GREETING

Dear fellow citizens and mountaineers,

I am Cho Jwa-jin, the 22nd President of the Korea Alpine Federation.

Since its founding in April 1962, the Korea Alpine Federation has grown over the past 63 years to encompass 17 regional federations, over 200 local branches, and affiliated organizations such as the Korea Mountain Rescue Association and the Korea Ski Mountaineering Association. With more than 1.5 million members nationwide, we have led the advancement of professional mountaineering and mountain sports both in Korea and around the world, achieving countless milestones.

From the 1977 Everest Expedition to the 1988 Everest–Lhotse Expedition, and the Millennium Seven Summits Project in 2000, Korean mountaineers have demonstrated our nation’s indomitable spirit and passion for challenge through historic and symbolic feats. In line with changing times, we are also embracing new disciplines such as sport climbing, now an official Olympic event since Tokyo 2020, and ski mountaineering, newly included in the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

This September, Korea will proudly host the IFSC Climbing World Championships, where over 800 athletes from 60 countries will gather—a truly meaningful opportunity to showcase Korean mountaineering to the world.

Dear citizens and mountaineering enthusiasts,
In a country where over 70% of the land is mountainous, mountains are a cherished and familiar part of everyday life for people of all ages. From the many renowned peaks across the nation to the crowds of hikers every weekend, mountains continue to inspire health, discipline, and camaraderie.

As President of the Korea Alpine Federation, I am committed to honoring the deep affection our citizens hold for the mountains and to upholding the noble spirit of past and present mountaineers. We will strengthen the global competitiveness of Korean mountain sports, dramatically expand infrastructure, and enhance support for athletes, referees, coaches, and enthusiasts alike.

Through harmonious development across various mountain sports, we aim to raise the international stature of Korean mountaineering and contribute to public health by promoting it as a sport for all.

I sincerely ask for your continued interest and support as we shape the future of Korean mountaineering and the Korea Alpine Federation.

Thank you.

Cho Jwa-jin
22nd President
Korea Alpine Federation