K2 gym in Seoul - what the hell?

[blacklotus]

Who climbs here, anyway? I've been climbing for more than a decade and climb hard. I visited this place just out of curiosity and was just bewildered. Desk staff look like they work at a hotel, and ID card / paperwork is required to enter. Korean man (non-climber) who works there explains it's "members only". Where in the universe is there another climbing center whose design is so ridiculous and unwelcoming to strangers?

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It's a little unfortunate this place has such a nice KOTR page, and one must read through the comments to realize it's weird and clearly not run by actual rock climbers - or at least not by climbers without sticks up their bums.

[seoulclimber]

I wish this page had a 'like' button...

K2 clearly doesn't want any ol' dirtbag climber mussing up their pristine climbing gym floors (unless perhaps they have an extremely fat pocketbook...).

[blacklotus]

The tone of my OP was too acrid, but I'm still perplexed about this place.

A couple months ago I got to climb not really with, but among the head route setter there. Seemed like an okay guy, and one of the strongest climbers I've ever observed. Still, doesn't inspire me to visit his gym.

[seoulclimber]

I agree with you that the setters (Kim D.H.?) are nice, but still think the gym's policies and management are not inviting.