The Fruit of Challenge: First Completer of All 15 Peaks in Hamyang County's 'Orul GO Hamyang' Program Emerges

Joo Sooyong from Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province
Completes All Peaks in Just 8 Days While Staying in Hamyang

Just eight days into the new year of 2026, the first person to complete all 15 peaks has emerged in the 'Orul GO Hamyang' mountain climbing certification program operated by Hamyang County, South Gyeongsang Province.

According to the county on January 9, the first to achieve this feat is Joo Sooyong (46), a resident of Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province. Starting with Jirisan Mountain on January 1, he climbed two mountains each day and, by January 8, became the first person in 2026 to complete all 15 designated peaks in the 'Orul GO Hamyang' program.

Photo of the certificate presentation ceremony for the first complete ascent of Orgo Hamyang in 2026.

Joo said, "I began hiking for my health and came across 'Orul GO Hamyang' last fall. After participating last year, I decided to take on the challenge again this year. Staying in Hamyang from the very first day of the new year, I felt energized by the region's famous mountains, and it is especially meaningful to become the first to complete all peaks."

He added, "I was impressed by Hamyang County's efforts to maintain the trails and provide services like the 'Meomul GO' accommodation subsidy and 'Orul GO Taxi' for visitors' convenience. I hope mountaineers from all over the country will come and enjoy this program together."

Jin Byeongyeong, the county governor, remarked, "The achievement of the first person to complete all 15 peaks at the very start of the new year is meaningful not only for the individual but also for Hamyang County. We deeply appreciate the passion and interest shown in 'Orul GO Hamyang.' We will ensure the program is operated perfectly so that many visitors can safely receive the positive energy of Hamyang's 15 famous mountains this year."

'Orul GO Hamyang' is a mountain climbing certification program where participants climb 15 famous peaks over 1,000 meters above sea level within Hamyang County and verify their achievement through an app. Those who complete all 15 peaks receive local gift certificates and a sterling silver medal (produced by Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corporation) as souvenirs. The program also offers visitor conveniences such as the 'Orul GO Taxi' and 'Meomul GO' accommodation subsidy, encouraging participants to visit Hamyang naturally, thereby contributing to revitalizing the local economy and promoting extended-stay tourism.

Meanwhile, Hamyang County plans to hold a first anniversary event for 'Orul GO Hamyang' on January 17 during the '10th Jirisan Hamyang Gojongsi Dried Persimmon Festival.' The event will feature distribution of dried persimmon discount coupons to certified completers, operation of a promotional booth, and various promotional activities including social media events.