Ice Conditions later in January

dgbryan · #1 01-12-2009, 12:16 PM

Obviously impossible to predict with any accuracy, but a general enquiry to those of you there - how is is looking for the Sokcho area later in the month? What has formed up, what is the snow like, any long range weather forecasts? Thinking of being there in the last week of January, over Chinese New Year.
Many thanks!
Damian Ryan
Hong Kong

shanja · #2 01-12-2009, 01:27 PM

Damian mate, I'm not in Sokcho area but you can be sure that there will be plenty of ice-falls and ice climbing areas fully formed and in use. Late Jan to mid Feb is actually the best time generally for the ice in Korea and Sokcho area, being near the sea and in the north gets more snow fall than other places (usually).

dgbryan · #3 01-12-2009, 02:55 PM

Shanja, many thanks. If there is anybody in the Sokcho area who can provide an update, perhaps a bit closer to the time, I would be very grateful. And if there is anywhere else we should try to get to (bumbly ice-climbers, WI4 ish or thereabouts on a good day) please advise.
All the best,
Damian

Dong-il · #4 01-12-2009, 04:00 PM

Hello Damian,
The last week of Jan. has been the best time for ice climbing in Sokcho, however, lunar new year falls on last week of Jan. this year. Ice falls around Sokcho will be crowded and terrible traffic as well. Anyway, when you make a definite day to visit and need to know more, mail me. I'll try to help you.

dgbryan · #5 01-12-2009, 05:02 PM

Many thnaks Dong-Il. I am keen to go, but equally the travel & traffic you describe is unattractive ...
Damian

shanja · #6 01-12-2009, 05:07 PM

Yeah, traveling at that time can be horrendous, but don't despair entirely...You might be able to at least TR the ice walls inside at O2 World (see: http://www.koreaontherocks.com/climb...hp?area_id=104) or try popping down to Yeong-Dong Ice Park here near Daejeon in central Korea (see http://www.koreaontherocks.com/climb...hp?area_id=183)

dgbryan · #7 01-12-2009, 06:10 PM

No Shanja, I am not a gym rat - not a climbing gym rat anyway. I had a couple of trips to Sokcho a few years back, met a few people but we weren't exactly tripping over each other, actually had a couple of easy falls to myself and a good day soloing a flow up to the cable car - not really keen on the crowds.
Anyway - we'll see what the weather and cheap flights bring ...
Cheers,
Damian