UK Club 24th Mountain climb Held in Korea

The 24th Annual UKMC took place last Saturday,15th May at Namhansanseong, about 31 kilometres to the south-east of downtown Seoul.

This year's UKMC was held on Saturday 15th May at Namhansanseong, about 31 kilometres to the south-east of downtown Seoul.

Namhansanseong is a famous site in Korean history. A walled mountain-top fortress occupying one of the most important strategic locations in the Korean peninsula. Completed in 1626 the three kingdoms of those times constantly fought for control of the fortress and the Han River, in order to gain control of the whole peninsula.

The Club enjoys substantial support from the Korean maritime community and this annual event is always enthusiastically supported by local Members. This year, over 40 walkers drawn from across the membership gathered in Seoul for an early start and a short coach drive to Namhansanseong where the UKMC involved an energetic walk largely following the rugged terrain inside the walls of this very extensive, mountain-top fortress.

The previous year's heavy rain had been exceptional in the history of the UKMC. This year the weather proved far kinder! Enjoying fresh air, sunshine and some brisk exercise, this year's walkers spent the morning largely completing a circuit of the mountain top. They were then rewarded by a hearty, traditional, Korean lunch, during which the Regional Chairman, John Morris, was able to thank the Members present for their loyalty and their continuing support of the Club.

In addition to members of the Asia Pacific team from Hong Kong - Peter Lau, Christopher Roberts and Do Young Kim - the Club was also represented on this occasion by Christopher Brown and James Baker from London, both well known to Korean Members. For Christopher Brown, a past frequenter of the UKMC from his years based in Hong Kong, the day proved a welcome opportunity to renew old friendships.

Grateful thanks, as always, go to Hyopsung Shipping, the Club's general correspondent in Korea, and, in particular, Mr K H Kim, for organising this highly successful event.