Climbing. Or, what do you mean you can't pull up your body weight with one finger nail?

I went climbing outdoors for the first time yesterday. Today, my forearms are so sore I can barely type. I did have a wonderful time, though.

We took the train an hour north to Gurye-gu (구려구) and then had a short taxi ride to the mountain. After a five minute hike, we reached the climbing area. We were in a valley with a waterfall, surrounded by stunning cliffs. The foliage mainly consisted of bamboo and gingko trees with bright yellow leaves, and there were also some candles and stone markers that are apparently regularly used for religious ceremonies.

The other five people in our group were all relatively experienced climbers. While we had our first taste of actually climbing up a rock face (pictures coming), the others were practicing lead falls and making their way up some impressively challenging routes (5.10c and 5.11a routes). It was so nice to spend an entire day outside, and to spend it with intelligent, outdoorsy people. Three of the group members had very passable (near fluent, as far as I could tell) Korean, two being Fulbright Scholars, and another had recently completed a six month backpacking/hiking trip. I hate to say it, but this is somewhat in contrast to the general English Teacher in Korea crowd (i.e. beer and soju are very cheap here).

We've been invited to go climbing again - either next weekend in Maisan or next month in Mokpo. I'm going to have to practice my pull-up skills (they are currently non-existent), but I'm hopeful...