'Climbing Sanctuary' Gochang Opens Rock Climbing Wall with Korea's Longest Lead Wall

[Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] “I will keep climbing higher and higher to reach the highest spot on the podium at the Paris Olympics.”

Seo Chaehyun, who recently made an impressive performance in the sport climbing category at the Tokyo Olympics, is an 18-year-old “Spider Girl” prodigy in sport climbing. The secret training ground that nurtured her is located in Gochang, Jeonbuk.

Seo started climbing mountains all over the country with her parents, who run an indoor climbing gym, since she was seven years old, even before entering elementary school.

She visited Seonunsan Tugu Rock several times and, after numerous challenges and failures, finally pioneered and climbed the most difficult route.

Seo said, “I think natural rocks are more fun. Regardless of physical conditions or preset difficulty, you find your own way to climb,” and smiled, adding, “The thrilling feeling when you complete a climb is definitely better on natural rocks.”

For those who “do some climbing,” Gochang is an exciting place just by name.

In particular, Seonunsan Tugu Rock has a unique shape where rock walls line both sides of a valley. From above the valley, the space between the rocks looks like a Roman gladiator’s helmet.

When a person stands in front of it, a cool breeze blows through the valley, enveloping the whole body in coolness. Tugu Rock is a natural overhang (a part of the rock with an inclination steeper than vertical) with walls 10 to 15 meters long, making it a symbol of high-difficulty free climbing.

Asan-myeon Gyesan-ri Halmae Rock, measuring 60 meters in height and 50 meters in width, is also a representative rock climbing spot.

Climbers say they never forget the thrill of stepping up one foothold at a time on the cracks of the rock. To outsiders, it may look endlessly dangerous, but once experienced, a whole new world unfolds.

Especially, Gochang Halmae Rock, with its vertical walls and overhangs, features large holds (parts like stones to grip) and well-developed pocket holds (parts with grooves), satisfying climbers’ hearts.

The climbing distance is relatively short, making it easy to ascend and descend, and the difficulty ranges from beginner and intermediate to expert levels, allowing climbers to choose routes that fit their skill level. Recently, rest facilities such as restrooms and waiting rooms have been installed nearby, receiving great responses from enthusiasts.

The dynamic movements of freely ascending and descending slopes and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the target point using the whole body?early next year, the Gochang Indoor Climbing Gym, beautifully located in a corner of Saemaeul Park in Gochang-eup, will officially open.

Holds modeled after local agricultural specialties like watermelon and bokbunja (Korean black raspberry) will provide special fun. The main building construction is now complete, and surrounding landscaping and detailed operational plans are being coordinated. The Gochang artificial climbing wall features the longest lead wall in Korea, with a width of 32 meters.

Yang Chiyoung, director of the Gochang County Sports and Youth Business Office, said, “Gochang is a paradise for premium leisure sports, including natural rock walls suitable for mountains, fields, rivers, and seas, as well as artificial climbing walls, mountain biking, and paragliding. We will help residents enjoy various sports activities in daily life and develop tourism products to revitalize the local economy.”

Gochang=Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil gjg7070@asiae.co.kr