If you are heading south of Seoul and looking for a place to work on your lead climbing endurance, go no further than the Gwanggyo Climbing Wall! It is within the Gwanggyo Lake Park in Suwon and has multiple walls to climb on. It costs 2,000 won per person to climb there.
There are two lead climbing walls – one with varying overhang angles and the other mostly vertical that is partially enclosed. There is also a speed climbing wall available for those so inclined. The routes set on these walls range from 5.9 to 5.12c, but are quite long. The outdoor overhung wall is about 18m tall, and the indoor vertical wall is 20m tall. Permanent quickdraws are on every route and the anchors are paper-clip type hooks bolted to the top.
It is about a 5 minute walk from the brand new Sports Center and parking lot. From the main parking lot near the Sports Center (that is currently still under construction) walk into the park over a bridge. You’ll come to a fork in the road with a sign post directing you to turn right up a steep hill. After you get over the top you’ll head down and into the main parts of the park and will be able to see the walls in the distance on the right-and side.
Since it is located inside the park, there are clean bathrooms nearby the climbing walls. Benches are installed right inside the fenced area of the outdoor section and plenty of room to bring your own folding chairs or picnic blankets. There are no convenience stores in the park or trash cans nearby – so remember to take whatever trash you have with you. The office does have a water cooler if you need to refill your water bottles.
Head to the office inside the enclosed section to fill out a waiver form with your details before you climb: Name, birthdate, phone number, climbing level, address, and time you arrived. You will also need to pay the 2,000 won climbing fees and they prefer exact change in cash, however they can also accept card if you need.
Gear to bring: your own rope (50m minimum), harness, shoes, belay device, and belay gloves.
Winter Hours: November through February
Mondays: CLOSED
Tuesdays-Sundays: 9:00 – 6:00pm
Summer Hours: April through September
Mondays: CLOSED
Tuesdays-Fridays: 9:00 – 10:00pm
Saturdays-Sundays: 9:00 – 6:00pm
Shoulder Season Hours: March & October
Tuesdays-Fridays: 9:00 – 8:00pm
Saturdays-Sundays: 9:00 – 6:00pm
Holiday Hours: (unless on a Monday) 9:00 – 6:00pm
Phone Number: 031-290-6032
Location: 102 Gwanggyohosugongwon-ro Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
102 광교호수공원-로 영통구 수원시 경기도
Closest Public Transportation Stop: Gwanggyo Lake Park 2nd Parking Lot – 광교호수공원 제2주차장
Bus Numbers: 34, 34-1, 55, 65, 5006, 5007