Four lucky individuals have been given the chance of a lifetime after they were the final selections for a six-day journey to a South Korean research base in Antarctica. (Image: Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries)
SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Korea Bizwire) – Four lucky individuals have been given the chance of a lifetime after becoming the final selections for a six-day journey to a South Korean research base in Antarctica.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries had announced a “Visit Antarctica” expedition open to the public to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the King Sejong Station’s founding from July through August. A total of 670 applied for a spot on the expedition.
The chosen were 27-year old Jeong Seung-hoon (male), 34-year old Gong Seung-gyu (male), 44-year old Jeon Hyun-jeong (female) and 25-year old Lee So-young (female), who beat out 168-to-1 odds and will be setting off on December 9.
The expedition will land in Antarctica on December 11 and spend six days at the King Sejong Station. (Image: Korea Polar Research Institute Website)
Each of the applicants has a unique backstory. Jeong, who dreamed of being an air force officer and visiting the South Pole, was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2012 and was forced to give up his dreams at the time. Gong is an office worker who doubles as a filmmaking hobbyist, and Jeon is an illustrator of fairy tales incorporating environmental concepts. The youngest, Lee, is a former indie band performer who is now on the job hunt.
A congratulatory ceremony was held at the Korea Polar Research Institute of Marine Placement Research in Songdo, Incheon on November 28, where the four were conferred certificates of appointment and received training for their upcoming trip.
The expedition will land in Antarctica on December 11 and spend six days at the King Sejong Station.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
