Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to have a strong upper body to climb?

When you first start learning how to climb, balance and strong legs are more important than huge biceps. A cool head counts for a lot, too. Proper body positioning and footwork keep the strain off the arms. Many people who cannot do a single chin-up can still climb classic routes. As the climbs get more overhung, then a powerful upper body is helpful, but only honed body movements will get you to the top.

Do I have to invest lots of money to start climbing?

IGK provides all necessary equipment for our courses and services. When you first start climbing you should test out a variety of gear so that you know which equipment company best suits your style of climbing. Once you become more experienced at rock climbing, you will gradually want to acquire your own gear. But until then, IGK courses are a perfect way to get to know and use gear with no investment.

Isn't rock climbing dangerous?

As one professional guide said, 'rock climbing is as dangerous as driving on the freeway'. There are dangers in climbing, but under proper and careful instruction these dangers can be eliminated. All our courses pay careful attention to safety procedures and minimizing hazards. Our certified guides and instructors bring the excitement and thrill of climbing in a safe environment.

What kinds of clothes should I wear?

Click the Gearing Up link for more details. Generally, you want flexible clothing. In addition, layer your clothing to adjust for various weather conditions. Don't wear your favorite sweater grandma knitted for you last Christmas, unless you're ready to rough it up a bit. The rigors of rock climbing require tough clothing, too.

Is there anything I have to do to prepare before my course?

There is no special athletic requirement for each course. Courses, however, are more fun when you are focusing on the skills taught and not on catching your breath. It helps to give your body some exercise. You can go for long walks or runs for your circulation and endurance; stretch to improve your flexibility and avoid injury; hang from your arms to build more muscle. Most importantly, bring a positive mind.

I really don't see the point in having to have to send in so much personal information such as my passport number, DOB, visa type, status and address in Korea. Is all of this really that neccessary!?

Yes, because IGK wants to operate at a higher standard than the majority of other outfitters in Korea and the world. This information is required in order to process your temporary insurance policy. We believe that your well being is our number one priority throughout your adventure with us. All official documentation is strictly confidential. We would have it no other way.

My experience overlaps with various courses that IGK offers. Are IGK courses restricted to following the advertised outlined set of skills to be taught?

Climbing skills can take several years to refine, so reviewing old skills learned or forgotten is never a bad idea. However, just like so many aspects of climbing require a lot resilience, so do the courses IGK offers. So, "NO", you are not restricted to our advertised course outline. IN fact, we can customize a special course to fit the set of skills of your interest.

I've taken a few courses with IGK and I really want to review my skills. Does this mean I have to take an IGK course all over again, just to get some review under the supervision of a professional?

Absolutely NOT! We have created a special way for those who need review at a very reasonable price because we understand how easily newly learned skills can be forgotten-- especially if not practiced regularly. So, we have created the IGK-CC or Community Climbs for any clients who have participated in any of our courses at an extremely reasonable price because we want you to enjoy climbing safely in the outdoors as much as we do.