learning in Busan?

[burngirl]

I am completely new to climbing! In fact I only went once with a friend back home. I live in Oncheonjang and am eager to learn while I'm here.

Great, so, now what?? I barely know anything about rock climbing but I realize that I can't climb on my own, also I have no equipment, and I probably should take lessons or connect with others nearby who can show me what to do.

Are there any options for lessons in English, somewhere in the city?

[CharlesCullen23]

So, there is a great crew of Busan climbers that climb in your backyard. About a 10 minutes bus ride from Oncheonjang station there is a great crag called Dae Ryuk Bong that is definately beginner friendly. Your best bet is to check the upcoming trips section under "forums" and head out. There are also people that meet every week at one of the climbing walls in Busan, I believe in Dongnae, whom would be happy to show you the ropes.

[bhylenski]

Hello BurnGirl,

There are a few newbie ladies here in Daegu, who after only a few mere months are now climbing 5.14a and looking for international sponsorships...so if your interested in being the best, feel free to give us a shout...we'll make you a superstar! If not, nevermind.

A bunch of us here climb alot between Busan and Daegu, and no one takes themselves to seriously, so if your ever interested PM me and we'll take you out one weekend. I've got extra gear...depending on shoe size.

Bryan

[Dong-il]

Trying out Dongnae Gym will make you become a good climber in Busan area.
You don't need to learn Climbing by speech But by action, so just hit the Gym.
There is a great teacher called Mr. Kim (김 선생님 better), and tell him I told you. For biggners, Ok outdoor shop will be the best place for finding equipment. Good Luck!

[burngirl]

Thanks! Do I have to buy equipment before I start, or will gyms have equipment to rent out? Can i really just walk in to a gym by myself - with my extremely limited Korean skills - and they'll set me up?

Also if anyone knows some of the local climbers I'd love to make contact!

Thanks again :)

[shanja]

Hi Heather,
If you are worried about your lack of Korean check out the following thread:
http://www.koreaontherocks.com/forum...orean+tips+day

Also when you walk into the gym, just say a good old:

Ahn-nyeong-ha-se-yo! (안녕하세요 = hello!)

Shil-ye ham-ni-da (실예합니다 = excuse me)

Nar-neun (나는 = I), Chor-eum wah-so-yo (초음 왔어요 = first time come here)

Ahm-byeok deung-ban (암벽등반 = rock climbing)

Bae-oo-go-ship-o-yo (배우고싶어요 = want to learn)

Kim Seong-saeng-nim, kye-se-yo? (김선생 계세요? = Is instructor Kim here?)

Nar-neun, Ryu Dong-il shee, al-get-seum-ni-da (나는 류동일씨 알겠습니다 = I know Mr Ryu Dong-il)

Nar-neun wang-chor-bor, (나는 왕초보 = I am a total beginner climber)

Je-bal, jom dor-wah ju-se-yo (제발 좀 도와 주세요 = Please help me a little)

Karm-sa-ham-ni-da! (감사합니다! = Thank you!)

Mi-ahn ha-ji-marn nar-neun jang-bi ob-se-yo (미안하지만 장비를없어요 = Sorry but I don't have any equipment).

That should get you started Ok I think. Koreans are very kind and friendly people, so I'm sure they will try and help you even if they speak only a little English. They will love that you try any Korean.

They will probably ask "Where are you from?"
Answer = Nar-neun Mi-Guk sa-ram im-ni-da (나는 미국사람 입니다 = I am American)
plus a lot of questions too (age, job, mariatl status, how long in Korea, do you like Korea etc) Some questions might seem a bit odd, but are quite standard in Korean culture....go with it and smile and say "thanks" often (karm-sa-ham-ni-da!)

Oh, BYW my Korean isn't 100% either so there may be a few small mistakes but nothing too bad.

[intoutdoor]

hey, my name is Mack, I also live in Oncheonjang (we are probably neighbors) give me a shout, I climb 3-4 times a week in Busan, I will definitely "show you the ropes" ha. give me a shout 010-8220-4881.

[Canadian Grizzly]

Hey Burngirl and everyone else!

I'm new to Busan and want to do as much climbing while I'm here as possible as well. I've got most of the gear needed minus quick draws. I'm livin' in Hwamyeong-dong. Hit me up if you're hitting the rock. 010-8692-9679

As for getting started, all you really need to start with is shoes if you're going to the gym, and usually you can rent some there. If you're going to a wall you probably want to go with someone who has some experience and they will probably have a rope and the gear you'll need, although you'll probably have to get your own harness. As it happens I brought an extra harness with me on my travels across the pond.

As for the girls from Daegu, they're super freindly and can definitely climb. Take them up on their offer!

Cheers,
Jake

[Mox]

get a pair of them fancy rock climbing shoes and the rest will take care of itself. nice gym near you, but don't trust mack any further than you can throw him. 010.3296.4512 (you know, for a good time)

i didn't mean it MM

[intoutdoor]

its ok grant, i still love you.

[mtnbk13]

Hey Grizzly - I also live in Hwamyeong and am just getting to know the climbing scene here. Where do you climb indoor in the winter? I took the trek to Sajik a few times, but I want to find something closer... any tips?

[Mox]

there is a small gym in deokcheon dong as well as a wall [(when it isn't too cold) if you live in hwamyeong dong, and not oncheonjeong]

gym costs 60k per month or for 10 tickets. they only take the tickets on mon/wed/fri though, the other days it is free. so (math, math, math) it's 6,000 each time if you buy the set of ten. i go nights irregularly... give me a call if you are interested in trying it out. happy hunting

[dreworear08]

What are the hours like at the Dognae gym? Also, what are the directions from the subway?
I have almost no experience climbing, but I have been wanting to check it out.
I live in Kyungsung and teach at a public school. Is there anyone that goes to Dognae during the evenings? Get in touch with me I would like to check it out! 010-7624-4440

[intoutdoor]

In the warmer months, dongnae is open till about 10pm and costs 1500won. Dongnae has both and outdoor wall and indoor bouldering gym, it is too cold to go to the outdoor wall as of late, but the indoor gym is ok (obviously). I can show you around and introduce you to the guy that runs it anytime. give me a shout. mack 010.8220.4881

[Mox]

just don't make the monday mistake. dongnae gym shuts down every 화유일 for some reason or another. gets me every time, then i end up pumping aluminium instead and have to pay for a damn taxi home.

[dreworear08]

Thanks for the info.
Mack, are you interested in checking the place out tomorrow or Saturday afternoon?
I am off work at 4:30, so I could meet you sometime after
Let me know

[intoutdoor]

Hey Drew, can we make it 5:30 today instead of 5:15?