Heo (standing eighth left) with the South Korean group at Panar Laban.
KOTA KINABALU: Sixteen climbers aged between 40 to 60 years old from South Korea conquered Mount Kinabalu in their first attempt. The expedition was led by Heo Young Ho, a celebrity in the mountaineering arena in South Korea; and a world-renowned mountaineer for completing the Adventure Grand Slam that consists of the South Pole, the North Pole, and the Seven Summits.
The climb was organized by a leading travel agency in South Korea. Hiking and trekking are popular weekend activities in the country and it has become more like a national identity. It is estimated that 1 in 3 Koreans partakes in this activity more than once a month. Apart from Mt Kinabalu, the hilly geographical landscape of Sabah with lush nature makes a perfect ground for Korean hikers and trekkers. With 69 weekly direct flights from South Korea to Kota Kinabalu, this will be an additional segment of visitors that may come to Sabah.