hello, I'm New! need Beta! (seoul)

[bethdeel]

Hi Everyone,

I am new. I have been here for one month, still acclimating. I am a visiting professor of dance (one-year stay) at SungKyunKwan Univ. I am from Virginia and have been climbing for about 7 years. I usually sport climb but can follow Trad. I am a pretty moderate climber, 5.8s and 9s---10's and the very occasional 11 on top rope. The only thing I have climbed since I have been here is the building I live in as it has a curfew and I got locked out and I was determined not to sleep in a DVD room.

I mistakenly did not pack any gear when I moved here, but maybe in two weeks I will have my shoes, harness, atc, and some draws (boyfriend is mailing to me)...the only thing I have with me is a pair of five tennie approach shoes so I could go bouldering possibly...I saw on one post that it is possible to buy shoes, harness, etc in dongdaemun? is this true, if so where? I have been there a couple of times and haven't seen any climbing stores...

I am looking for some new friends to show me around the climbing areas and let me tag along. Like I said I am a moderate climber. I usually lead 5.8, 5.9 sport climbs and I haven't been climbing in about 4 months. Also, I would love to meet people at climbing gyms too!

I work Monday through Thursday and always have Fri-Sun off!

Thanks for any responses,
Beth

[dangerflower]

hi beth!

you can find a number of good gear stores if you go to jongno-5-ga subway st., and go out exits 5 or 6. there are a lot of stores with decent prices in that little area.

if you want to sport climb, i have an extra harness that you can use until your stuff gets here (indefinitely is okay too... ). i get out climbing or bouldering about once or twice a week...usually weekday evenings or thursday during the day, and the weekend whenever possible. send me a pm if you're interested in joining!^^

cheers!
dee

[bethdeel]

Hey Dee,

Thanks for the quick response and directions to shopping! I will pm you now for more details-Yay!

Beth

[Chickenlegs]

Where are you from in Virginia? I'm from Manassas and a little from Sandbridge.

I second Dee... I think Jongno-5 is a better place to get climbing gear. Dongdaemun is fine for general camping/outdoor gear.

[skinsk]

I always kinda considered Jong-no-5 ga as the climbing (camping etc) part of Dongdaemun market, as it all runs together! I just got a super deal on shoes-sleeping bag there. . . and got my tent, stoves, and previous-pair-of-shoes and pack there as well!

Anyway, welcome to Korea! Hope you come out and join us!! If you want to head south and check out lovely Yongseo Falls this weekend, let me know and I'll help you with logistics!

I'll definitely try to plan a trip to Seoul around Friday. . . seems a few folks have some time then!!

[bethdeel]

Hey There!

I am from Roanoke, Viriginia !

I would love to meet up with you guys at Yonseo Falls, so let me know logistics and thanks again for the heads up on gear shopping. I get paid next week so I think I will treat myself!

Also, if anyone is interested I have an extra ticket to a dance performance at 7:30 pm very near Hyehwa station.

talk soon,
Beth