What – The challenge is simple, designed as a concept to help raise money for Sungbin Orphanage.
Where – The task is to climb the five highest mountains in Korea in five day: Hala (1,950m), Jirisan (1,915 meters), Deogyu (1,614 meters), Seorak (1,708) and Gyebang ak (1,577 meters). All peaks must be climbed within five days for the challenge to be successful.
Why – To raise money through sponsorship to assist a worthy cause – the Sungbin Orphanage Endowment Fund. Sungbin is one of the biggest orphanages in Gwangju, and is located near Chonnam University Hospital.
It houses approximately 70 young ladies, with many living off-campus in group homes (which provide a more home-like atmosphere for them). The age range at the orphanage varies from just months old upto around 18. The orphanage currently part funded by the church and the government.
There is a small army of volunteers who seek out to make life better at Sungbin, they include teachers of various subjects Art, Math, Science and a few foreign English teachers that help out on Saturdays.
A worthy cause? – The sponsorship will mostly go to helping the children beyond their orphanage years, after they have turned 18 and have to look after themselves. It will also go towards addressing current problems, though it’s primary goal will be to help build better futures.
47 of the 70 orphans at Sungbin still have parents or relatives though have been abandoned, the majority have no idea where their parents are
None of the girls are currently attending second or third grades in High School.
In the last 10 years only 20% of those old enough to go from Sungbin have made it to High School.
However 99.8% percent of the Korean public at High School age went in 2006.
Only 8 of the orphans from Sunbin have been to University in the last 10 years.
82.1% is the amount of the rest of the country’s citizens in the age group that went in 2006.
7 million won is the average cost of tuition for students at Korean Universities.
45% is the amount of national University students who get scholarships.
Last year 2006 was on a much smaller scale than the effort, in fact there were only 2 and a half climbers (one person for only 3 mountains). It was successful in raising 4 million won , though unfortunately due to the adverse weather conditions the fifth mountain Mudengsan was substituted for Deogyusan.
This year There will be two major differences between 2006 and 2007. First, that all five mountains will be conquered. Secondly, that the amount raised eclipses last year’s.
Who are the climbers: Currently five members of the Gwangju community have stepped forward to take the challenge. They include three Canadians, one British and a Korean. Adam Forrest, who is approaching the end of his twelve month stint in Gwangju; Chris O’meara currently working at Chonnam University; one half of the Mike and Dave partnership, Dave Martin. Daniel Lister, a veteran of the 2006 effort, represents the British Isles, while GIC’s own Kim Tae Hyun is flying the flag for Korea. Anybody is welcome to come join the revolution though time is ticking.
How to sponsor: If moving mountains is not quite your cup of tea, there are numerous ways to sponsor the event. The easiest way would be to pop into the GIC, Speakeasy or The Underground Grocers and sign a sponsorship form. Alternatively check the website www.5in5korea.com to make a pledge online. Please contact Daniel Lister at 5in5korea@gmail.com for further information.
By Daniel Lister