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Go Bicycle Touring in South Korea

 

South Korea is a country consisting of the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, it has a population of fifty million people, and covers a total area of 100, 210 square kilometers. It is a world leader in innovation, and is the world’s largest exporter of goods. It also has the world’s fastest internet connection, and is geographically diverse. Most of the country’s population live in it’s capital city of Seoul. Most of it’s terrain is largely mountainous and there are over three thousand islands situated off the west and south coasts – most of which are uninhabited.

3656098192_c755a3da6e_zFrom a cycling perspective, South Korea is one of the world’s most diverse locations for bike touring. From it’s sprawling capital of Seoul, to the outer regions of the country, which is largely mountainous. South Korea’s national parks provide nature, and a unique look at the country.
3184915562_61a0dd0ae7_zSouth Korea  also boasts a relatively new set of multi-purpose trails, commissioned in 2009 – which run throughout the four major rivers of South Korea – the Han River, Nakdong River, Geum River and Yeongsan River. This project is called the “4 Rivers Route”.

Popular Bike Tour Destinations In South Korea

  • Seoul is South Korea’s capital, and one of the world’s most populated cities. The city’s outskirts are home to Namhansan Mountain Fortress, the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, the Everland botanical greenhouses, and picturesque Korean folk villages. Seoul has it’s own bike-hire service, and is often the start point for any long-distance riders.
  • The Hangang Parks of South Korea are dotted throughout the outskirts of Seoul. These parks offer numerous dedicated bike paths and various other sporting facilities. The perfectly paved bike paths take you through the outskirts of Seoul, keeping you in touch with the beautiful, natural side of South Korea’s sprawling metropolis.
  • Andong is the home of Korean folk music. It also boasts many Confucian studies and academies, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. The Nakdong river flows through the city, as does one of several dedicated and protected bicycle paths – the result of the above-mentioned 4 River Route. These trails make the city of Andong perfect for bicycle tourists and road cyclists.
  • Jeju Province is an island province which lies in the Korea Strait. Two cities cut the island in half, horizontally. Jeju City – the province’s capital, and Seogwipo which makes up the southern half of the island. Jeju province is also home to volcanoes, the main volcano (and South Korea’s tallest mountain), named Halla-San lies dormant overlooking Jeju City. Due to it’s unique landscape, the island is popular among bicycle tourists who wish to catch a glimpse of a totally different side to the country.
  • Gyeongju is a city located on South Korea’s southeastern coast. It is home to ancient South Korean architecture, including the Cheomseongdae Observatory, Seokguram grotto, the Gyeongju Tower, and the Bulguska Temple. Among the architectural marvels in the city, is the Yandong Folk Village, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond the city limits, there are magnificent rolling hills – so, no matter whether you want to stay in the city (you can rent a bike to see the sights!), or go out into the countryside, Gyeongju allows you to do both from the saddle.

Crossing Korea from Seoul to Jeju on Bike

This uniquely designed bike tour program will guide you on two wheels from Seoul to Jeju Island (total distance about 640km).

During your trip, you will ride on safe segregated Korean bike paths and have the opportunity to discover the Korean culture through a variety of programs such as sightseeings, food, meeting other Korean riders, accommodations, etc.

 

Wellness and Culture in Korea on bike

We are happy to offer international bicyle riders the “Wellness and Culture in Korea on bike” created by our team.

This uniquely designed bike tour program will guide you on two wheels from Seoul to Gyeongju (total distance about 450km).

 

Dream Bike Tour Korea

This uniquely designed bike tour program will guide you on two wheels from Seoul to Andong (total distance about 370km).

During your trip, you will ride on safe segregated Korean bike paths and have the opportunity to discover the Korean culture through a variety of programs such as sightseeings, food, meeting other Korean riders, accommodations, etc.

Facts About South Korea

  • South Koreans love sweet potato. Every possible dish is flavoured in some with sweet potato – including main courses, desserts, chips, latte, bread and salads.
  • The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has declared South Korea as the nation with the highest estimated national IQ.
  • South Korea is the only country in the world that’s citizens enjoy a full internet connection of 100MB.
  • South Korean newspaper companies currently print sixty-three daily editions.
  • Tipping is not a requirement in South Korea. In fact, a waiter may chase you and tell you that you’ve left change!
  • South Koreans believe that writing someone’s name in red ink harbours bad luck towards that particular person. They believe that because when a South Korean dies, his or her name is written in red ink in the family register or funeral banner.
  • South and North Korea have never signed a ‘peace treaty’, this means that – officially – the Korean War has not ended. Instead, the two nations agreed to, and signed an armistice – which is a cessation to hostilities.
  • In combination with the country’s high intellectual quotient, South Korea also has the second-highest graduation rate in the world – with 93% of it’s students graduating from secondary school education.
  • The Seoul underground railway system is used by 4.4 million people per day. It is the eighth-largest underground railway system in the world – with over 200 kilometers of track.
  • Central heating has been a staple in Korean housing for centuries. Originally, before more sophisticated methods were discovered, trenches carried warm air from the kitchen fire and directed it under floors.
Photos by Emmanuel DYAN, Arthur Chapman and yeowatzup.