By John Redmond

Sanirang Alpine Networks (SAN) will begin its 12th climbing school program of the season at Bukhansan National Park beginning Aug. 25 and running till Sept. 23.

Each week an introduction and review of skills will be taught and practiced in preparation for the final fifth week’s summit graduation climb to the top of Insu Peak. All are welcome to join. This program is for those completely new to climbing or those who already have done some climbing and would either like to review or learn more.

The sessions include learning basic rock climbing skills on slab‚ crack and face.

“Technical skills learned are the basic principles behind climbing safety‚ knots‚ top-rope belaying‚ abseiling and very basic technical multi-pitch skills. The course is designed to give climbers the chance to learn and practice the fundamentals of climbing in a friendly, safe and laid-back environment. It also gears clients up for the final multi-pitch climb to the top of Insu Peak via different routes in the final outing. In total‚ the five week climbing school program covers all skills up to the SAN Beginner Course and touches on the very basic aspects and skills of the Multi Pitch Course,” states a press release.

Hiking approach times vary from between 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes depending on crag destination for that session and overall group speed. This is a fantastic way to experience and see some of Korea’s more unique outdoor locations along with getting into great shape by the end of the fifth week.

“Camping is required for the summit climb for all participants due to sunrise start times in order to avoid climbing traffic. Camping costs an additional 12,000 won fee and will also be offered, but not required, each Saturday evening by no later than the third week and will typically meet at the Ui Sports climbing shop at 6:30 p.m. After every Sunday climbing sessions‚ all are welcome to join together for Dutch-pay food and beer with your instructors and peers. The final graduation summit climb will be followed by graduation Dutch-pay dinner/beer ceremony where each participant will get a free SAN t-shirt and climbing school certificate of completion.”

Please note that the on-line event postings are poor indicators of who or how many participants are actually registered and paid for the program. To learn more, please contact sanirang.info@gmail.com

To get there, meet at Ui Sports Climbing Shop at 7:30a.m. Take Subway Line #4 to Suyu Station (414), go out Exit #3, and catch Bus 120 toward Ui-dong to the end of the line. De-bus, walk up the main road about a block and take a right into a small alleyway across from the REDFACE outfitters store. Walk down less than a block and you can’t miss the Ui Sports climbing shop on the right with mini outdoor climbing wall and deck.

Participants may pay via Paypal or the SAN Hana Bank account. For those paying via Paypal, the difference in current exchange rates is not calculated. People are strongly encouraged to make all deposits via the Korean banking systems.
Direct payments can be made to the following account: Bank Name: Hana Bank; Account Number: 476-910014-63204; Account Holder: Sanirang Alpine Networks LCC.

Once SAN has confirmed your payment‚ a tentative itinerary will be sent to you along with a request to fill out a registration form.

The deadline for payment and registration is on Aug. 23 and a maximum of only 12 students may join. The school requires a minimum of six clients to commence and if this is not reached, a complete refund will be made.