MUJU, North Jeolla Province-Mr World contestants began their sports challenges Wednesday morning with a trek up Mt. Deogyu Mountain here.
The activity was led by an ex-British Army drill sergeant who suggested that the men were not being put through an especially rigorous routine.
``I wouldn't call this a 'mountain,'" he said before the contestants began.
The route taken was along a carved-out path, fitted with steps and handrails along the way. However, what would usually have been a relaxing stroll was made more dangerous by ice.
The conditions were enough to force Mr Serbia, Vasa Nestorovic, to turn back before having gotten past the first set of stairs.
"I am not going to break my leg for the show," said the 25-year-old as he walked down.
The other 73 contestants made it to the top where they celebrated and exclaimed that the task was easy.
"That was easy, we want more," shouted the blue team.
Mr Nigeria, Kenneth Okolie, was not phased by the task.
"It is almost the same thing as we do every day, but it was really cold," he said. "It was fun, but I wouldn't say it was easy."
Mohammed Al Maiman, from France, found the trek to be ``a unique experience."
"It was a very good experience, a unique experience," he said. "It is my first time doing something like that.
"It was hard of course - the dangerous thing is the ice. We had to help each other. That was good because we learned to help each other," Al Maiman said. "You feel very satisfied when you reach the top. It was very beautiful."
For Mr Indonesia, Todi Pandapotan, it was his first time experiencing snow.
"This was my first time seeing snow, because in my country we don't have it," he said. "Snow is wonderful."
Several contestants slipped and slid on the ice. "I fell twice," said Mr China, Lei Zhao, 23. "It was hard and when there is ice, usually I walk a different way, but here I couldn't."
The trek was set to be longer and more challenging, however poor weather meant some sections were deemed too dangerous by the drill sergeant.
Later in the day the contestants took part in some paintballing, with an added twist: although they were fighting in teams, individuals could turn on their teammates for extra points.