The beginning of a semester is always busy with recruitments and joining of new social groups. This semester was not an exception. While walking around the campus this semester, students easily spotted new posters with a picture of a woman climbing rocks. This notable poster belonged to Ulala, the KAIST sport climbing club. With a big curiosity and interest in sport climbing, The KAIST Herald met with the president of Ulala, Yong Jae Jeong.

Please briefly introduce yourself and Ulala.
Hello, my name is Yong Jae Jeong and I am the president of the sport climbing club Ulala. I major in the Department of IT Business. In Ulala, we do indoor sport climbing rather than outdoor rock climbing. Our club started last semester with about five members who enjoyed indoor sports climbing. This semester is the first time we started recruiting students on a large scale and about 30 students tried out for the club. They will have a one-day experience of sport climbing before they finally join the club. Our club focuses on introducing this exciting activity to all KAIST students and providing a chance for them to actually enjoy sport climbing with many other students.

What are the regular activities done in Ulala?
Since our club is a provisionally registered club, we do not have a fixed program or system prepared yet. The plan for this semester is to visit the indoor sport climbing center in Mun-ji campus once a week and have meetings regularly. We used to visit the center in Chung-nam University also, but as more students joined the club, there was not enough space, especially in the beginner's course. Also, we plan to invite a professional climber and have a special tutoring session once every month. Furthermore, club members can have personal or small group meetings and practice by themselves. We also plan to enter a sport climbing competition if we can. During vacation times, some of the senior members are planning to have an advanced climbing training so that they can help other members during school terms.

What was the motive behind starting this club?
As I mentioned earlier, I think sport climbing is a very fun, attractive sport. I first started sport climbing in a class at Mun-ji and I found it quite charming. Then, a few years after getting discharged from the military service, I wanted to do that exciting sport once again. I decided to gather some friends who could share and enjoy my hobby with. I wanted to introduce this sport to many other KAIST students as well.

Sport climbing is an unfamiliar sport to others. What is so attractive about it?
There are some sports that help to build and form muscles and other sports that help to shape and balance the muscles. We call the prior as bulk up exercises and the latter as definition exercises. Sport climbing is more close to the definition process of shaping and balancing the body. Because we have to endure our own body weight while clinging onto the rock surface, our body develops just the right amount of muscles proportional to one's body type. Moreover, when you do sport climbing you have to use your whole body, even the muscles you do not use on a daily basis. This helps to balance your upper and lower part of the body and develop a healthy body line. In addition, as you have to focus hard to use the least amount of energy and reach the best efficiency, it helps to increase your concentration and flexibility of the body. Lastly, sport climbing really helps to resolve stress.

Why is the club named as Ulala?
There is no special meaning in the name itself. I did not want a boring, formal name by including the word "sport climbing" or a name that was too difficult. I just wanted a club name that could attract and interest many people. I thought that when people heard the name "Ulala," they could easily be curious and interested, which was the effect.

Who can apply for Ulala?
Anyone who is interested in sport climbing or some fun indoor sports can try out. We especially welcome young undergraduates, as half of our members are graduate students. It would be good to have some freshmen. However, everyone is welcome.

Are there any last comments for the KAIST students?
Sport climbing is an exciting sport that anyone can enjoy. Please feel free to take interest in the sport and visit our Facebook page (http://goo.gl/FUUhX).