Um Hong-gil Establishes Schools in the Nepal Himalayas

On June 16, KBS Joy's show 'Ask Anything' featured renowned mountaineer Um Hong-gil, who made history as the first person to successfully summit all 16 of the world's highest peaks. During the episode, he shared his inspiring journey of establishing 22 schools in remote areas of the Nepal Himalayas. After completing his climbs, Um felt compelled to help the children living at the foot of these mountains, leading him to build schools to provide them with education.

Um revealed that his foundation covers all expenses without external support, stating, "The costs increase as we establish more schools in remote areas. In some cases, we have had to transport materials by helicopter." He recounted a touching story about a girl who had difficulty walking due to a leg injury. After receiving treatment in South Korea, she was able to walk again and eventually became a nurse, leaving a lasting impression on him.

He mentioned that he visits Nepal four to five times a year for the schools, humorously comparing his trips to a casual hike in the Himalayas, saying, "It feels great to recharge after climbing a 3,000-meter mountain."

During the show, fellow guest Seo Jang-hoon joked about Um having a room named after him in a Nepal hotel, while Lee Soo-geun quipped that Um should run for president in Nepal given his influence. Um also shared that he has received honorary citizenship from Nepal and expressed a desire for people to take time to visit and enjoy the positive energy of the mountains, suggesting a visit to Bawangsang Mountain to experience it firsthand.