Rock Climbing in Korea

Since I last posted about climbing, I have done quite a bit of it. Don't get me wrong, I still don't know what I am doing. I scamper up the rock, and hope I don't bust my knees or face up too badly. I often make it to the top, albeit after falling once or twice. I've tried climbing in a gym, which is all of the struggles of climbing without the freedom to pick your own holds or the beautiful scenery to make it worth it. Not my thing. But, outdoor climbing is enjoyable. I think I've gotten a little better, though I really should consider things like technique and building muscles to improve. Maybe I will take a class on it at some point, but for the moment I am enjoying meandering around on some rocks. 

We took Mara out for her first climbing experience at An Nam in Busan. She did really well!

I've also learned out to belay, which is vital. 

This is in Yeoung Yeoung on Palgong Mountain in Daegu. It is set up with lights so you can climb at night. 

Back at An Nam!

It is really getting too hot to climb now, but I hope to go at least once more before heading out of Korea! 

Daegu's Trick Art Exhibit

Well, it is that time of the year again... Daegu's EXCO Center is hosting the Trick Art Exhibit until March 1st. It is 12,000 won a person and is open until 7 pm.

Still one of my favorites from last year's trip!

For more information and tips to improve your experience, make sure to read my article in February's issue of Daegu Compass! Better yet, use the map featuring EXCO on one of the last pages, print it off and show your cab driver.

Gatbawi

Blair, Pete, and I hiked up to Gatbawi this past weekend. There are a couple beautiful temples on the way, and Gatbawi is a famous Buddha statue in the region.

The one downside is that this is a very crowded trail; here's a shot of the beginning of the trail. I'd tried it before and given up, partly due to a hang over. Now, spending my weekends sober and going to bed early, it was an easy afternoon.

After 1.2 km, you will reach this temple. There are two trails to Gatbawi from this point, on the right it is mostly rocks with some steps, and is 1km longer. The one on the left is very steep and is almost entirely steps. We took the less steep one up, and it was less crowded, an enjoyable hike. The way down, we took the steps. It wasn't terrible, but the trail was crowded.

This is 갓바위 (Gatbawi). Gat means hat and bawi means rock, so the name is quite fitting. Its a single slab of granite, and is 4m tall.

Directions take the 401 to the last stop. Chances are you will be standing the entire way on the bus, as it is always crowded. Also, when you're leaving Gatbawi, there will be a long line of hikers trying to get on the bus. If you are going to a few different tourist locations, though, you can take the Daegu City Tour, which leaves from Dongdaegu Korail Station (go out to the cab turn around, you'll see a tourist information stand and can buy a day pass there).

Herb Hillz

Last weekend Pete, Laura, Blair, and I went to Herb Hillz! This is a "natural theme park" in Daegu, which is known for its ropes course. There is a lot to do there - tons of cheesy photo ops and typical kids camp stuff like horseback riding around a circle, arts and crafts, etc.

Eco Adventure is the name of the rope course, and they have several to choose from. We did the King Kong course, because it is the longest and seemed to have the most ziplines.

Getting there was fairly easy. We took the Rapid 2 (the red bus) from Jungangno (the stop is across from Quizno's). You should get off at the stop before Spa Land.

When you get there, go sign up for your training session right away. They have training every few hours (we went at 1 pm, there was another at 3), then you can wander around the park until your turn. It costs 4,000 Won to get into the park, and another 15,000 to go on any of the rope courses.

They also have a petting zoo!

It featured a box of puppies, which was fantastic.

There is a section of fair style rides, and most are aimed at children. This is probably also designed for kids, but they let us go in it! It's 4,000 Won for a few minutes in a giant inflatable ball in a shallow pool. You mostly float around, run, try to stand up, and do somersaults.