'The Great Guide 2.5 - Daedanan Guide' Kim Dae-ho, Choi Daniel, Jeon So-min, and Hyojung succeeded in viewing Baekdusan's Heaven Lake, which is accessible only about 100 days out of 365.
In episode 5 of 'The Great Guide 2.5 - Daedanan Guide,' which aired on the cable channel MBC Every1 on the afternoon of the 25th, the final chapter of the Baekdusan journey of the 'Baekdungi'—Kim Dae-ho, Choi Daniel, Jeon So-min and Hyojung—began in Harbin. Their encounter with Heaven Lake after overcoming extreme odds moved viewers.
That day, the Baekdungi set up a base camp in Yaksucheon, one of the villages closest to Baekdusan, and began full-scale sightseeing of the mountain. They prepared restorative meals using ingredients given by Baekdusan: 'Baekdusan carbonated mineral water' that runs through the mountain soil and is infused with its energy, chickens raised on the mountain's spirit, and fish from streams formed by water flowing from Heaven Lake, preparing for the ascent the next day. In particular, Kim Dae-ho's Yanji traditional dish 'dak-gom,' made by stewing chicken in Baekdusan mineral water, drew universal admiration.
After dinner, the Baekdungi went to bed quickly because they had to depart at 2 a.m. to see both the Baekdusan sunrise and Heaven Lake. The ascent that day was the highlight of the trip, so much so that Kim Dae-ho said, "All the journeys up to now were unnecessary; we came here just to see this."
The problem was the success rate. Observation is so difficult that Heaven Lake can be seen on only about 100 days out of 365, and weather variables were so extreme that entry to the mountain was banned 12 times in October alone. Even if one reached the summit, fog usually completely covered the mountain, so everyone could not hide their worries.
In pitch-dark predawn, after more than an hour of driving, the four arrived at the Baekdusan entry point and, passing 72 sharp curves and unpaved sections, disembarked 500 meters before the summit. When they got out of the car, the Baekdungi faced winds stronger than expected and bone-piercing cold; they linked arms and leaned into the wind to avoid being blown over, pressing forward. It was a harsh environment that even required running to raise their body temperature.
When they reached the summit, dawn was breaking slowly, but thick fog covered the entire mountain, making it impossible to see Heaven Lake at all. Even standing still, the wind slapped their cheeks, and the fog made visibility near zero, yet the Baekdungi, eager to see Heaven Lake, could not easily leave. More than anyone, Kim Dae-ho repeatedly spoke to Baekdusan, expressing his longing, and eventually attempted geunjeol in front of Heaven Lake.
Then, the momentarily changing Baekdusan weather miraculously opened. Through the fog, the blue Heaven Lake 'peeked' into view, and before long a vivid blue panorama unfolded at a glance. It was Heaven Lake granted only to those who endured. The four cheered and could not hide their joy, and it was a spectacle that caused everyone in the studio to stand.
Jeon So-min exclaimed, "It was beautiful and wondrous," and said, "I think everything will go well next year." Hyojung said, "It felt unreal. I'm so glad I came." Choi Daniel also said, "I'm familiar with the words, but seeing it with my eyes for the first time was moving. Will there be another day in my life when I can see Heaven Lake?" expressing his emotion.
Kim Dae-ho, who had wanted Heaven Lake the most, said with deep emotion, "I've traveled many continents and seen nature, but this is the first time nature spoke to me. The biting cold was harsh, but felt like affectionate advice, and when it revealed the clear Heaven Lake, it felt like a gift given to me for enduring severe trials and hardships." The four enjoyed the emotional moment for a long time, taking memorable photos.
Then, overlooking Biryong Falls, the four finished the trip eating Baekdusan hot spring eggs and reflected on their journey from Harbin to Yanji to Baekdusan, expressing gratitude to one another. The head guide Kim Dae-ho, who planned the trip and led the Baekdungi, summarized, "I tried to give up a lot, but it became a trip that gave me even more." The Baekdusan trip, literally filled with laughter, joy and emotion, left viewers with a deep resonance.
In the preview shown at the end of the broadcast, a Laos travelogue planned by 'Da-guide' Choi Daniel was featured. Scenes of Kim Dae-ho, Jeon So-min and Park Ji-min enjoying a youthful, romantic and daring trip together further raised viewers' expectations.
[Photo] Provided by MBC Every1.
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