YONHAP NEWS

Female S. Korean climber delays plan to set world record

SEOUL, Oct. 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korean female mountaineer Oh Eun-sun has put off plans to become the first woman to conquer the world's 14 highest peaks, facing inclement weather ahead of her ascent of Annapurna in the Himalayas, her sponsor in Seoul said Monday.

   Oh, 43, has succeeded in conquering 13 of the world's "eight-thousanders," referring to the 14 mountains that are more than 8,000 meters above sea level, all located in the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges.

   Annapurna, the 10th highest summit in the world at 8,091 meters, is the last remaining eight-thousander that Oh must climb in order to set the new world record for female climbers. Annapurna is considered one of the most dangerous courses in the world and has taken the lives of 16 South Korean mountaineers to date.

   Oh and her team waited for nearly a day since Tuesday for the weather to clear, but gave up due to strong winds, cold temperatures and snow, Oh's sponsor Black Yak said.

   "I cannot guarantee us returning safely if even a 1 percent uncertainty exists," Oh was quoted as saying by her sponsor. "The chance will come again if one knows when to wait and keeps up passion."

   Oh attempted to climb the peak once before on Oct. 3, turning back due to the "white out" phenomenon caused by snow and fog, Black Yak said, adding she will make another attempt early next year.

   South Korean Culture Minister Yu In-chon sent a letter of consolation to Oh Monday, saying he and the South Korean people will "pray for her success" next time, the culture ministry said.

   "Even if you failed this time due to the bad weather, we thank you and are proud of you for all your effort and passion," he was quoted as saying in the letter by the ministry.

   hayney@yna.co.kr
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