The book 'Mountains 239', designed by Shin So-hyun, has achieved recognition by winning a bronze medal at the prestigious international competition for the Most Beautiful Book, organized by the German Book Art Foundation and the Leipzig Book Fair. It was also awarded the title of the Most Beautiful Book in Korea earlier this year. This compact, pocket-sized book, measuring 50mm wide by 68mm high, is designed for hikers as it includes practical information about 239 mountains in Korea, complete with tips on encounters with wildlife and emergency procedures.

The German organizers praised 'Mountains 239' for its impressive theme that encompasses the diverse landscapes of Korea while remaining portable for hikers. The book effectively combines text, images, and illustrations to convey essential information clearly despite spatial limitations, asserting itself as an indispensable companion for outdoor enthusiasts. This recognition highlights the innovation in book design coming from Korea and emphasizes the importance of presenting practical knowledge for hikers in attractive formats.

Designer Shin So-hyun expressed her hope that hikers will embrace the book as their companion while exploring Korea's mountains, given that over half of the nation’s territory is mountainous and accessible to the public. This award not only fosters national pride but also showcases the artistic evolution of Korean book design on the global stage, encouraging further creative developments within the industry. This marks a significant achievement in promoting Korean culture and its rich natural landscape through the medium of high-quality book design.