A Practical Guide to Bicycle Touring in Korea - BIKERO

Asia’s best-kept bicycle touring secret

As a bicycle touring destination, Korea is still largely off the radar of many Western to

urists.

This is changing as cyclists discover the comprehensive network of riverside cycle trails and endless options for backroad biking. Now’s the time to visit, before crowds of two-wheeled travelers find out about Asia’s best-kept secret. In spite of heavy urbanization, it’s surprisingly easy to find tranquil spots in Korea.

Mountains cover 70% of the country’s land mass, making it one of the most mountainous regions in the world. The population is concentrated in major urban centers such as Seoul and Busan, leaving much of the countryside delightfully empty.

Korea is sure to please every type of cyclist. Those who want to take it easy can stick to the 1,745 kilometers of long-distance cycle paths.

Korea’s far north offers endless opportunities for cyclists who love the challenge of switchbacks and steep climbs. If semi-tropical islands are more your style, hop on a ferry to Jeju and circumnavigate the island following the serene coastal cycle paths.

So many bike patch criss-crossing Korea. Once the word gets out, I'm sure the country will be swarming with cycle tourists.

Korea Bicycle Touring Routes

The easiest way to discover Korea on two wheels is by following the 4 Rivers Bicycle Routes.

Korea’s most popular cycling route is the 640 kilometer ride between Seoul and Busan following the Nakdonggang, and Hanggang Rivers. The entire ride is on dedicated cycle paths or quiet country roads. The route is well signposted and there is little chance of getting lost. The Korean Tourism Organization publishes excellent maps which point out key attractions, national landmarks and historical sites.

The river cycle paths are flat for the most part, but there are a few points where the route goes inland over some hilly terrain. In some cases there are two options: a challenging MTB option and an easier road option. The highest point on the ride between Seoul and Busan is just 500 meters. This is a world-class bicycle trail offering tranquil rural scenery and one splendid vista after another.

Along the way, there are many K-Water informational centers where you can use free Wi-Fi and relax in beautiful surroundings. Camping is easy along the cycle routes, while finding hotels, restaurants and grocery stores is a little tricky. In most cases ,you will have to leave the cycle path and go into a nearby town for services.

Best Season for Bicycle Touring in Korea

The best times to visit Korea are autumn and spring.

In September and October, temperatures are cool but comfortable, skies are generally blue and fall foliage is beautiful.

By November, temperatures start dipping to freezing in the mountains, but the southern provinces and Jeju island are still pleasant.

Spring brings cherry blossoms and beautiful wildflowers.

Winters can be harsh in Korea so it’s not the best time for cycle touring.

Summers tend to be unpleasantly hot and humid and can be quite rainy, especially in June.

How much does it cost to bicycle tour in Korea?

Korea is not a bargain destination like Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Malaysia. Costs are moderate in the countryside but can be pretty high in big cities.

Luckily, entrance to National Parks is free as are visits to many temples and museums.

A cheap meal will set you back around $6-8.

A bed in a hostel costs around $20 and a cheap hotel room in the provinces can be found for $30 – $40. You could probably find and AirBnB for around $30.

If you stick to basic accommodation and simple restaurants, $40 per day should be plenty.

Transportation is much less expensive than in Europe or the US. You can get an express bus from Seoul to Busan for around $35.

We spent an average of $15 per day for two. We did not go to restaurants or pay for accommodation. This sum was almost entirely for food.

Where to Sleep on your Korea Bicycle Tour

It is possible to cycle tour in Korea without taking a tent.

The country has many inexpensive ($30-$40) motels and small guesthouses.

Many local long-distance cyclists stay at Public Bath Houses(찜질방). This may sound odd, but it is a common form of family lodging in Korea. Sleeping at a bath house is cheap (around $7) but the accommodation is communal.

Camping is surprisingly easy in Korea. Official campsites are springing up all over the country as pitching a tent catches on as a popular past time. Many campsites are free, while others charge a minimal fee of around $5.

On the weekends and during holiday periods, official campsites are crowded and probably best avoided.

Freedom camping is widely accepted. We often pitched our tent in the village recreation/community center area. Toilet facilities are always available and there is usually a small gazebo-like structure on which you can put your tent. This is great if it rains.

While we normally ask for permission to camp in other countries, this does not appear to be necessary in Korea. We were told that it is better to just camp, since individuals don’t like to take responsibility for granting permission.

Of course, it is important to respect the locals and leave the place clean and tidy. We generally arrive near sunset and leave very early.

As always, Couchsurfing and Warm Showers are a great way to meet locals, learn more about the culture and have a free place to sleep.

If you’re in a pinch, you can always knock on one of Korea’s many churches and ask for assistance.

Is Korea a safe place for bicycle touring?

Korea is a relatively hassle-free place to travel. It has been ranked as the 13th safest country in the world. The US, in comparison ranks 21, France ranks 15, India ranks 82 , Thailand ranks 56. Somalia comes in way down at 185. Norway grabs the top spot ranking the world’s safest country.

A low crime rate means you won’t have to worry much about your bike being stolen or waking to find unwanted visitors outside your tent. With the surge in the bicycle’s popularity, riders have gained new respect.

Drivers are generally courteous towards two-wheeled travelers, but accidents do occur at an alarmingly high rate. Koreans run a lot of red lights and yellow is interpreted as “OK to enter the intersection, just speed up.”

On the weekends, bicycle paths are very busy and can actually be quite dangerous. Many novice riders have little control of their bikes, swerve from side to side and may stop abruptly for no apparent reason. Be cautious and keep your distance.

The Locals

Koreans are a warm and friendly people who will go out of their way to help a cyclist in distress.

In cities, you will find many English speakers. The countryside is a more challenging place for communication, but we were always able to get our message across. Korea is the world’s best connected country, so virtually everyone has a smartphone. A translation app such as Google Translate will be useful.

Locals are known to offer foreign cyclists snacks and drinks and even offer them hospitality for the night.

Incredible bike rental service that was unimaginable

If there is only one reason to take a bicycle tour in Korea, it is a well-equipped bicycle rental infrastructure service.

BIKERO

They have many types of bikes that riders want, and all bikes are light and sturdy.

Long-distance touring bikes are as fast as road bikes, and offer a variety of gear ratios like MTBs on hills. The reason is that the bike is set up according to the Korean terrain.

In addition, it is possible to solve an unexpected situation through BIKERO. If you need to find a detour due to sudden construction or if you need to find a place to stay in a hurry while riding due to rain, you can get help.

If you depart from Seoul, you can return it at a designated place after arriving in Busan.

Travelers do not have to go back to Seoul to return their bikes.

You can return it to a designated drop-off location near the destination and spend a leisurely time in the Busan resort area.

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