22/12/2011 until 05/12/2011- Seoul

[tolinyakuza]

Hi to all!

I'm Portuguese living in Macau, and I'm planning on going for skiing and climbing holidays in South Korea for this period 22/12/2011 until 05/12/2011.

I would like to have some information on how's the life during Christmas and New Year... for skiing I have enough information, but for climbing, what would you recommend?

Climbing outdoor is out of the question right (because I would love to go for the Bull)? do you have any idea of what the days the gyms are closed ? Is it expected that everything will be closed between christmas and new year or not?

I would also like to buy La Sportiva shoes during this period, where in Seoul would you advise me to go?

And finally, I'm planning on going for The northface gym, do you recommend any other?

Thank you very much,
Cheers,
Martinho

[griddable]

climbing shoes must be really expensive in Macau, cause they're way over-priced in Korea compared to back home. That said, you'll probably find the best prices in Jongno-5ga, near Dongdaemun.

That time of year, it's just going to be miserably cold outside; I'm not sure if it's practical to even attempt an outdoor climb when your hands are completely numb. Also, I understand the bull requires you to give advance notice if you want to climb there.

[tolinyakuza]

thank you for your reply griddable!

Actually in Macau, climbing shops are non existing! and in Hong Kong, La Sportiva is not the most common brand so it is hard to find what I want...

Ok, I'll just go to climbing gym!

But just one more question, how's the life in Korea during Christmas...everything closes? during which days normally?]

Thank you

[griddable]

Well, you can find just about anything here, there's just a considerable markup for imported outdoor goods, so a pair of La Sportiva shoes could cost anywhere from 110,000 won for a pair of slippers to 240,000 for a pair of Solutions. On and around Christmas I think it's pretty much business as usual, maybe a day or two of holiday hours, but don't quote me on that.

[tolinyakuza]

For that price, i'm not buying shoes! I must be buying gold! Really?!

oh well... thank you for the information! I'll check more post's to see if I can pick up more clues on what to do!

Thank you!

[tolinyakuza]

Just another question

"Jongno-5ga, near Dongdaemun"

Jongno-5ga is the name of the shop or it's the area?

Cheers!

[griddable]

Jongno-5ga is the name of the station, it's on line 1 next to Dongdaemun (you can walk there from Dongdaemun, it's not too far). The area is filled with shops that have all kinds of gear. But bear in mind, a good deal in Korea is still a little overpriced.

Here's one of the stores; you can use the street view and explore the neighborhood. So many stores out there!

http://local.daum.net/map/index.jsp?...8&url Level=3

[tolinyakuza]

Thank you!