S. Korean explorer crosses Taklamakan desert

SEOUL, Nov. 1 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean explorer said Sunday that he
successfully completed a solo-crossing of Central Asia's Taklamakan desert by
foot.
Nam Young-ho departed from China's Hotan Prefecture on the desert's southern edge
on Oct. 3, walking 450 kilometers over 19 days to the city of Aral on its
northern edge in Kazakhstan. He returned to South Korea last Thursday.
The 32-year-old Nam claimed his journey marks the first time that a single
individual crossed the arid wasteland on foot, although expeditions and merchant
caravans have crossed the route using camels or vehicles in the past.
"I can't believe I walked such a tough route," Nam said. "I tried to use my
Global Positioning System in the beginning, but Chinese authorities confiscated
it before starting my journey. So I had to rely on a compass and the knowledge in
my head to cross the desert."
The photographer and explorer said he plans to embark on another months-long
exploration through Asia and the Middle East next year.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
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