Mountaineering Pioneer Heo Young-ho Leaves a Lasting Trail
Heo Young-ho, the legendary South Korean mountaineer who blazed new trails in exploration, died on July 29 at age 71.
Born in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, in 1954, Heo was the first person to conquer both the highest peaks on all seven continents and Earth’s three poles ? Mount Everest, the South Pole, and the North Pole.
His mountaineering career began in 1982 with the ascent of Makalu (8,463 meters). He went on to summit Mount Everest six times, setting the Korean records for most ascents and the oldest to reach the peak at age 63.
Heo repeatedly endured avalanches and near-fatal falls into crevasses, yet always returned to climb again.
Beyond his feats, Heo sought to share the mountains with others. In 2016, he filmed virtual reality footage from the peak of Mount Everest, offering a glimpse of the Himalayas to those unable to travel there themselves.
Honored with Korea’s highest sports awards, Heo leaves behind not only unmatched records but also a legacy of resilience and inspiration ? proof that human ambition can reach the highest peaks.
Blair For The Junior Times junior/1755743364/1613367853
1. Who was Heo Young-ho and what was he famous for?
2. What major records did Heo achieve in mountaineering?
3. When did Heo Young-ho pass away and at what age?
4. How did Heo share the experience of Mount Everest with people who couldn’t travel there?
1. What qualities do you think made Heo Young-ho successful as a mountaineer?
2. Do you believe extreme challenges like climbing Everest are worth the risks? Why or why not?
3. In what ways can Heo’s legacy inspire young people today?
4. How can technology, like virtual reality, change the way we experience nature and exploration?
Heo Young-ho, the legendary South Korean mountaineer who blazed new trails in exploration, died on July 29 at age 71.
