Bilingual Guidebook for Korea

[skinsk]

OK, so as some know. . . I plan to do a bilingual guidebook on climbing in Korea. I have a publisher and distributer and (hopefully, possibly) a Korean co-author. It will focus on the best and the easily accessible crags, with lots of hints and tips for life/travel in Korea. Areas around cities and bases are key. (Matt Robertson's Long Dong Trad Climbs for Taiwan is an inspiration. . .)

Why am I posting about this? I need you!! I need my fellow KOTRers and your high resolution photos-- particularly those I can photoshop into topos (but certainly excellent climbing shots-- re: no butts, armpits, headless. . .) of Insubong, Halmaebawi, Sununsan, Kanhyon, Soraksan, Yongseo, Yeongkyeong, Geumgang (Daegu) . . . you can send them to me-- I need releases from any identifiable people and the photographer or owner of the photos (i.e.: you give your camera to Joe Kim and he gets a good photo-- you own it and give me permission). . . what do you get? fame and a copy if and when. . . :D I'll also feature (with your permission) photos and quotes about living and climbing in Korea. . . send me your best. . . or maybe I'll find your best and seek your permission?!

Ideas? Suggestions? pul-lease PM me!!!

[Fainthearted Wack]

Wow! This is amazing! I was hoping somebody would take this challenge on soon. Glad it's you (and not me).
But I'm willing to help in anyway, although I don't have many pictures, but I'll start taking them.

[Eric]

Here are all my photos.
http://www.koreaontherocks.com/climbing/gallery.php?view=1&area_type=&photo_nav=&area_province=&area_city=&area_park=&area_userid=1&sort=views

Let me know which ones you like by clicking the title of the picture next to the text (Click title for image URL). Then send me the URL's and I will dig up what I have for each photo.

It should be an awesome book!!!

[skinsk]

It'd be especially helpful if anyone with a good camera (and/or an eye for photography) would remember to snap some good, unobstructed crag views on those good sunny days! Especially folks near "urban" crags around Busan, Ulsan. . . I hope to include brief "essays" and/or comments by people who live and climb in Korea (Korean climbers included!!). Eric, I was going to ask Sun Ho Lee to co-author!!

[Eric]

[QUOTE=skinskEric, I was going to ask Sun Ho Lee to co-author!![/QUOTE]
great idea! he is perfect.

[skinsk]

I plan to brainstorm here and anytime 2 or more of us gather 'til it's done!

My publisher (aka my brother, Fred, whose company Sharpend Publishing (http://www.sharpendbooks.com/) has had a Banff Book finalist-- Indian Creek Climbs, one of 9 finalist of 170+ book entries) wants it bilinguel-- and given many Koreans want an updated easy-to-use guide-- I agree. Obviously I'll need to include the classic routes on Insubong and Soraksan, as well as all of Sununsan and Kanhyon. I'll do major easy-to-get-to "urban" crags like Geumjang in Busan, Munsu in Ulsan. . . and some fun cool places that are easily accessible/on the tourist track like Yongseo, Yeongkyeong, Oedolgae. . . (I want to appeal to all levels of climbers) . . . obviously I'll point to KOTR. Need to highlight some walls: the Bull, O2, a few biggies in Seoul (Boraemae, Eungbong). . . I'd like to get essays (I'll pay to translate to English/Korean) from Seung-kwan, Mi-young, Chung-jun, Seong-won, Dong-hyun, Jin-taek, Hyun-jeong, Song-hui, Tae-jun. . . maybe Ja-in, though I don't know her. . . and Eric, Ricky, Mike, Joshi, Rick, Jenn, Greg/Punchy. . . I'll post on the Korean sites for photos from Caldwell's and Hirayama's visit (I've photos from the latter, albeit bad ones). . . might be nice to have a shot/quote or two of Sharma/Lauren Lee . . . I want some honest heartfelt thoughts about climbing in Korea/Korea/what you're leaned, etc. . . which is not to say that anyone on this sight might not have something bookworthy to contribute! DO NOT feel bashful!! If you have an insight, an inspiration, etc from Korea. . . I am NOT elitist!! I want the book to be heartfelt, informative, etc. . . I also want history! I know the Korean Alpine Fed was a big player in the colonial era (as a way to plot and plan against the Japanese in the Mts). . . obviously Yvon Chinard (aka Black Diamond) pioneered the routes that bear his name on Insubong-- I climbed with one of his old partners when I did the Man and Mountain shoot in '99-- gotta try to find that guy again!) I want this to be a truely great, worthy book-- not something rushed together!

I want your photos (esp in the sunlight, of great climbing-- no butts, or of complete crags where I might photoshop lines). . . you will be paid . . . in a free book:o and fame and credits:rolleyes8 I need your photos (good photographers among you) because I am not a good photographer!

Obviously this book is a labor of love for me. I love this country, and I love the local and expat climbing communities. I don't think I can leave Korea without writing it and I may have to stay during vacation or come back to devote the time necessary! I expect, like my (veggie)website, it will cost me more than I earn. . . so if you can contribute photos, stories, etc. . . you may live on on coffee tables. . . you'll get good karma. . . but not much else:o

[skinsk]

I need the brainstorming power and the photographic talent of all y'all (well, those with high resolution cameras). . .

I want to write a book that makes the finalists at the Banff Mountaineering Book Awards!! I want a book that is inclusive of the Korean and Foreign climbing communities. My publisher, as I mentioned, insisted the book be bilinguel. I want it to be part Long Dong Trad Climbs, by Matt Robertson (who some of you met in Thailand or knew beforehand!) and part Sam Lightener-style-guide (well, opinionated but not so embellished, compromised or frightening! . . . and as I've said. . . all voices will be contacted, listened to, represented. . .) and part David Bloom's Indian Creek Guide. . . with essays from anyone with a history or impact in the area, gorgeous photos. . . etc. . .

The book, as I envision, will be co-authored by myself and an old friend prominent and connected in the Korean community. I want to cover the background, politics and history of Korean climbing, classics, and personalities foreign and native, old and young. . . old and new . . . kow something? let me know!! I'll follow up!!

Don't think that if you're new to climbing or Korea that your opinion doesn't count-- usually you bring honest opinions and fresh perspective where long-timers see something tired-- again, this book aims to be inclusive for a wide audience.

If you're Korean, connected, etc, and can help with ads and sponsors, great! I also accept ideas, (constructive) criticism, topos, photos, gift certificates, gear, advice, margarita fixings, "green climbing rope". . .

If you have a good camera and you're out on a sunny day. . . please step back and take a shot of the crag that could be used to show route topos. . . jot down notes of impressions, etc. . . station yourself at the top of a route and take good (lead) shots of people's faces!

Share your stories, impressions, etc on this thread or PM. . . how has the climbing shared your Korean experience? what's the wildest story? how have the Korean/foreign climbers informed you/changed you/inspired you/shaped you as a climber? a person?

You'll be acknowledged! You'll get a free copy even if it comes out of my pocket!! THANKS!!

[skinsk]

I am really inspired by all the enthuisiasm and offers of help from all of y'all!! I feel much more like an editor than the co-author. I will try to get back to everyone individually, but in order of what I need most (i.e., things I suck at and/or hate doing or can't do myself)

1. Photos and illustrations. Cover shots will be conpensated, as will super-excellent shots . . . multiple submissions that are used (including combined with other help). . . I'll get out as many free copies as I can. much will depend on advertising and sponsorship. I will call on US and ROK contacts. ROK photographers will be paid first, esp for classic shots. Everyone used will get photo credits and acknowledgement (and books at wholesale). Photos with recognizable people must have model releases. PM me your e-mail for a (bilingual) release. If you can draw (humans or rocks), send me a sample!!

2. Maps, GPS info. . . this might get multiple copies and some beer and belays.

3. Translations. It's a bilinguel guidebook. I'll have some of my students do rough translations, but anyone who is fluent or nearly will get free books. this includes help translating model releases, letters to advertisers/sponsors, route descriptions and directions and essays/history/interviews. . .

4. Proofreading and editing. This might also get copies of the guidebook, beer and belays.

5. Ideas-- what should/n't be included. What's your favorite crag? Do you know a Korean climber who is a leader or representative of your gym/area, who has climbed abroad?, or who otherwise might contribute (including photos, illustrations, translations. . .:))

6. Your story! Some of you I might some right out and ask if I can quote your blog, use your photos, etc. I will not publish anything that you have not looked over in the context of the entire book! I want to intersperce the book with heartfelt stories aboout how climbing in Korea has shaped your experience in Korea, and maybe who you are as a person. I want that story of your first trip with the gym. . . your first time at Sununsan, etc. . . you probably won't get money. . . but you may get to inspire others and become a part of the "history" of climbing in Korea and a really pretty damn good guidebook!

I want this book to reflect the love and respect that I have for the Korean and Expat climbing community here in Korea. It needs to have all of your stories and input. I hope in part it will introduce the Korean climbers to the foreigners andd vice-versa. I also hope to bring more cimbers to Korea.

Post here or PM me with your ideas!

[skinsk]

SO . . . as of now, my PMbox keeps getting full. So far I have Dave writing about the Insubong Boulders. . . and hopefully being my guide out there one day while we're both here! I figure that's good for a cold day even. I just want to get really good details, counts, grades, etc. Dave's the man.

Corey to help me with Insubong routes (and Seoninbong), though I am interested in anyone's opinions of the top routes to include, how many top routes (I was thinking go with top 10?) . . . I'd like info on pitches, etc and good photos. Hope to make it out yet this season-- soon! The more (able to lead the behemoth or skedaddle quickly as a 3rd--that's maybe Kris? Seungkab? ) the merrier. . .

Who but Dan (well, maybe Johnny or the Jeju Climbers I haven't met. . . yet) could write abut Jeju. . . and lucky me! he takes some amazing photos!

Hope someone is still in Ulsan to host me in the Spring-- it's been nearly a decade since I was at Musuchan. Anyone there want to check on the route info, I'll send 'em a link. . . I still might could make it out this late fall/winter?!

Hoping Greg, Jenn, Andrew or some of the new Sokcho folks (who I hope to meet this spring!) can help with photos, descriptions, and introduction, and/or some belays/ropegunning later this spring-- I'll be back for my 7th trip to Seorak-- but always something new to see and experience! I'll defintely include Jangunbong, Jeok Byeok and Yuseondae; for Ulsan Bawi I was thinking of just highlightling one or two routes-- not many are done these days anyway. . . I hope I can use Craig's info, and maybe some photos and a quote or two? Hope he wrote all that stuff down. Of course, I'm also hitting up Mary and Göran. . .

I'd like Ricky to write up something about her experience climbing in Korea with her climbing club, same for Scott. . . I could almost take something from their websites. I hear Dave's an awesome writer too. . . and I hope to see that for myself!!

Heidi-- I need to set out some time with-- maybe next spring when it's still cold-- to interview some prominent Korean climbers. I think I also should talk to Heidi about my ideas of what should come from a Korean perspective. Should she have time, I would like her to do a final edit on the whole thing.

I am still in need of photos and input as to what to include/not to include. Just cuz I didn't say your name doesn't mean I don't want your help (or even that I haven't pegged you for something specific!! like Shanja witing about his experiences and helping with the Korean:/). At times I have heard (in no specific order and not limited to) Mike (B.), David, Rick, Yats, Sizelove, Alex, Matt, Jessica, Brandon, Kim-Lee, Jeff, Miguel, Les, Nicole, Steve (and no doubt some I've forgotten to include) make heartfelt claims or passionate statements that I would definitely welcome into this book if they found their way to me.

Josh didn't need to say it, he caught it all on film and was part of the best of KOTR.

Never met CHOI BAWI or rockboy but they seem knowledgeable to contribute-- at least input and ideas but maybe photos, essays. . .

And finally, Eric needs to do a semi-introduction or some special page somewhere before "acknowledgements"(he's already made all his photos available to me and I invite, nay challange, everyone here to do the same!!). . . as the book is really a spin off of his website. Without it I doubt I (or many of you) would still be here.

So hope this answers the "what I want from you" questions. . . sorry I couldn't get back to everyone personally (my inbox really gets full alot. . . plus I have a job now, and everything is a time drainer. . . but I appreciate any help and especially the initiative to go out there and do it. .. if you're at a craig, take good photos! Get route names/lengths/grades, etc. if you need it, I can send you links to topos before you go so you can print them and check them when you get there. count bolts, check anchors, send me your opinion?! take some photos.

I prefer you read this and tell me what you can do, or just do it! or tell me what you think! Or tell me when you're free if you want and can and will take an assignment!! But don't have me send you things and then you don't bother because that wastes my time, and as you can see, I have enough to do!!

thanks again to everyone who has logged in hours!! YOU know who you are!!

[skinsk]

OK, now that things are going. . . I'm really keen to assign, push, ask. . . for any and all help with this! If you want to help, I can find something that will match your interests, skills, etc!

Even if you are no longer in Korea!!

[Eric]

let me know what i can do!

[skinsk]

PMed you a list. . . thanks:)

and thanks to those who are helping already, of course!! your efforts will be duly acknowledged, though I can't promise much more than that. . .

(Any other takers?)

[skinsk]

so here's my (very) rough list of what to include in the guidebook. . . I'm still open to suggestions, etc, and I would love it if anyone going to these areas can help me with photos, route beta, matching routes to cliff photos etc. . . (PM me and I can e-mail you photos/list of routes, etc for many of the areas. . . you can print out and take notes. . . or draw routes in photos and send back to me). . . you'll be famous! (and very very appreciated:))

Seoul/Gyeonggi
Bukhansan
insubong: sky route chinaurd A & B easiest
seoninbong
one more bukhansan rock? maybe something on the other side?
side article on Insu boulders (Dave)
urban craggin'
Uiwang, Byeongpoong?
Namhansanseong?

Kangwondo
Seoraksan
janggunbong
yuseondae
sotowang
ageolbawi?
jeokbyeok?
mireukjangeunbong?
ulsanbawi
Kanhyon
Yonghwasan?
Maewol Amjang ?

Chungcheong-buk
Ulbawi
Chungsukkol?
(consult Kris)

Chungcheong-nam
Hagampo Beach
Gyeryongsan?
anyone know anything good in this province?!

Jeollabuk
Sununsan
(sidebar: Halmae: no pay to play!)
Maisan
Daedunsan
Daeyari?

Jeollanam
Yudalsan
Yongseo
Mudeungsan-Saeinbong
Horangsan?
sidebar-- Yeongam Rock Climbing Stadium

Gyeongsangnam
Busan urban crags
Geumjeongsan Buchae Bawi, Daeryokbong
Amnan Park ?
(Song-do)KMU
Ae Bawi ?
Jeokdeokri?
Mucheksan
Ae bawi?
Munsusan
Buoengsae Bawi
Juk Jang
Sinbal/Byeongpung
Wonhyosan? Byeong pung
sidebar: bull

Gyeongsangbuk
Daegu urban crags: Yeongyeong-dong
Yong Mun San (yong bawi)
Uksukol
Palgongsan?
Yuhaksan?
Dream bawi?
Ulleungdo?

Jeju
Musucheon
Eongtto
Oedolgae
Mara-do?

PS: if I've commented on climbing shots you've posted on Facebook, it means I'm interested in that photo. . .

[skinsk]

OK, I am trying to organize (this is about 75% of book-writing, I decided). . .
if I tagged a climbing shot in your facebook, could you please send me the photo? If you did this already, could you send me info such as where? what route? first and last name of climber? first and last name of photographer? contact info of person who owns the photo (who's camera, basically) if not you. If you don't remember the route, approximate grade, where it was located on the cliff, etc is all helpful! If I e-mailed you for the 3rd time with the same question, please bear with me! Finally, for the guidebook, I am trying to use my canubelay-hotmail e-mail. (If you already sent photos/items to a different e-mail, I've forwarded them-- this is more for future submissions!)

I am thinking this book will be ongoing until late summer at the earliest! Amazing photos, route beta etc is still welcome! If you are willing to match routes to photos, count bolts, etc, at your local crag, PM me (again!) and I will try to keep everything straight (from now on)!

At the moment, I CANNOT offer free books for everyone who submits a photo or two-- anyone who knows me from my non-profit/lose-profit days can attest. . . however, if you submit a number of usable shots, write some, put me up:), gather info, etc, a free book will surely come your way!

[skinsk]

Another reminder -- an invitation to new people-- I am really pushing to finish what I need to in Korea THIS month!!

I still need lots of photos, profiles, writing, proofreading, and people willing to go to the cliffs and match photos to routes. (I would e-mail you the lists and photos, you print and draw in or at least mark the starts of the routes, maybe count some bolts, try to figure out heights)

I still need mostly photos-- either good shots of climbers (with names of people and routes) and of cliffs. read through this thread for more info, or PM me with your preferences. . .

THANKS to those who have submitted!! THANKS again!!

Also, short (15-50 word) comments, impressions about a climbing area, a Korean climber or gym, an experience, something you learned etc would be great. . . I want to scatter random impressions from foreign climbers thoughout.

[dangerflower]

hahaha...i was going to offer to do some interviews for you anyway! so that's great that it's what you want me to do!:D just let me know who...

also, i happen to LOVE editing (i know, i know, i'm a total geek!:becky: )...so i'm definitely up for that too!

and we can talk about whatever anytime! you know you always have a place here in seoul if you need it!

ciao bella!;)
dee

[skinsk]

heya. . . I also need lots of help from people who know photoshop and indesign and have the time and inclination to help. . . the whole book needs to be formatted in indesign. . . as for photoshop-- looking mostly to tweek and sharpen photos. . .

[Chickenlegs]

Sonia... I've got you covered on InDesign at least and Photoshop if nobody else can. Most of my expertise is in InDesign. Send me a message and we can set up a time for a lesson. Also, there are some good tutorials online (at least for Photoshop) that I definitely took advantage of in university.

[skinsk]

Jess-- I was kinda thinking of you when I posted. . . I probably will accept your tutorial. . . I'll try to start cataloguing the things I most need to learn (can you make the grey skies blue?!), and am also making a plea for anyone who wants to help with the formatting and editing!! The whole thing should be in Indesign and I'm just swamped trying to put this thing together, count bolts, etc. . . I'd like to see what folks who really have a knowledge of photoshop could do with some of the photos (more immediately, we need an advertising brochure!!). .. for some things (like the latter), a tutorial won't give me an eye for design or the experience to do anything that's above amateurish.

[heatherj22]

hey if you still need someone to check out munsu let me know and i can get that done for you on friday.

[skinsk]

Heather. . . I'll try to get all the munsu stuff to you. . . it might be in an advanced state enough. . . basically I'd want you to print out some photos and check to see that the routes are marked in the right place! Of course, if you can get any better photos. . .etc. . . I'll send you what I have on Munsu tho, and you can check it out, give me your feedback. . .

[heatherj22]

yeah for sure. i hike it in the morning on fridays pretty regularly, so any time is fine. i'll talk to my club and see if they have any better descriptions or pictures.

[skinsk]

Hello!

An update! I had some issues! I spent much of my time in Slovakia doing formatting, which as it turns out takes a long time (putting my notes into "chapters" with organization: intro to area: type of rock, when developed, climbing season, type of climbing. . .routes: in oder: name, grade, height, geat/bolts, description. . . amenitites, how to get there. . .

This was taking awhile (and I was still writing profiles, etc) when just before Christmas, my computer crashed. In Europe, basuically everything closes for the holidays. In Slovakia, there are few macs (I did just discover a place in the capital, 124 km away. . . and that's where mac is now, but) instead of finishing over the holidays (when I was not working!!! though maybe I wouldn't have completely finished) I ran from country to country (Austria-- Graz and Wien, and Slovenia) trying to get help, but not having enough time to even get a good diagnostic. . . anyway, Mac is now in Bratislava getting a new hard drive. I am 99 percent sure I saved everything through my first month here. . . before the final crash I think I managed to save almost everything I did through December-- fingers crossed. I should have all my photos and raw data.

But this does mean I've pushed back my deadline, and maybe some of you who are hiking or climbing this winter can snap some good cragside shots of the rock while there are no pesky leaves in the way?!

As always, I am accepting help-- when I get mac back and reinstall the hardware so I can check, I might also appreciate help with gruntwork like formatting (putting name, grade, height etc in order. . . , proofreading. . . )

OK. . . I can say it will be finished this YEAR!!:) :) Thanks and Peace!!
Sonia

[servantkin]

Is the guide going to include winter climbing locations as well? That's going to really attract all the rock and ice climbers around the world to go to Korea.

[skinsk]

No. . . size wise it just got unwieldly, so I categorically cut ice, bouldering ridges (aid may go too). . . especially since the recent difficulties! Besides, I usually left for the winter and I only ice-climbed 3 places (including 02World!) in Korea-- no places made the guide if I didn't climb there!!

On the positive side, I got my mac back today!! Now I need to re-get photoshop and Indesign to see how much of the formatting I sucessfully saved!! (mac folks, e-mail me as I have some questions. . .:rolleyes8 )

I really wanna fast track this thing. . .

[skinsk]

OK. . . so having a little more time these days. . .I've been working on what I've got and trying to get people to help me fill in the blanks. For the most part, this will involve travel (to the crag) and work (matching route descriptions and topos). . . I've got some ready-to-go and others that might need a bit more work. . . I've tried to go back thru my list of people who wanted to help first. . . but if you haven't heard from me and will be in Korea thru winter and maybe you're bored and have nothing else to do. . . ? :-)

Let me know where you live, so I can send you somewhere near-by!

[Likendogo]

Is there anywhere that you know that has a good guidemap of Insubong with distances, ratings, routes, etc? I have heard of one that was in a magazine called "MOUNTAIN" but I can't seem to find it anywhere...

[skinsk]

Many many books, websites and maps out there (check the climbing shops in Ui-dong and the campsite/ranger station just under Insubong. One of the best websites I've found is here (http://www.nepa.co.kr/flash/contents/rock/subrock/mt2_po738.swf).

[shanja]

Like Sonia says, many of the climbing shops near the base will have a route topo map for Insu-bong. If you're Korean is a bit rusty you can say;

"Insu-bong am-byeok deung-ban ji-do iss-o-yo?"
"인수봉 암벽등반 지도 있어요?"

[skinsk]

I have been trying to rush. . . impossible as so much changed and I really need to just double check. . . photos and routes and maybe a few fill-in-the-blank with information (bolt count or height of a climb. . .) I would appreciate . . .

Crags I plan to include:

Seoul and Gyeonggi
Bukhansan
Insubong* sky route chinaurd A & B + ?? (your ideas?)
Seoninbong* possibly highlight a few routes
sidebar on Insu boulders
urban craggin'
Uiwang, Byeongpoong
Gwanaksan
(I would be open to something in the N or E Soul 'burbs)

Kangwondo
Seoraksan
janggunbong
yuseondae
sotowang
aghulbawi
jeokbyeok-- (his)story and sidebar
ulsanbawi* highlight a route or two?
Kanhyon
Yonghwasan

Chungcheong-buk
Ulbawi
Chungsukkol?

Chungcheong-nam
Hagampo Beach

Jeollabuk
Sununsan
(sidebar: Halmae: no pay to play!)
(curtains at the Opera House)
Daedunsan: Sinseon, Chaek and Dweji Bawis

Jeollanam
Yudalsan: Kokkiri Bawi
& new routes?
Yongseo
Horangsan
sidebar-- Yeongam Rock Climbing Stadium (would love someone local to write this)

Gyeongsangnam
Busan urban crags:
Geumjeongsan Buchae Bawi, Daeryokbong
Amnan Park
Jeokdeokri?
Mucheksan
Munsusan
Buoengsae Bawi
Juk Jang
Sinban/Byeongpung
Sirubong
sidebar: bull

Gyeongsangbuk
Daegu urban crags: Yeongyeong-dong, Uksukol
Yuhaksan
Ulleungdo?

Jeju
Musucheon
Oedolgae

*Insu, Seonin and Ulsanbawi have a lot of routes, and have been covered in maps, books, magazines. I am hoping to get someone who's already done the route list/map to let me translate and reproduce for my book. . . I'd direct people to the website for Korean.

Also would love your writings on Korea-- from first impressions (of particular areas, or climbing in Korea in general) PHOTOS of the rocks (for topos. . . mine are not often great) or climbers (with name of climb, climber, photographer and permission to use) . . . prefer that you send photos, links, etc to my e-mail (in profile) PMs fill up too fast!

I will be heading to Seorak and East coast around the 17th. . . for about 10 days. If anyone has some time and would like to join up, great!

[shanja]

OK Sonia, I'll see if I can talk Matt into bringing his good camera and skills out this weekend to Daedunsan and we'll get some shots of the area, someone might be climbing the sport routes, and we can pass on a report of the areas.
Are you including NO walls? Just wondering, especially given the singularly awesomeness of the number of Gov't sponsored/ built/ free to use walls in Korea...maybe a sidebar?

[skinsk]

no walls?! I mentioned sidebars on the Bull and Yeongam. . . (certainly the most eye-catching walls!) and I have your story about finding the gym and I mention the culture and abundance of gyms. . . and they'll be interviews with gym owners. . . send me specific suggestions and they can probably find a place, but no guides as they do come and go and no one does guidebooks to gyms:-) At every step I pretty much point my readers to KOTR:-)

I'll try to send you what I got on Daedunsan so anyone might check up on it and/or get better photos:-)

[skinsk]

So. . . I am spending all winter (or as long as it takes) to finish this thing!! Will be traveling. . . needing crash space and help (proofing, writing, photos. . .) though the winter, everywhere. . . if you want to help in anyway, let me know (e-mail in profile). . . newb to experienced--we can find a place for you! I'd love more blurbs-- your impressions of climbing in Korea, or a specific area. . . if you want to help, contact me and we can figure a way. . .

peace and love!

[skinsk]

heading up through Cheongju, Chuncheon, maybe up to Paju in the next week or so. Anyone have a nice warm floor, or want to meet up?! I'll be visiting local crags and gyms, but maybe could take some time for climbing. And I promise a delicious healthy vegetarian meal! E-mail (best) or PM or post!