The 40th President`s National Mountaineering Competition was held at Halla Mountain’s Gwaneum Temple on Jeju Island on June 9 and 10. The Keimyung University Alpine Club (KUAC) was ranked first in the women’s college event and second in the men’s college event. Four men and three women participated in the competition. This competition’s events were divided into several sections including rock-climbing, mountain marathon, map reading, and first aid. The women’s team previously won the 48th National 60km Conquest Competition last November.

KUAC was founded in 1971 and is now divided into two groups: graduates and undergraduates. During vacations they go to Mt. Solak or Halla Mountain for about a month, and during semesters they visit nearer places for about 3 days. They are supported by the university to the tune of 5 million won a year and also receive grants from KUAC graduates.

KUAC activities were recently quite stagnant after 4 members lost their lives in 2004 while climbing Mt. Everest to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Keimyung University. The good results from this year’s competition are expected to promote their activities. They are planning to participate in the national competition in Gwangju in October. Kim Jong-Woo, the director of KUAC, said, “Mountaineering gives us a sound mind as well as a sound body. I hope many students will learn to appreciate the mountains.” KUAC plans to recruit new members in the autumn semester.