A veteran South Korean mountaineer will try to find Noah's Ark, a rumored biblical relic that some believe is hidden on a mountain in eastern Turkey.

``I plan to depart for the one-month ascent of Mt. Ararat on July 15,'' said Heo Young-ho, 48, who is one of the most renowned mountain climbers in Korea. ``Although I am not a Biblical scholar, I would like to do it out of curiosity,'' he told The Korea Times yesterday.

Heo, who started climbing mountains during his childhood, has already conquered the highest peaks in the seven continents, including Mt. Everest, and traveled to both the South and North Pole.

``I am so glad to have the chance to challenge Mt. Ararat,'' said Heo, who is to head a five-member exploration squad, ``It is the first time that a team has been formed for such a purpose.''

According to the Bible account in the Book of Genesis, Noah's Ark came to rest over 4,300 years ago on the mountain, after God destroyed the world with a flood.

Since 1991, the Turkish government has prohibited foreign access to the 5,165-meter-mountain, located in the nation's northeast corner, as they claim that Bible scholars and archaeologists from around the world have caused significant damage. Even locals are only allowed to stay there for five days.

However, the authorities gave unusual approval to the Korean exploration team, which is sponsored by the Research Institute for Creation History.

Heo vowed to do his best to find Noah's Ark, regardless of the controversy about whether it exists or not.

``I think it will take only a few days to reach the summit, which is one kilometer in diameter,'' he said, ``We will spend the rest of the time searching the icecap of the mountain.''

• Story originally published by:
The Korea Times / Seoul | Lee Chi-dong - Mar 15.02

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