The climb was a rigorous exercise meant to strengthen high-rise disaster response capabilities. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
BUSAN, Nov. 1 (Korea Bizwire) – On October 30, in Busan’s Haeundae district, 952 firefighters from across the nation converged at the Haeundae LCT The Sharp building for the third annual National Firefighters’ Stair Climb Competition.
Set in South Korea’s second-tallest building, the event tested their stamina, requiring each firefighter to climb 2,372 steps from ground level to the 101st floor, all while wearing full firefighting gear.
The climb was a rigorous exercise meant to strengthen high-rise disaster response capabilities. In full protective gear and bearing oxygen tanks, participants experienced what firefighters endure during real emergencies.
By the 70th floor, even seasoned climbers could be seen gasping for breath, sweat pooling on the stairs beneath them. As the climb reached higher altitudes, the weight of the gear and sheer physical strain mounted, pushing some to their limits. By the 90th floor, the ascent became a battle of mental endurance, each remaining step seemingly multiplied by fatigue.
After a grueling 41 minutes, the reward for reaching the summit was a sweeping view of Haeundae Beach.
This year’s fastest climber was firefighter Im Geon-yeop of Seoul’s Jungnang Fire Station. Scaling the tower in just 20 minutes and 25 seconds, Im credited his fitness regimen, which included early morning runs even during his recent honeymoon. “Physical fitness is crucial for firefighters,” he said. “I’m grateful to my wife for her support in training.”
Fire Lieutenant Kim Ki-beom, a participant from Hamyang Fire Station with five years remaining before retirement, noted, “Around the 60th floor, I hit my physical limit. This pushes me to develop the stamina needed for high-rise rescues even in Hamyang’s tallest buildings.”
For Busan’s firefighters, the challenge was especially relevant, given that the city boasts South Korea’s highest concentration of skyscrapers. With aerial ladder trucks reaching only to the 50th floor, high-rise rescues often demand that firefighters climb stairs under conditions where elevators may be unusable.
“In Busan, with its many high-rises, we continuously train for worst-case scenarios where we must respond quickly without elevator access,” said Lee Dong-yeop, a firefighter participating for the second year. “During real emergencies, it’s common to climb with heavy gear, enduring smoke and physical strain.”
This year, representatives from seven partner agencies, including the Korea Airports Corporation and the Busan Port Authority, also joined the climb, underscoring the broader importance of coordinated emergency response.
Petty Officer Kim Se-jeong of Naval Operations Command, one of the civilian participants, noted, “After just ten floors, I gained a deep appreciation for the resilience firefighters show in real emergencies.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
