Cheongsong the apple capital of Korea is now making another name for itself carved in ice

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Cheongsong is famous for being the apple capital of South Korea.

Now it’s making a name for itself, carved in ice, as the first regular stop during the annual UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour. It's a place where thousands of spectators gather around a spectacular, artificial ice climbing wall to watch the world’s best competitive ice climbers in action.

First day of action in Cheongsong (Photo: UIAA)

The atmosphere is festive on the first day of competition as climbers take part in the qualifying round of the men and women’s Lead competition which is seeing the continued domination of world champion Maxim Tomilov and his brother and climbing partner Alexey Tomilov.

Korean climbers ChangHyon Lee and HeeYong Park are, however, not far behind much to the thrill of the hometown crowd who cheer them on.

Because this is apple country, what else do you expect but an apple competition on the sidelines of the competition. And not far from the wall, climbers are tackling their challenges to the blaring sound of music, chosen by them, on the sound system.

The venue which also has an ice skating rink and artificial sculptures is located in the countryside about 40 minutes away from the Juwangsan Tourist Hotel where competitors, judges and other officials are staying.

Some shots of the action around the action:

Apple eating competition on the sidelines

The booth of UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup sponsor The North Face

Traditional food vendor at competition venue

Ice sculptures near the competition wall