Korea On The Rocks Initiatives is again bringing climbing and adventure films to Korea with its third Reel Rock Film Tour fundraiser, this time expanding the tour to Daegu.

The films will showcase some of the biggest names in rock climbing and stories of pushing the sport to its limits.

The event seeks to unite Korean and expat climbers and increase interest in the sport. But the event also helps to fund KOTRi projects that help protect the peninsula’s climbing facilities and mountainside environment.

KOTRi, which was founded as a nonprofit organization in 2010, seeks to maintain and improve Korea’s climbing environment, particularly in making sure the country’s rock-climbing spots are safe, well equipped and environmentally sustainable. 

The Reel Rock Film Tour is KOTRi’s biggest annual fundraiser and organizers say it has raised almost 12 million won ($10,500) over the past two years toward the projects.

The organization has seen progress in projects and organization this year, according to KOTRi founder Bryan Hylenski.

“2012 has been a business changing year,” he said. “This year we started dealing with sensitive issues like land access and management issues as well as the creation of our community assistance fund which supports climbers and their families after a death or injury.”

“We negotiated the opening of an old crag bueongsae, then restored it in cooperation with Busan Climbers. Also, this year Adidas Korea agreed to sponsor all of our equipment and hardware costs.”

Previous Reel Rock Tours have come to Seoul, but based on the popularity of last year’s event, Hylenski says they have decided to show the films in Daegu as well.

“We have also decided to use local vendors for this years show,” he said. “So Seoul’s own Casablancas will be providing the food and Magpies Brewing Co. will be donating and serving their incredible home-brewed beer.”

For the Daegu show, the Holy Grill will provide food and Bunny’s will be supplying drinks.

The films will show in Seoul on Nov. 17 from 5-11 p.m. at the Dream Forest Art Center, and at the same time at Seogu Cultural Center in West Daegu on Dec. 8. Tickets are available for 10,000 won in advance or 15,000 won at the door.

Visit kotri.org to get more information on the events and to book tickets.

By Paul Kerry (paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)