New Climber

[cdcarr18]

Hello!

I'm relatively new to climbing and was wondering what sort of equipment I should get to start off. Also, if anyone could point me to a good store where I might be able to get the equipment...and hopefully some shoes that will fit me (I wear a US size 12 tennis shoe...) it would also be a great help. I'm in Uijeongbu, which is part of the greater Seoul metro if that helps.

Thanks a lot, and I look forward to maybe meeting some you.

Chris

[shanja]

Hi Chris! and welcome to Korea and KOTR! If you are living in Seoul, then you should have access to lots of climbing areas and gyms. Just click the gyms link on the left scroll bar and see what is near you. There are a lot of KOTRers in Seoul, and if you contact one of them you might find yourself in the same area and going to the same gym. Try sending a pm to Les (Les), Gabe (gt29905), Patty (pattyannblake), Heidi (dangerflower) or Dan (dan13). If you need to do any gear shopping 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/forum...s-for-you.html
http://www.koreaontherocks.com/forums/t1122-shoes.html
http://www.koreaontherocks.com/forum...-shopping.html
Finally, there is a group of folks heading over to Ganhyeon crag this coming weekend (Sept 4-6). It's sport climbing with super convenience, good camping/ min-bakking and a great atmosphere. Bus and trains from Seoul area go there. Just check out the link:
http://www.koreaontherocks.com/climb...d=22&sort=name
Hope that helps you out. Oh, and also do fill in your profile page a bit, as it helps others help you with regards to partners, gear and grades etc.

[gt29905]

Hey Chris, I'm sure there'll be some climbing going down around Seoul in the next couple of weeks. Just keep your eyes open for a thread with Seoul in the title. I won't be climbing this coming weekend but I will on the following weekend of the 19th.

[martyn_l]

hey man dunno what my plans are this weekend but if im in seoul then i'll be climbing for sure. if we can organise a few others then there shud b harnesses etc for you to use, i'll let you know by the end of the week