heading to Korea soon!

[proudestmonkey]

HI there! I am heading to Seoul soon (September) to teach English and I am really stoked that there is a climbing scene. I am from Fredericton, New Brunswick and I have been climbing for about 2 years. My main love is bouldering, but I wouldn't mind dipping into some sport climbing. Just wondering if Korea has much for outdoor gear stores (should I bring a pad or wait until I get there)and guidebooks, etc. Also wondering how the gyms are over there (which ones are the best) for during the week. I know some people in Korea, but they are not climbers, so I am hoping to be able to meet lots of climbers while I am there too! Take it easy,

Michelle

[Ricky]

Korea has more of a sport climbing scene going on I think. If you're at all interested in sport climbing I recommend picking up a set of draws before you come as they are about half the price in Canada as they are here. You might want to get a box of chalk too. I mean it's not going to break your budget here, but a block of chalk that costs 1.50$ in CAN will cost 5-6$ here. So, if you have some extra space in your luggage bag.....

Other than that.....ropes are not that much cheaper in Canada, harnesses are the same (I think) and shoes tend to be cheaper here, especially when you get them on Sale. My Galileos cost me 45$.

You'll find lots of gyms in Seoul, you'll be able to try them all out and pick the one you like best (probably the ones closest to you).

Okay. That's all the info I can offer.

Oh wait and.....

take sleeping pills on the plane, don't pack socks(they're cute and cheap here), pack lots of undies and bras (if you have average size thighs, butt, and boobs/ average = x-large in Korea) and pack two big sticks of deoderant.
Okay that's all.
Good luck in ROK!
Ricky

[Chickenlegs]

Good pads are not that easy to find, because bouldering isn't popular in the ROK. Basically, the only one you can get is the Mad Rock Madpad. We bought one used here. New, they are a little more expensive than home (maybe around 150,000 KRW for the madpad).

Oh, and I would have to disagree with the rope prices. Ropes are quite a bit more expensive here than in the States, at least. If you are thinking about getting one at all, I would DEFINITELY bring one over. (Try gearexpress.com for Edelweiss 10.3mm dry ropes... about the best deal anywhere)

I second the quickdraw info... they are waaayyyy expensive here!

Happy packing!

[skinsk]

I'd emphasize: buy all the cute women's climbing clothes that you will need! You can now find imports from most western brands, but at prices crazier than home. Depending on where you're climbing (you'll see how local women are dressed and how people look at you/talk about you) you'll want a variety of modesty levels:rolleyes8