Hard climbs around Seoul

[Geenie]

Hi guys,

my name is Chris and I'm an exchange student at Hanyang University starting this Fall semester. I've been checking out the database and it seems that there's quite a bit of rock around Seoul.

Seeing as I'll be new to town, I have a couple of questions.

1. Does anyone know whether a lot of students (from Hanyang) go climbing? Is the sport popular in Korea?

2. It seems there are quite a few gyms in Seoul, but it seemes like K2 is "the place to be". Is this correct?

3. Are there any crags with hard routes around Seoul? I saw one crag with routes up to 5.13, are there any others? Anything harder? What about boulders?

4. Where would you guys suggest I go to meet other climbers? I suppose K2 is as good a place as any, but who knows, maybe there's a certain crag where all the ambitious climbers meet every wednesday (or whatever)


I'm really psyched to visit Korea and hopefully do lots of climbing
I'm sure I'll come up with more questions, but that's all for now. Thanks for letting me be a part of this community.

Cheers!

Chris

[skinsk]

Hi Chris! I believe your University has an Alpine Club. There is/was? a crag (of sorts) right on the campus. There are quite a few excellent gyms in town. . . check out the ones closest to you and sign onto the one that suits you best! Not all gyms are posted on KOTR, but it's a good start! Use the search features on the left. Your gym will likely visit crags in and out of the city. KOTRers boulder almost every weekend in Seoul. Lots of outdoor artificial walls, as well, and Korea's small enough that you can travel easily on the weekends and holidays.

[Cali4nia]

There's no shortage of routes for you, Chris. I wish I was staying around to climb with you.

Insubong is in Seoul, and it'll will keep you challenged for the rest of your life. It's mostly runout granite slabs, so the challenge comes from fear. I recommend 빌라 (villa), 5.12a, 5 pitches, bolts where you need them. There are harder climbs as well.

Ganhyeon is a sport crag 1.5 hours from Seoul. There's an unclimbed line waiting for your send. Established lines include 12c, 12d, 13a, and 13b, all of which are great fun, if crowded.

I don't boulder, but the Riverbeds is just outside of Seoul. It was opened recently, so there are tons of problems waiting for you to open.

Surisan is a small crag just south of Seoul. The most beautiful line there is 5.13b, and I think sandbag at the grade. I thought the crimpers would snap my fingers off.

Korea's small, so anywhere is close enough for a weekend. Seoraksan is big granite with super fun moves. The splitter handcracks with bolts make me want to vomit, but hey, it's Korea. Some locals have been trying to free aid lines on Jeok-byeok, an overhanging face. Give them a try: they'll probably clock in at hard 5.13. There are established 5.12 multi-pitch lines.

Seonunsan is Korea's center of sport climbing, about 4 hours from Seoul. The hardest route in Korea is an 8-meter 5.14c that should have been bouldered. There are many lower 5.14's and some really fun 13's.

Have fun!

[Geenie]

Hey guys,

thanks so much for taking the time to reply to my thread - some really helpful insights there.

Alec, thanks for summing up the status of hard climbs! That gives me a good idea of what I'm in for.

Do most climbers have their own cars? It seems like Seoul isn't the kind of place you would need one. However, if I wanted to go to Seonunsan I'd probably need to hitch a ride, eh?

Also, I'm in somewhat of a dilemma now. It seems that possibilities abound; I'm unsure, however, of what gear (and how much) to take. It seems that gear is a little more expensive in Korea than elsewhere (I saw 250K quoted for a rope), so I'll probably not want to buy one.
I suppose I'll just take as much as I can fit in my bag.

How high would you rate the importance of trad gear? Is it worth it to bring my full rack?

thanks and

stay safe

[skinsk]

Car or no. . . if you're going to be around for awhile, a car is nice for camping and getting to out-of-the-way crags, but traffic in Seoul is a nightmare. All of the places Alec mentions are easily accessed by the amazing transportation system.

Bring what you can-- a 60m rope and 12 draws work in most places. Quite a few foreigners (and Koreans, of course) have trad gear, but it's always nice to have your own rack.

[nationalpickleday]

I am more than willing to share my trad gear with you... It is getting dusty. Like Alec says, get ready for a multitude of choices!

[Geenie]

Hey guys,

finally found some free time, so I'll be going to K2 later today - probably around 17:00 or so. If anyone wants to join me, feel free. It'd be awesome to meet someone.
I got a phone now as well. The number is 010-7213-0650 gimme a call !

Chris