrived in Antarctica via Japan, Atlanta in the United States, and Santiago and Punta Arenas in Chile. Also, I had a hard time adapting to the Antarctic’s capricious weather. Sometimes it was good weather like a calm lake. However, suddenly sometimes it was bad weather like a biting wind.

5. What was your best experience in Antarctica?

The best experience was that I saw a whale. One day, I came out on the deck to get some fresh air. At that moment, I saw something which looked like a fountain. I gazed at it closely with excitement. I saw the dorsal fin and the tail of a whale. The curve of the whale’s tail was wonderful. Furthermore, I thought that it was amazing that all the staff on the cruise always spoke in English and Spanish when they served customers. I think the reason is that Chile uses Spanish as a native language.