SPECIAL INTEREST
Two Wheels Plus 13 days
Tour Highlights
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- National Folk Museum of Korea
- Insadong
- Namdaemun Market
- Silleuksa Temple
- Juangangtop Tower
- Hahoemaeul Village
- Andong Folk Museum
- Gyeongju National Museum
- Donggung palace and Wolji pond
- Banwolseong Fortress
- Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory
- Tumuli Park
- Bulguksa Temple
- Seokguram Grotto
- Yongdusan Park
- Jagalchi Fish Market
- Busan Marine Cable Car
Tips on Korean names
Expressway - 고속국도
National Road - 국도
Provincial Road - 지방도
City. County Road - 시. 군도
Other Road - 기타도로
Railroad - 철도
Bike Lane, Bike Path, Bikeway - 자전거도로
Sharp curve - 급커브
Steep gradient - 급경사
Usually named with following Korean suffixes stand for
Ro (로) - Road or Street
Daero (대로) - Main Street or Thoroughfare
Gil (길) - Road or Street
Ri (리) - Village
Maeul (마을) - Village
Dong (동) - Administrative unit in the city or village
Myeon (면) - Small County
Eup (읍) - Large County
Gun (군) - Administrative unit covering Myeon and Eup
Si (시) - City
Do (도) - Province
Cheong (청) - Office of Gun, Si or Do
Samuso (사무소) - Office
Samgeori (삼거리) - Fork or Junction
T Junction (T자형 삼거리)
Gyocharo (교차로) - Crossroads or Intersection
Sageori (사거리) - Crossroads or Intersection
Negeori (네거리) - Crossroads or Intersection
Nadeulmok (나들목) - Interchange
Gyo (교) - Bridge
Daegyo (대교) - Long Bridge
Yeok (역) - Subway station, Railroad station
Tunnel (터널) - Tunnel
Jihado (지하도) - Underpass
Guldari (굴다리) - Underpass
Jae (재) - Pass or Hill
Ryeong (령) - Mountain pass
Road signs are almost always in English as well as Hangeul.
Language is less of a problem than it might seem - many people understand some English.
Riding on any of the major roads can be physically and mentally exhausting and frustrating, traffic in general has little respect for your cycling plight.
Accommodation in motels or pensions is ubiquitous, standard and economical.
Vegetarian menus in some restaurants are rare to find.
Tour from April through October |
| Tour facts and features | |
| Accommodation | 12 hotel and pension nights in 2 and 4 star twin share accommodation |
| Meals | 10 breakfasts |
| Transport | All transportation by private vehicle, supporting vehicle on riding, and speed train |
| Guided | Services of an English speaking guide |
| Group size | Maximum 9 |
| Age range | 18+ |
| Activity | Cycling of 7 days |
| Degrees of difficulty | Difficult |
Note |
Click on the days to access the programs quick
| Days | Visits and Activities | Distance |
| Day 1 | Arrive Seoul | 60km |
| Day 2 | Seoul | |
| Day 3 | Seoul - Ungilsan Station - Yeoju | 100km |
| Day 4 | Yeoju - Chungju - Suanbo | 84km |
| Day 5 | Suanbo - Mungyeong | 55km |
| Day 6 | Mungyeong - Andong | 116km |
| Day 7 | Andong | |
| Day 8 | Andong - Hahoe - Angye | 76km |
| Day 9 | Angye - Yeongcheon - Gyeongju | 130km |
| Day 10 | Gyeongju | |
| Day 11 | Gyeongju - Busan | 110km |
| Day 12 | Busan - Seoul | 460km |
| Day 13 | Departure | 60km |
Day 1 Arrive Seoul (- - -)
60km
Touching down at Incheon International Airport places you in the heart of Korea. After you clear Passport and Customs control, you will be welcomed by the tour guide and then transferred to your hotel.
Upon check in, pick up your bike and time for fitting.
Pedals, cleats, cycling shoes, crank arm length, saddle selection, height, fore/aft and tilt, handlebars, brake levers, etc.
A proper bike fit is essential so that you can produce the most power, most efficiently, meaning you have a position on the bike that lets you ride as long as you want, and stay comfortable the entire time.
The evening is yours to relax, allowing your mind and body time to adjust to different time zone.
Day 2 Seoul (B)
Your exploration this morning begins with a driving tour of Seoul, featuring sites such as Seoul Plaza, City Hall, Cheonggye Square and pedestrian-friendly Gwanghwamun Plaza that is hemmed in on three sides by rushing traffic. The plaza is lined on each side with 365m long streamlets, two centimeters deep and one meter across, the stone bed of the plaza's east side waterway engraved with important events in chronological order from 1392 to 2008.
Step back in time to when life was gracefully slow and discover Gyeongbokgung Palace, a particularly charming spot that represents a colorful and turbulent side of the capital's 500-year history. Depending on timing, you may witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony featuring parade, password verification, duty shift and patrolling the gate. Accompanied by a court band with its colorful costumes and royal flags, the ceremony is performed daily basis at 10:00 and 14:00 except Tuesdays, although it is cancelled in case of rain or extremely hot or cold weather.
Your visit to the National Folk Museum of Korea will familiarize you with wealthy culture of this friendly and picturesque nation. It is an excellent facility to illustrate the history of traditional life of the Korean people from the prehistoric age to the Joseon dynasty. The permanent exhibition features life and work, costumes and ornaments, handicrafts and technology, educations, living quarters, dietary life, oriental medicine, performing arts and games, beliefs and rituals, and
socio cultural life.
Insadong, at one time the center of traditional Korean art and antiques, features a mixture of historical and modern atmosphere representing the cultural glimpse of the nation. Clustered along the main street and alleys are lined with street vendors, wooden tea houses, restaurants and numerous galleries and shops dealing in antiques, oriental art supplies, and modern Korean art of all types and styles. Soak in the paintings, upscale artworks, antiques and potteries while you can. Get lucky and you just might meet the artist themselves. It can be plenty of fun walking on the main street, but you venture into the hidden alleys that do spring some unexpected surprises. While here, you may want to buy some souvenirs or simply wander and browse at leisure admiring cultural ambience.
You will tour the centuries-old Namdaemun Market brimming with well over 11,000 shops selling anything you can imagine. One of the most colorful aspects of the market is an endless sprawl of street-vendor stalls that setup in the alleys and walkways between the buildings. The market is seriously crowded, so be prepared to get bumped around. A fantastic place to haggle over the price to get the best deal on something you want or simply admire the vibrancy of this massive market.
the western entrance of the market in the middle of a traffic circle stands Sungnyemun. It is a formidable and iconic construct that served as the southern gate of the wall that surrounded Seoul during the period of the Joseon Dynasty.
Day 3 Seoul - Ungilsan Station - Yeoju (B) 100km
With time to check out, travel to Ungilsan Station to begin your bike adventure.
You will then get a briefing on battery charging and other necessary tips on riding.
Start your bicycle adventure as you ride cross the defunct railroad built over the mighty Bukhangang River (North Han River). Soon thereafter, head for southward along the Namhangang River (South Han River) while enjoying local ambience and views.
Yangsu station ? pass 5 tunnels ? Sinwon station ? pass 1 tunnel ? Guksu station ? pass 2 tunnels ? Okcheon village ? Obinri village ? Laffine Gas Station ? Yangpyeong ? Changdaeri village ? Hoehyeonri village ? Angdeokri village ? Gaegun Leports Park ? Ipobo weir (observatory and Ipobo information hall) ? Yeojubo weir (Yeojubo information hall) ? Royal tomb of King Sejong ? Yeojudaegyo Bridge ? Silleuksa temple.
While in Yeoju, explore Silleuksa from the Silla dynasty (BC 57-AD 935). It is a rare temple that is perched on a riverbank amid an attractive waterfront whose cove forms a snug and cosy enclosure for this ancient sanctuary. Many pray at a beautiful seven-tier marble pagoda, that is masterfully adorned with dragon and lotus carvings. Incense burning in the temple and sights and smells mixed offer visitors a really magical experience. A 500-year-old aromatic juniper tree and a 600-year-old ginkgo tree grow on the temple grounds, and on a small hill stands a seven-story brick pagoda, the only existing Goryeo brick pagoda (918-1392).
Day 4 Yeoju - Chungju - Suanbo (B) 84km
The riding of the day is relatively easy. Make your way along the river to Chungju. The trails are still flat and scenery is beautiful. Out in the countryside, apple orchards are more visiable. Chungju has an outstanding cultural background with a traditional martial art known as Taekgyeon and a traditional musical instrument, Gayageum from the 7th century. Enjoy a short stop at a 7-story Jungangtap Park, and Tangeumdae where the celebrated musician, Ureuk used to played Gayageum.
Your trail to Suanbo goes as follow.
Tangrumdae Park (탄금대 공원) - Dalcheongyo bridge (달천교) - Hyangsangyo bridge (향산교) - Sujupalbong (수주팔봉) - Suhoe elementary school (수회초등학교) - Suanbo (수안보) harbouring a large number of hot springs.
Soaking in the soothing warm waters and relax.
Day 5 Suanbo - Mungyeong (B) 55km
Today, you will have to tackle the two biggest climbs of Sojoryoeng (소조령) and Ihwaryeong (이화령) in the entire route, but most rewarding downhill ride with a scenic surroundings. There are resting areas along the path for refreshment.
Your riding route goes
Suanbo (수안보) - Anbo Samgeori (안보삼거리) - Woraksan Gyocharo (월악산교차로) - Eunhaengjeonggyocharo (은행정교차로) - Sojoryeong (소조령) - Haengchongyocharo in Yeonpung (행촌교차로) - Ihwaryeong Pass (이화령 고개) - Mungyeoong Pottery Museum (문경도자기박물관) - Oncheongyo Bridge (온천교) - Mawongyo Bridge (마원교) - Bongmyeonggyo Bridge (봉명교) - Eoduwongyo Bridge (어두원교) - pass under the Soyagyo Bridge (소야교 아래 통과) - Bongdeukgyo Bridge (봉득교) - Bongsaenggyo Bridge (봉생교) - Jinan Samgeori (진안삼거리) - Buljeong Station (불정역) - Buljeonggyo Bridge (불정교) - Jupyeongyeok (주평역) - Jeomchon 119 Center - Mungyeong.
Overall riding of the day is challenging but extreme attention should be paid particularly from the Ihwaryeong Pass to Mungyeong Pottery Museum for 6km. The roads are steep downhill and sharply winding every corner of your ride. Yet again, at the road base, take an underpass as you making a left turn. No traffic lights and no way to check incoming traffic from the hidden right while you are in the underpass. Once you get through, you will find two roads streched side by side ahead with no signs. Take the second farthest road from the underpass.
The first one on your right is reverse riding.
From Mungyeong Pottery Museum, anothe challenging ride for 3km along the speeding traffic awaits.
Then, bike path from Oncheongyo bridge goes gently on to Mungyeong for 27km.
Day 6 Mungyeong - Andong (B) 116km
Back trip to Jeomchonyeok where you begin your riding for 87km to Andong. The trails are mostly built along the riparian area, so the riding is down stream to Sangpunggyo bridge (상풍교), the confluence of Nakdong river. As you cross the bridge, your riding goes very gentle upstream to Andong, a stronghold of Confucianism in Korea which has deeply influenced the lives of Koreans in all aspects.
Day 7 Andong (B)
The day is relatively relaxing, however you may want to tour Andong on a bike. Visit Andong Folk Museum offering in-depth information of traditional life and illustrating traditional Confucian culture. The museum exhibits a variety of legacies relating mainly to four cardinal ceremonies, coming of an age, wedding, funeral, ancestral memorial service, as well as dozens of pieces of pottery, utensils, clothing, farming tools and traditional folk games in small models.
Enjoy the local ambience exploring the market selling a wide array of merchandises, vegetables, fishes and fruits. At the one end of the market is an alley specializing in braised chicken. It’s savory, mildly salty and sweet with a very subtle spicy kick. Perhaps you may want to try it. The neighboring blocks are filled with fancy stores, cafes and restaurants. The atmosphere are very welcoming.
There is a Confucian Land that offers a chance to experience the culture of Confucianism. Overall 15km riding covers them all.
Day 8 Andong - Haheo - Angye (B) 76km
Biking on the same route back you took to explore UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hahoemaul from the 15th century. It is the best preserved traditional village portraying and spanning the life of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and some 480 Korean traditional houses, both large and small, are still fully functioning. As you take a walk in the narrow alleys, enjoy the rustic and old charm of this unique village. You cannot possibly miss a 600-years old zelkova tree, the home to the village spirit. At the tree's base is where residents still make their wishes. The village is also known for traditional festival, Hahoe Mask Dance which gave common people the opportunity to mock those in authority, and in particular the Byeolsingut, a shaman ritual exorcising evil spirits, dating back to the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392).
With time to visit, continue your way Angye (45km). Following the road to the first fork, then turn left again at the next fork at Haehoe Samgeori (하회삼거리). jump on the Road 916 until you reach Doyang Samgeori (도양삼거리). Turn left here and cross the Bridge, Gwangdeokgyo bridge (광덕교). At the other end of the bridge is a crossroad. When you make a left turn here to get onto the bikeway. Then, ride off down the river bank all the way to Gudamgyo bridge (구담교), the first bridge ahead. Here, cross this bridge and turn left immediately after crossing it. After a while, you will find two bridges, one new and the other old crossing the river side by side. Past under the first bridge, Jiingyo (지인교), and jump on the second one, Pungjigyo (풍지교), that is allowed only for bicycles and small farming machinaries. Go strait after crossing it for about 700m where the road divides, Yonggok Samgeori (용곡삼거리). Another 1.3km further on is another fork, then take a left one Road 923 with less vehicular traffic all the way to Yonggi (용기) for 25km.
Day 9 Angye - Yeongcheon - Gyeongju (- - -) 130km
The bikeway, trail or bikepath are not the words of the day. The navigation can be pretty challenging as there are several options to choose. Road 28 seems to be a solution, but more frustrating with fast moving traffics.
The receommendable routes go as follow although you will have to fight with navigation.
The path is rewarding as you will have a lot of chance to explore many small villages and farms.
Take a local road sharing with automobiles of relatively light traffic. Take an Angyegil (안계길) and stay on this road until you get to Tomaesamgeori (토매삼거리) and Yongnamsamgeori (용남삼거리). About 270m ahead of Yongnamsamgeori is an underpass getting you the other side of the road running above. Then head on to Bongyang Information High School (봉양정보고등학교) for 19km in total from
Angye.
There is a Tapsangyo bridge (탑산교) to cross on its front. Make a left turn and continue your way for 2km to Sagugyo bridge (사구교). As you cross the bridge, stay on a riverside path until you get to Guryeonri (구련리) village where two bodies of water meet, and you make right turn and then left at the half way of the stram to jump on the path on the left side of the wider river in the direction of your journey. Cheongrogyo bridge (청로교) is the next one you will corss. From this point onwards, you will find yourself riding along this railroad all the way to Yeongcheon. Strait ahead to the Baekyangsamgeori (백양삼거리), and stay on the left on Road 28. About 1km ahead, take a right road crossing the railroad and Mosangyo bridge (모산교) to reach Hwabon reservoir (화본저수지). Turn right here and continue your journey to Borimsamgeori (봉림삼거리) where railroad cuts your advance. You have two options here; one is to cross it and after 1km further cross it back to stay on the Road 908 or keep staying on the left road without crossing as the road merges ahead. Continue your riding up to Hwaseogyocharo (화서교차로). About 2km further ahead is Hwanamri village (화남리) with a small pond Gaptimot (갑티못) on your side by the mountain. Here, you stay on the right road running by the railroad. About 600m ahead is railroad crossing followed by passing under the highway and railroad crossing again. Riding past Sinnyeongri post office, police station and Sinnyeong station (신녕역), you will find Sindeokgyocharo (신덕교차로). Make a left turn and stay on the road as if you are following the railroad. Crossing under the highway and soon after railroad crossing. There is a S-Oil Sambu gas station (S-Oil 삼부주유소) which is an important point in navigating your way although it sits on the other side of the road from the direction you are heading. About 3km from this station is another railroad crossing to get to Daejeongyocharo (대전교차로). As you approach to Yeongcheon, the road networks get complicated and so does the roads are busier. Follow Hwaryongsamgeori (화룡삼거리), Bukyeongcheonsamgeori (북영천삼거리), Seomunyukgeori(서문육거리), and finally Jungangsageori (중앙사거리) all welcoming your safe trip to Yeonchon. On arrival at Yeongcheon Stadium (영천시민운동장), your bike adventure ends.
Drive to Gyeongju, an ancient capital of Shilla (BC 57-AD 938). Today, you are treated to one of the ten most historically significant sites in the world with ancient temples, weathered stone pagodas, royal tombs, Buddhist bas-reliefs, and fortress ruins.
En route explore Tomb of King Muyeol (603-661). Presided over the golden age of Silla expansion, King Muyeol forged an alliance with Tang China and defeated the rival Baekje kingdom with the help of Kim Yusin. The tomb is a circular ground mound made of piled-up soil with a bottom girth of 116m, and a height of 8.8m. Near the base of the mound are ring of stones which were possibly used in protecting an underground structure, but most have disappeared over the centuries while only the larger stones remain. Behind the king's tomb are four giant mounds that are believed to hold the remains of relatives of the king. A famous turtle base with tablet cap-stone that dates from the original construction is on display and you will not miss it.
And you will tour the 7th century Bunhwangsa temple with 10m-high three-storied rectangular pagoda, the main worship hall with Buddha of Medicine, and legendary well that is said to have saved the kingdom. The nearby open field was once occupied by Silla's largest temple Hwangyongsa. The 67m tall nine-storied pagoda made entirely of wood stood here until it was destroyed during the Mongol invasion in 1238.
Day 10 Gyeongju (B)
With a full day to explore the delights of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Seokguram grotto. It is the home of the serene stone Buddha of the eighth century. Inside, a white statue of a seated Buddha in a sublime state of enlightenment, is surrounded by 37 relief figures of Bodhisattvas, disciples, devas, and guardian kings. The grotto represents the magnificent harmony of religion, science and the arts of Buddhism, symbolizing the pure land in which Buddha resides.
A short ride leads you to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bulguksa temple, where you will witness the impressive gates, symbolic bridges leading up to the world of Buddha, graceful architectures, Three-storied Seokgatap and highly ornate Dabotap blending well into the architectural harmony.
At Gwaneumjeon hall, check out the image of the Avalokitesvara who is referred to as the Bodhisattva of Compassion and has a thousand hands, and eyes in each so as to reach out to those in need of help. You will see a gilded statue of Vairocana with the gesture of the first wisdom, Sakyamuni Buddha
along with sixteen figures of Buddha's disciples sitting in deep meditation, and a gilt-bronze Amitabha Buddha who is the ruler of the Western Paradise Sukhavati. The architectural design of Bulguksa is one of constrained dignity, peace, and harmony and the temple still remains one of the most remarkable achievements of the ancient Far East.
The Gyeongju Historic Areas contain a remarkable concentration of outstanding examples of Korean Buddhist art, in the form of sculptures, reliefs, pagodas, and the remains of temples and palaces from the flowering, in particular between the 7th and 10th centuries, of this form of unique artistic expression.
Visit Gyeongju National Museum for a great insight into Silla culture and history. The first thing that you will notice is The Bell of King Seongdeok, the largest extant bell in Korea. You must certainly stand in awe before the bell from the 8th century with such artistic beauty of design. The bell is distinguished not only for its outstanding beauty but also for its long reverberating sound, the incredibly precise casting technique, in addition to the sad legend surrounding it. On entering the museum, you will marvel at the priceless archaeological and historical artifacts including splendid gold crowns, earrings, belts, ornaments, glassware, potteries, and clay figures as well as a royal barge.
You also check out the world's oldest existing astronomical observatory, Cheomseongdae. Each stone used in the observatory bears symbolic meaning; the same number of the days of the year by lunar calendar, the number of the major stars, the months of the year and the numbers of the seasonal divisions. Nearby Tumuli Park encompasses 23 huge tomb mounds where Silla rulers were buried. One of the tombs, Cheonmachong, is opened to the public and you can go inside and see how the tombs were made and replicas of the treasures excavated in 1973.
Day 11 Gyeongju - Busan (B) 110km
Travel to Busan, Korea's second largest city surrounded by the ocean on one side, and mountains on the other. Its deep harbor and gentle tides have allowed it to grow into the largest port in Korea and the fifth largest in the world. It is also a center of industry and commerce, a thriving metropolis formed unusually long in shape along its coastal line.
You will tour Yongdusan Park where Busan Tower sits atop a hillock of a steep slope, affording 360-degree views of the hilly terrain of this mountainous coastal city and the harbor. Smack dab in the middle of the park stands the statue of Yi Sunsin, who is credited with the perfection of the first iron-clad warship in history. You will also see a flower clock and a Busan citizen's bell that they ring on New Years' Day, March 1 and August 15.
Just off the park is Gwangbokro Street, full of shops selling everything from bargains to luxury items. Adjacent is a maze of small streets alive with color, sidewalks sprinkled with unique shops and local eateries. Enjoy the vibrant ambience as you leisurely make your way to the BIFF square, Busan’s modern movie district having hand prints of the famous movie stars and directors on the sidewalk, movie theaters, trendy shops and street food stalls. The area with originally little more than a pair of cinemas that were built over half a century ago had turned into the newly transformed district, and was named BIFF Square on August 14, 1996.
Across the street from the square is a fascinating Jagalchi fish market, a great attraction located dockside. Here you will find a diverse array of seafood on display as you walk along the narrow alleys of street vendors. A nearby indoor market features live fish in the tanks and the upstairs are dried fish along with many restaurants selling raw fish at reasonable prices. The market is really a visual and culinary treat.
Weather and ticketing conditions permitting, enjoy soul-lifting experience and exceptional views of the coastal city during the 1.6km ascent from above on the Busan Marine Cable Car. The cable car runs 86 meters above the sea offering superb and undisturbed 360˚ views of the turquoise sea, boats and ships gliding. From above, the rolling mountain range of Busan, the towering futuristic structures, and the fine beach of Songdo.
Day 12 Busan - Seoul (B) 460km
Relaxing your whole self
Today, you will have the option to treat yourself to the morning of relaxation at Centum Spa Land, one of the most famous spas and Jjimjilbangs in the country, where you can enjoy hot tubs, saunas, massages and more. Word of warning – Spas are strictly naked saunas but jjimjilbangs are with your gowns on.
Or
Simply relax at Haeundae, a world-class beach resort blessed by beautiful water and screened by skyscrapers along the beautifully curved coastline.
Return this afternoon on a speed train to Seoul.
Day 13 Departure (B) 60km
After this wonderful trip exploring Korea and with time to reflect on your surprise in your experience, you will return to the airport in time for your flight. By boarding, you are already high above Incheon heading for home.
