Korean Job Discussion Forums

[nicco33]

I'm set to arrive in Sancheong - east of Jirisan National Park in Gyeongsangnamdo - in 3 weeks time. Thought this might be an effective way to connect with local paddlers, climbers and riders.

I'm especially curious to learn more about the local paddling scene, seeing as that was one of the reasons I chose the location. Anyone have the skinny on play runs/creek runs in the area (assuming both are available)? What times of the year make for the best paddling? How easy would it be to borrow a boat, helmet and paddle (planning on bringing my dry suit and booties)?

Any info on road-riding and climbing in the area would be great too (will also post on Korea on the Rocks).

Cheers

[chris_J2]

http://san-shin.net/Jirisan-01.html

http://san-shin.net/Jiri-Map.html

[valkyrian2]

You may want to try contacting [email protected] .

He is a teacher in that area who may be able to help you connect.

[kiwiduncan]

It looks like the road riding in the area will be nice. I think it has some good mountain biking too if you're into that.

[nicco33]

Wow - those photos are absolutely stunning, and it looks as though the road-riding should be phenomenal.

If you're ever in that neck of the woods KiwiDuncan, and are up for for a ride, look me up.

[kiwiduncan]

[nicco33]

That's funny - I just sold my mountain bike in preparation for leaving the country.

If I find someone willing to lend me a mtn bike, I'll be sure to let you know, KiwiDuncan.

[kiwiduncan]

Nicco33. What exact city or town will you be in? I'll try and find some contacts amongst the local bikers for you if you want.

There are some beautiful places for road biking in Korea, but the advantage with an mtb is you can explore some great fire roads and singletrack too.

[nicco33]

Kiwi Duncan:

I'll be living in a small town by the name of Wonji (pop. 1000), 20 minutes away from Jinju. Unfortunately, I can't say in which direction it lies from Jinju because I've yet to find it on a map ...

I'm schedued to arrive on the 4th of March. It'll take a week or so for me to settle in, adjust for jetlag, and rebuild my bike (having it boxed this morning) so once that's happened, I'll be keen to get back on my bike. Any contacts you could provide would be appreciated.

[nicco33]

As a post-script, KiwiDuncan:

I have a cyclo cross bike, so with a change of tires, I should be able to tackle some light single track. I'm not particularly fond of the abuse that comes with riding off-road w/o suspension, but would be willing to give it a go.

[kiwiduncan]

Here are some views from near JinJu castle.


It looks pretty nice. Should be some good road biking nearby.

And here are some biking photos from the area.



It looks like they have a pretty active mtb group locally, and I am sure they'll have roadies too. Are you on facebook? If you want me too I could try putting up a couple of messages on some local Korean biking sites.

My bike here in Yeosu is a fully rigid Kona so I'm suffering a wee bit on the really rough sections too. Jinju's not too far from here though so it might be nice to go riding together sometime.

[rokricky]

If you're looking for climbing check out www.koreaontherocks.com

Bring your gear because draws and ropes are twice the price here.

[Smee]

kiwiduncan:
just curious, where was this taken? Jinju?:

[kiwiduncan]

[nicco33]

Kiwi Duncan: When I have my bike built, I'll let you know - the shop in Canada that boxed it up didn't secure the small loose parts, meaning a pedal and skewer got lost along the way. The shop volunteered to make up for the mistake by airmailing replacements - they should be here by next weekend, and I should be back on the road within a week.