By Claire Keet

With the aim of developing and improving Korea's climbing environment, Korea On The Rocks initiatives (KOTRi) set into motion the Munsusan Mountain Project in May this year. Kicking off in Ulsan on Nov. 19-20, the KOTRi team aims to replace all the climbing hardware on the mountain over the course of the next two years.

Under the experienced guidance of Choi Byeong-ho of Ulsan's Climbing Gym, Choi Jeong-ho of Daegu's Challenger Gym and Bryan Hylenski, founder of KOTRi, the weekend promises to be a great opportunity for both local and foreign climbers to get involved in a hugely worthwhile project.

The Munsusan Mountain Project commences with a mixer and social climbing, followed by hardware replacement the next day. Volunteers will be involved in the removal of current hardware, the addition of new hardware, the maintenance of belay areas as well as a crag cleanup. All old hardware will be recycled and any funds generated will be used to purchase new materials for the project.

One of KOTRi's primary missions is to protect the natural Korean landscape that inspires a passion for rock climbing.

As a non-profit company, founded in 2010 by Bryan Hylenski, KOTRi has conducted several successful initiatives already. Having replaced more than 20 anchors in May and having donated in excess of 20 for future projects, the Munsusan Mountain Project is already off to a great start.

For more information on how to get involved in the project visit KOTRi's website at www.koreaontherocks.com/kotri/.