New to Korea!

[yeahsarah1]

Hello everyone!
I am so happy that I found this site! I am new to Korea, I arrived her about a month ago. I used to climb about once a month back home and I really want to get more serious here in Korea. I however, am completely new to climbing and to Korea. I have been looking at a couple of gyms on this website that are around my area, but I haven't been able to find them in person though:( . I would really like to meet some new people and get into climbing. Also I need to find shoes.. I found some in e-mart but I know there is better out there!
So any advice to a new climber in Korea would be fantastic!!

:)

[Louise]

hey,

if your free this weekend, check out the thread on "upcoming trips" and come along to youngso pokpo. everybody is super chilled and always welcome newbies. You are guaranteed a good weekend and it will give you the chance to meet climbers that live near you also.

As for gear, everybody is chilled bout lending stuff so dont worry bout not having some with you. If you need any more info, my no is 010 2549 1458.

Hopefully we will see you there

louise

[intoutdoor]

I second louises post. Pokpo is a beautiful place with some cool folks. You should come for sure.

[yeahsarah1]

Sorry I was unable to make it last weekend. I went to a music festival.. Is there any other trips coming up ?? I would really like to come along and get to know some cool people...

[shanja]

Hi Sarah and welcome to Korea and KOTR! If you are living in Suwon, then you should have access to a few climbing stores like Black Yak, Nepa and so on. These are big chains and maybe not best prices but, they are a good place to get started. If you can make the subway ride up to Seoul, the climbing shops around Jongro-5-ka (종로5가) are cheap and plentiful.
There will be heaps of climbing happening every weekend, all over Korea and beginner or expert I'm sure you'll find both the expat and local climbing communities really open and friendly. Try these KOTR links for some more help too:
http://www.koreaontherocks.com/forums/t1680-new-to-korea-and-or-kotr-this-one-is-for-you.html
http://www.koreaontherocks.com/forums/t1122-shoes.html
http://www.koreaontherocks.com/forums/t1121-seoul-shopping.html

[yeahsarah1]

Wow, that is the best post ever! sooo helpful.. I actually live outside of suwon.. I have only been there a few times mostly for buses and stuff. But yeah I will definitely check out some stores up in Jongro -5-Ka. What is going on next weekend ?