Leaning into the wind of the Dolomites; 2024 SECEC Travel review

Travel coordinator?
The Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society (KSES) has a unique role called the "Travel Coordinator." Around 30 years ago, KSES was a relatively small society in Asia, with only a few members attending international conferences. Due to this small number, a culture of looking out for one another at such events developed, which eventually led to the creation of the Travel Coordinator role.
The primary responsibilities of this position include organizing “trips” with our society members before and after the conference and preparing the "Korean Night" feast during the conference, where participants from Korea can gather and enjoy a meal together.
The destination chosen for the pre-conference trip in 2024 SECEC was the Dolomites in Italy. The Dolomites are a mountain range in northeastern Italy spanning the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, covering a total area of 15,942 square kilometers. This range is part of the eastern limestone Alps. Someone say that the Alps seen from Italy are even more beautiful than those viewed from Switzerland. Of course, it was an Italian broadcaster who said that. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce a few places in the Dolomites that we visited during our trip

Ortisei
Nestled in the heart of the Val Gardena in northern Italy, Ortisei is a picturesque alpine town that feels like a storybook come to life. Surrounded by the majestic Dolomites, Ortisei offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richnes.
Ortisei is renowned for its woodcarving tradition, and every corner of the town reflects this artistic heritage. Small artisan shops showcased beautifully crafted wooden figurines, nativity scenes, and modern sculptures. Strolling through the pedestrian-friendly streets, we were able to forget the frustrations of doctor’s life back in Korea. What I loved the most was the sound of the alpine valley stream flowing through Ortisei.

Seceda
Our adventure began with a ride on the Seceda cable car from Ortisei. As we ascended, the lush green valleys gave way to dramatic cliffs and jagged peaks. The higher we climbed, the more expansive the view became, revealing layers of rolling meadows and distant mountains bathed in the morning light. The air grew cooler, and the anticipation heightened with every moment. Standing at 2,500 meters above sea level, the summit of Seceda offered a panoramic view that felt infinite. The landscape, where tectonic plates seemed to have just met, gave me the feeling of traveling back in time, even while living in the 21st century. Seceda is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails for every level of adventurer. We chose a moderate route that wound through the alpine meadows, dotted with wildflowers and grazing sheep. The gentle clanging of cowbells and the occasional chirping of birds created a soundtrack

Tre cime di Laveredo
The three towering peaks, surrounded by a circular trail, inspire awe from every angle, no matter where you view them. The trail at Tre Cime s a long-distance hike that took over four hours to complete. Based on individual endurance trail levels, we divided into two groups: one group completed the full loop around the three towering peaks, while the other group returned to the starting point via the same path from the mountain lodge. Professors Joo-Han Oh and In-Hyeok Rhyou displayed remarkable "boldness" by joining the full-loop hiking group while their wives took a different route. However, they didn’t forget to say, “Please take good care of my wife,” a heartfelt remark that brought a smile to everyone’s face.

For the love of our society
All members of the society were able to complete the trip safely and attend the conference in good health. As the trip came to an end, a sudden thought crossed my mind. Although my life experiences may fall short compared to many of you, as I grow older, I’ve come to realize that “memory” is less about the continuous flow of time and more about certain key events that our minds naturally edit and preserve.
Through this trip, the majestic landscapes of the Dolomites and the refreshing Alpine breeze brushing past my face will undoubtedly remain unforgettable. However, what will truly stay with me are the memories of dividing into two groups based on trail abilities, the sight of Professor Yong-Beom Lee’s sons, Kang-Jun and Kang-San, utterly exhausted after hours of swimming, and on the final day, Dr. Jin-Young Park’s dance performance, followed by the playful reenactment by our president. These moments will remain as some of the happiest highlights of my life.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our president Noh and Professor Lee for entrusting me with the important role of Travel Coordinator and for their hard work in preparing for this trip. I’m also deeply thankful to everyone who joined and shared in this journey.
I look forward to completing my visiting scholarship successfully in San Diego and hope to meet you all again in Korea, healthier and happier than ever. Thank you!

Jung-Youn Kim
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hallym University College of Medicine,
Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea