Ice Climbing Gear

[BedHead]

I'm looking to get some boots, crampons and ice tools. Can anyone point me in the direction? It seems like most shops only carry rock climbing goods. Thanks!

[shanja]

Hey Andy, welcome to KOTR and Korea (I know that's kinda late since you been hee 6months, sorry). Ice gear here is pricey, really pricey but if you can get to Seoul there are many shops around the base of Bukhansan (see O2 World or Insubong for directions in the search climbs link)...it's the 120 bus to Ui-dong from Suyu Station (blue line # 4). I heard that inside O2 on the 2nd floor they sell 2nd hand gear (maybe ice gear there) which would be cheaper and fine to use. Otherwise there are lots of shops in the Dongdaemun and Namdeamun areas that carry ice-gear too.

[BedHead]

Hey,

Thanks for the beta! I'll check that area out. I figure it would cost an arm and a leg here, so I'll check out the used bin at o2 world. Nothing wrong with that!!!

[shanja]

Hey I just found these ice/ mountaineering boots for sale, and they are a huge bargain (at least by Korean prices). They are Asolo ASF Guida plastic boots, reduced from 640,000won to a mere 270,000won. They are a perfect ice climbing boot, and flexible and comfy enough for snow hiking etc. Look at the web page for the Alps Villa Gear Store in Seoul (Jong-ga 5 area).
http://www.alps-ville.com/ and look on the left scroll list till you see 등산화, open that and go to 빙벽화

[shanja]

Sorry that should read Jungro 5 area near the West end of Dongdaemun Markets, and the shop is a Millet dealership too I think.

[jason in Sokcho]

If any one is in O2 ( I am not in Seoul) could you poke you head in and see what used ice tools are up for sale please? Don't want to make a speacial trip only to be disappointed. Cheers

[garyclimbskorea]

Around Jongno (5) Ga station (line 1) there are quite a few shops that stock winter gear. Come out of exit 5, walk 100m and turn right (there's a big drug store on the near corner when you turn). I bought some gators at one of the shops last week and they gave me 30% off the price tag but not sure if that's standard. (Bought my axes and rope there but can't remember if there was discount) Ask how much items are because they didn't mention any discount until I got my card out expecting to pay 115000 and paid 80000 - nice!