About two years ago, I visited the Antarctica.
In February 2014, completing the scientific station on the mainland of the Antarctica, South Korea joined the ranks of advanced countries to spur the research on the Antarctica for the future.
I could stand on the Antarctica because I was a journalist to cover that story.
While the northern hemisphere was in winter, the Antarctica in the southern hemisphere was in summer.
Even in summer, it was 17 degrees Fahrenheit and very windy outside.
In summer of the South Pole, there are only bright days but no dark night.
Amid such 'White Night', our icebreaker cruised through floating ice-filled sea, and there I met a countless number of penguins, seals, and whales.
In winter of the Antarctica, the sea is entirely frozen so that even icebreaker cannot sail and there is no day but night only.
In that period, Antarctic bases are isolated and surrounded by total darkness and coldness of -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Such isolation, darkness, and coldness sometimes drove some workers to lose mind and even life.
The only solace is beautiful aurora in a jet-black sky.
I also had the privilege to be the first Korean journalist who visited the world-largest Antarctic station of the U.S. McMurdo station, which is playing a leading role in the research on the Antarctica.
The base can accommodate 1,200 people and has a cathedral, inn, souvenir shop, Starbucks and even Wells Fargo ATM.
Even though communication condition of the South Pole was horrible, I used a satellite telephone to report what I was experiencing there on live.
My reports filled with illustrative description received high praise because they helped the public understand the reality of the Antarctica and the necessity to invest national budget into the research on the Antarctica.
So, I was honored to receive South Korea President’s Award of Appreciation for my contributions to the improvement of communication between government and the public.
However, a bigger reward for my trip to the Antarctica was the unforgettable memory of priceless moments.
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