Korean Job Discussion Forums

[gnomead]

I'm sure there's no shortage of stores with camping gear but can anyone recommend any that have a decent/not-too-pricey selection for backpacking (tents, sleeping bags, etc...)? English speaking staff would be a bonus.
Thanks.

[climber159]

You're right! There is no shortage of camping/hiking shops. Namdaemun market has quite a few by Hoehyeon station. You'll also find a bunch of shops at the entrances to Bukhansan National Park as well as other national parks and hiking areas. The area near Yeongdeungpo market has a few shops. I-Park mall at Yongsan station, some of the E-marts, and most of the Shinsegae and Lotte department stores have camping/hiking sections.

[gnomead]

Well that narrows it down. Actually, I do appreciate the input, it's just that I was hoping for a recommendation for particular stores. I'm headed to Namdaemun this afternoon to see what I can find.

[climber159]

[gnomead]

Climber,
Sorry if I offended. I'm fairly new to shopping in Korea and was expecting a somewhat familiar experience. Now I see it's not so much about finding the right store but the right cluster of stores. I found most of the camping gear I needed in Namdaemun but a better selection of hiking gear closer to home (which I neglected to mention) near Anyang Art Park and the entrance to Samseongsan.
As a side note, I also found a pretty amazing place to do a weekend backpack trip if you're into that sort of thing. Near the southern edge of Gangwondo, it starts out with a lot of moderate canyoneering and secluded camping near waterfalls and deep swimming holes, then ends with a steep hike out to a hot spring. I just thought I'd throw it out there since you were kind enough to try to help me out. PM me if you're interested in some info.

[bikefast]

[gnomead]

bikefast,
The logistics are a little hard to explain but the mountain is called Eungbong-san (응봉산) and the hot springs resort is Teokgu-onceon (턱구온천). You can find it on Google maps if you look for Uljin in the northeast corner of Gyeongsangbuk-do and follow the main valley up to the northwest. I started at the hot springs, hiked over the summit and camped on the other side for two nights. I'd recommend doing it in reverse just so you could end at the hot springs but either way is good. If you think you want to do it let me know and I'll try to explain in detail.

[nspidle]

gomead,

Where is this hike? I'm super interested. I might try to do it this weekend. I looked all over google maps and I think I found it but... It's seems really secluded. I have no clue how to get there.

-Nathan