SPECIAL INTEREST
Korea by Bike 19 days
Tour Highlights
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- National Folk Museum of Korea
- Insadong
- Namdaemun Market
- Peace Dam
- Dolsanryeong Pass
- Punch Bowl
- The 4th Tunnel
- Eulji Observatory
- Yanggu Unification Hall
- Hangyeryeong Pass
- Omijae Pass
- Misan Valley
- Unduryeong Pass
- Mungok Village
- Jeongseon Market
- Hwaam Mineral Springs
- Sogeumgang Valley
- Samsuryeong Hill
- Hill of Wind
- Hwangji Pond
- Nutjae Pass
- Cheongryangsan Park
- Dosanseowon Confucian Academy
- Andong Folk Museum
- Hahoemaeul Village
- Tomb of King Muyeol
- Gyeongju National Museum
- Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory
- Tumuli Park
- Seokguram Grotto
- Bulguksa Temple
- 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
Tours are offered on a limited basis due the program focuses on the cycling itself through safer road navigation.
Accommodations are planned in small hotels or pensions. They are ubiquitous and economical.
Supporting vehicle with guide is provided.
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 dangerous, exhausting and frustrating.
Traffic in general has little respect for your cycling plight, so extra causion required as always.
E-bikes available on requst.
Tour from April through October |
| Tour facts and features | |
| Accommodation | 18 hotel and pension nights in 2 and 4 star twin share accommodation |
| Meals | 8 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 12 days |
| Degrees of difficulty | Very difficult |
Note
Any figures like distance, times or road conditions stated in the bicycling program are estimate and just for guideline purpose
You need to understand you are responsible for your safety and health
Riding at proper speed, yielding right-of-way, not riding while under the influence of alcohol
The ride is strictly during the day, not before sunrise or after sunset
The riding will not be arranged on bad weather conditions such as extremely hot, cold, windy, foggy or rainy days. In such case, supporting vehicle cares the transportation of your bicycles
We provide bicycles and a set of fixing tool for the group
You are required to bring your helmet, highly visible or reflective clothing for low-visibility conditions
Cyclists need to follow the same rules as motorists
Always use correct hand signals before turning
Ride in single file with traffic, not against it
Bikeways are well established in areas, but much of roads are sharing with pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. You need to understand how to safely and courteously share the road
Bicyclists need to be aware of their surroundings. Watch for opening car doors, sewer grating, debris on the roads, uneven surfaces, and poorly lit tunnels
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 - Cheongpyeong - Gapyeong | 86km |
| Day 4 | Gapyeong - Chuncheon - Hwacheon | 57km |
| Day 5 | Hwacheon - Peace Dam - Bangsan | 50km |
| Day 6 | Bangsan - Haean | 38km |
| Day 7 | Haean | |
| Day 8 | Haean - Wontong - Hangyeryeong - Girin | 74km |
| Day 9 | Girn - Misan Valley - Wongdang Samgeori - Jangchon Samgeori - Unduryeong - Jinbu | 86km |
| Day 10 | Jinbu - Suhangri - Najeonri - Mungok - Jeongseon - Hwaam | 62km |
| Day 11 | Hwaam - Baekjeon - Panmun - Samsuryeong - Taebaek | 42km |
| Day 12 | Taebaek - Andong | 115km |
| Day 13 | Andong | |
| Day 14 | Andong - Hahoe - Angye | 76km |
| Day 15 | Angye - Yeongcheon - Gyeongju | 130km |
| Day 16 | Gyeongju | |
| Day 17 | Gyeongju - Busan | 110km |
| Day 18 | Busan - Seoul | 460km |
| Day 19 | 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.
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.
At 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 - Cheongpyeong - Gapyeong (B) 86km
The route is a combination of bikeway and Road 403 and Road 407.
The day's tour may roughly break into three sectors, Banpo to Ungilsan station (41km), Unglisan station to Sincheongpyeong Daegyo Bridge (23km) and from the bridge to Gapyeong (22km) if on bikeways along.
Start a bike touring at Banpo and head up to Paldang bridge (팔당대교) on a traffic free bikeway. As you cross the bridge, the route picks up an old railway line leading to Ungilsan station. Here, you may have two options; bikepath or 23km roadway ride. If you wish to stay on bikepath, do not cross Yangsucheolgyo and continue your journey all the way to Gapyeong. The roadway option is to cross the old railroad bridge, Yangsucheolgyo (양수철교). Then, the two-lane
roadway travels in the opposite side of the river from the Ungilsan station to Sincheongpyeong Daegyo Bridge (신청평대교) (25km), where you cross to join a bikepath to Gapyeong (가평), a beautiful town set by the mountains, rivers and lakes. It is one of the favorite relaxing and vacation destinations in the region. Your tour covers most of the length of the country, enjoying a limited flat and rolling path to the the high mountain passes with a degree of valley every day. More suited for highly experienced bicyclists.
Day 4 Gapyeong - Chuncheon - Hwacheon (B) 57km
The first part of the path to Chuncheon (32km) is a bikeway which is pretty flat and pleasant. You will cycle through roads that offer impressive landscapes, crossing charming villages and sharing with their people. Crossing Gyeongganggyo bridge (경강교), turn right at the end of the bridge and make your way down to the riverside and turn right to get to the bikeway. About 13km ahead is Gangchon Bridge (강촌교). Upon crossing it, follow a bike path leading down to the riverside. Continue your way for 19km past animation museum and cross Sinmaedaegyo bridge (신매대교) to Chuncheon, a scenic city surrounded by lakes and mountains.
Soon after crossing the bridge, make a left turn and on to Sindong Samgeori (신동삼거리) where a challenging mountain trail begins. A combination of Road 403 and 407 leads you to Hwacheon (25km).
There is a Budari Tunnel (2,067m) on Road 403. So far, on the left side of the road near the tunnel entrance, there is a paved old road which is barricaded to block the traffics. This road meets again near at the tunnel exit.
Day 5 Hwacheon - Peace Dam - Bangsan (- - -) 50km
The word of the day is Road 460 highlighted by a long stretch of climbs and then descents with a degree of valleys. The day will be a relentless series of sweaty grunts and groans uphill followed often by a tunnel. About 16km of cycling in the gentle river valley ends up at Pungsan 2 ri (풍산2리), and by making a right turn, a challenging 34km journey continues. The road elevation abruptly rises up and villages or farmlands are seldom seen, but only get the feeling of locked in the mountains. It generally has very light traffic volumes so the lack of development of this remote area. Be prepared for a series of tunnels. Although they are well lit and have adequate shoulders, a tail reflector and a flashing rear light would be necessary.
Past Haesan tunnel (1.986m), which is the northernmost tunnel and built on the highest elevation in South Korea, then followed by Jaean tunnel (142m), Daebung tunnel (270m), and the Peace Dam that measures 125m high and 601m wide. It was built to stave off possible catastrophic flooding should the upstream Imnam Dam in North Korea collapse, either intentionally or by accident. The dam was completed in 2005. As it stands, the dam has no reservoir, and is merely preventive.
Take time to see World Peace Bell that was made from empty cartridge cases gathered from the world’s conflict zones in that it carries a significant meaning. The bell weights 37.5 ton but is incomplete. Check out a broken pigeon wing that is on display near the bell. It will be added bringing the bell complete on the day of unification of Korea.
There is a Water Museum. Although it is small, an excellent facility to get familiar with the story of water, and the importance of water conservation.
After a short downhill and valley ride, a challenging uphill continues again. More tunnels including Pyeonghwa (173m), Yanghwa (329m) and Ocheon (1,280m) are on the way before allowing you to get to Bangsan. A long stretches uninterrupted by intersections and stop signs, the roadway gives you a feeling of being slightly more remote than does the river valleys. The trails are scenic and give a good sense of quiet even on week days.
Day 6 Bangsan - Haean (- - -) 38km
Road 460, Road 31 and Road 453 are the trails for the day.
Mountains are endless and still high. Past the villages like Omi, Geumak, Jangpyeong and Gobangsan. Shortly after Dogo tunnel (639m), make a left turn to jump on the Road 31 to the direction of Haean. After a short ride in the valley that hugs tiny villages like Deokgok, Imdang and Wolwun, take a Road 453 at the last fork before Wolwun reservoir and head on to Haean. Another challenge is Dosolsan mountain that stands high ahead. Part of the Dolsanryeong is 1,050 mhigh. Nothing like a never ending hill to finish your day. After the pass is a welcoming Punch Bowl, a natural geologic bowl several kilometers across ringed by steep mountains on four sides, The bowl creates the richest farmland, and the area is starkly beautiful. However, many fierce battles were fought here during the Korean War because of its strategic location. The Battle of Bloody Ridge took place here from August to September 1951 and this was followed by the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge from September to October 1951, meanwhile the 1st Marine Division reinforced by the Korean Marine Corps Regiment captured the line of hills in the Battle of the Punch Bowl from 31 August to 20 September 1951.
Day 7 Haean (B)
Day at leisure for refreshment. You may want to join the tour coverng the 4th tunnel dug secretly by the North and Eulji Observatory. The tour does not run on Mondays. The 4th tunnel was found on March 3, 1990. The tunnel is dug through the solid granite base in the depth of 145 meters underground. The tunnel stretches 2.1km southward across the Military Demarcation Line. Unlike three other tunnels, visitors will make a short monorail trip inside the tunnel.
Eulji Observatory is set one of the bitterest battlegrounds fought in the Korean War. Perched on a peak rising 1049m above sea level near the Military Demarcation Line, it is now one of the most informative relics dating back to the Korean Conflict. From the Eulji Observation Platform, North Korea soldiers on guard are visible.
Day 8 Haean - Wontong - Hangyeryeong - Girin (- - -) 74km
The itinerary will take you through small villages, filled with tradition and with the special charm of the people who inhabit them. Road 453, Road 46, Pillaero and Haseoksanro are the trails for the day.
A 30km of a gentle winding valley with couple of hills extends to Wontong. At Wontong Rotary, take a Wontongro and proceed to the Wontong Gyocharo (원통교차로). Jump on Road 44. About 3km ahead is another junction, Hangye Gyochar (한계교차로).
Take a Road 46 to Hangyeryeong. A strenuous cycling of 20km on a slope way continues to Hangyeryong (920m) and then steep descend of about 700m. Do not miss this point. Here, take a Phillaro to the right and continue 11km to the junction and jump on Road 31 to cross the Garisan 1 gyo Bridge (가리산 1교) to the left. About 700m ahead is another junction. Take a left fork and ride 13km to Girin.
Day 9 Girin - Misan Valley - Wongdang Samgeori - Jangchon Samgeori - Unduryeong - Soksa - Jinbu (B) 86km
Today is one of the most challenging rides of the whole tour. The route goes through Road 31, Road 446, Road 56, Road 31 and Soksajaegil. The steep mountains and winding roads along the stream encourage you to pedal on your bike harder. The harder you pedal the more spectacular scenes you can see.
A 15km long journey to Sangnamri (상남리) along the valley past Hanamri village and steep Omijae Passs (684m). Jump on Road 446 to the left and continue on to yet another 26km stretch of beautiful Misan Valley and winding Saldun Valley up to Wondang Samgeori (원당삼거리). Turn right here and continue on a Road 56 for 10km to Jangchon Samgeori (장촌삼거리). Then, journey on a Road 31 for 25km over Unduryeong Pass (1,089m) to Soksa Samgeori (속사삼거리). Steep uphill to the top of the Unduryeong pass then down hill reward to Soksasamgeori where you make a let turn. About 500m ahead, turn left and go 140m. Take a left road and continue to Jinbu for 10km on a combination road of Soksajaegil (6km) and Gyeonggangro (4km). A chain of mountains stand high and valleys are sparsely dotted with tiny yet peaceful helmets. Cycling is challenging but most rewarding.
Day 10 Jinbu - Suhangri - Najeonri - Mungok - Jeongseon - Hwaam (- - -) 62km
The key trails of the day are Road 59 and Road 424 that go with streams. The mountains are still high and the roadways are winding along the river valleys. Roads of the day are generally downhill and flat.
Cross Hajinbugyo bridge (하진부교) and proceed, keeping the river on your right, until you get to Singigyo Bridge (신기교) for 5km. As you past an underpass, you will cross the Singigyo bridge. On crossing turn left. 1.7km ahead at Cheongsimgyocharo, turn left to the direction of Taebaek. Jeongseon. 2.6km ahead at Mapyeonggyocharo (마평교차로), jump on Road 59 and enjoy scenic valleys of Suhang, Makdong and Sukam as you bike to Jeongseon, a small town locked in the mountains and was once a boomed town with coal mining. It is also known as the birthplace of Arirang. At Najeon 1 Gyocharo (나전1교차로). turn right and take a Nampyeongdaegyo bridge (님평대교), turn right and continue your way to Sinnampyeong bridge (신남평교). Upon crossing it, turn left to the direction of Mungok. Stay on this road all the way to reach Jeongseon. Enjoy a short stop at Jeongseon market, Then cross the brige (제2정선교), and Aesangyo bridge (애산교),
Take a road to Saeteogol at the rotary and past Woltonggyocharo and Deokwusamgeori (덕우삼거리). Here, take a road 35 to Hajang and Hwaam to the left. Flat road for 10km leads to Hwaam. .
Day 11 Hwaam - Baekjeon - Panmun - Samsuryeong - Taebaek (- - -) 42km
Your cycling is a true connection with the natural space. Enjoy a short stop at Hwaam mineral spring and you may want to try it.
Then take a road
421 to the direction of Hajang. 5km on road 421 is Moulwunri fork and the road number changes to 424 as you turn left. Ride past Hochonri and reach Daejeonri after 9.3km on road 424. Turn right to the direction of Taebaek and Sabuk. Baekjeon 1-ri and Baekjeon 2-ri villages appears on your way. Turn left as you cross Panmun 1 gyo bridege (판문1교).
After a short challenging uphill, turn right to join road 424. 6km of downhill merges road 35. Turn right and head on to Samsuryeong (935m) that divides rainwater into three rivers. While there take time to view highland cabbage farms on the steep slopes and overwhelming wind turbines generatiing powers. After the tour, steep downhill to Hwajeonsagrori (화전사거리). Go strait ahead and take Hwangjiro (황지로). Taebaek boasts of two river sources. Hwangji pond from which 5,000 tons of water flows daily is the source of the Nakdong River and Geomryongso is that of Han River.
Day 12 Taebaek -
Yuksongjeong Samgeori - Daehyeonri - Hyeondong - Dosan - Andong (B) 115km
From Hwangji pond, stay on Hwangjiro to avoid speeding 4-lane major road. About 3km ahead, jump on the major road, continue your way to fork near Jangseong Girls' high school, and take a right fork for about 2.3km to emerge the major road.
After 1km of riding, cross the Jangseonggyo bridge to avoid Jangseong tunnel (460m). Stay on this road for 2.8km to the crossroad. Go strait ahead for 1.3km on the Maemildeulgil and
then join the major road. From there on 6.5km is
Yuksongjeong Samgeori (육송정삼거리) where elevation gradually goes up. As you turn right here, a challenging 10km steep uphill to the Nutjae pass (896m) begins. While in the Daehyeonri village, follow the sign Cheongoksan Natural Forest. Then, compensated by a gentle downhill to Hyeondongsamgeori (현동삼거리) for 13km. Take a left fork, continue your way through the town in front of Hyeondong tunnel (현동터널) for about 1Km. Before the tunnel, take a right fork
About 9km ahead , there is a Seondanggyo bridge (선당교). Turn left to join Galsanro or Road 31.
Continue your way to Gongijae Samgeori (공이재삼거리) for about 3km. Here, take a right fork and continue on a Jaesanro or Road 933 to Gwain Samgeori (과인삼거리) for about 6.5km.
From there on to Nammyeons Smgeori (남면삼거리) is 5.5km, After a short ride, you take a road leading up to the Cheongryangsan provincial park on your right under the gate. The road goes steep for 1km and then downhill of about 4.5km. Jump on the road 35 as you turn left. Proceed 10km to Onhyegtocharo (온혜교차로) from where you take a right fork for 1km to Dosangyocharo (도산교차로) avoiding busy traffic. Follow the sign to Togye-ri. although there is a sign to Dosan Seowon. 2.2km ahead stands another sign guiding Dosan Seowon. With time to explore Dosan Seowon, continue your way through road 35 to Jomagyocharo (조마교차로) for 9.3km. Take a left fork, go 4.8km, and jump on Nongamro road 933. Turn right here and move 2.3km to Jugye bus stop from where take Hobanro on the left. Further journey of 18km along the river to Andong.
Day 13 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 14 Andong - Hahoe - Angye (Yonggi) (- - -) 76km
The trails are mostly built along the riparian area, and riding is down stream to the 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, on to Angye via Yonggok Samgeori (용곡삼거리).
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 15 Angye - Yeongcheon (80km) - 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.
One of 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) to make a right turn and stay on the Jangsuro road (장수로) to Yeongcheon. Next up is Sindeokgyocharo (신덕교차로) to make a left turn followed by S-Oil Sambu gas station (S-Oil 삼부주유소) which is an important point in navigating your way althoufh it sits on the other side of the road from the direction you are heading, 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 16 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 17 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 18 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 Jimjilbangs 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 19 Departure (B) 60km
After this wonderful trip exploring Korea and with time to reflect on your surprise in your experience, transfer to the airport in time for your flight check in. By boarding, you are already high above Incheon heading for home.
