Cycle South Korea
9 Days Starting and ending in Seoul
Visiting: Seoul, Seoul & DMZ visit, Bukmyeon/Naeseolap Glamping Park, Gangneung, Sokcho, Gyeongju, Busan, Korea Republic Of
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CJXS
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
14-99 years
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Take a cycling adventure through South Korea and see all the highlights (and lesser-known spots) from the perspective of two wheels. While you’re staying active, you’ll ride through Seoul, the seaside city of Gangneung, Sokcho, Gyeongju and Busan and discover the Four Rivers Bike Path with a group of likeminded travellers and a local leader to watch your back and show you the fun secret spots. Visit the famed DMZ and soak up Korea’s interesting history, tuck into delicious local cuisine like hotpot and barbeque, see riverside towns and countryside roads and stay in a glamping park where you’ll get stuck into traditional South Korean culture. Then, travel along the coastline, relax on golden sands and spend free afternoons walking along park trails or taking nighttime river cruises. Visit the Daereungwon Royal Tombs on an evening cycle, ride on a fast train and deep dive into K-pop culture (if the heart desires!) – what better way to see South Korea like a local.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Seoul
Location: Seoul
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
Annyeong! Welcome to South Korea. Your adventure begins in Seoul, South Korea's vibrant capital of high-tech gadgetry, soaring skyscrapers and delicious eats. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon. If you arrive early, explore this modern Asian metropolis at your own pace. After, your leader will do a brief bike check and introduce the rules and etiquette of cycling in Korea before you head into the city to see some of the main sights. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a dinner of traditional Korean hot pot with noodle soup – the perfect way to start your adventure!
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Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Seoul & Dmz Visit
Location: Seoul & DMZ visit
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Start the day with a relaxed morning ride up the bike paths along Han River, cycling north towards Gimpo. When you arrive, park your bike and continue up to the infamous Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) by car. Here, you’ll get a glimpse into North Korea – one of the last communist nations in the world – and see the Freedom Bridge. Visit the ‘3rd Tunnel of Aggression’ for a fascinating insight into the separation of North and South Korea, then have lunch as a group. After, return to Seoul for a free afternoon. This evening you’ll jump back on your bike for a ride along river trails to see the towering Seoul skyline in the evening as the sun descends.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Bukmyeon/Naeseolap Glamping Park
Location: Bukmyeon/Naeseolap Glamping Park
Accommodation: Glamping
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Today, it's time to adventure out of Seoul. Begin the day with a short ride to Yongsan Station, then take the fast train to Eungilsan. Power up with snacks and drinks, then hop on your bike and follow a section of the famous Four Rivers Bike Path alongside the snaking North Bukhan River. Cruise along undulating paths through quiet, leafy roads to the small riverside town of Doseongchae. From here, take your private transport to the Naeseolap Glamping Park where you’ll spend the night in colourful cabins among beautiful natural scenery. Enjoy a barbeque dinner with your group and some of the locals as the sun goes down and cheers to a uniquely Korean evening!
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Gangneung
Location: Gangneung
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast this morning, it’s time to leave central South Korea behind as you ride all the way to the shores of the East Sea. Today’s route meanders through hilly, wooded countryside and lush pine forests before arriving in the seaside city of Gangneung. When you arrive, grab some lunch, then enjoy a free afternoon and evening to explore at your own pace. Maybe stroll through the Heo Gyun & Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park, enjoy a drink at Anmok Beach (considered Korea’s finest ‘coffee walking street’) or relax on the shores of Jeongdongjin Beach. You could also do a city tour, ending with a dinner of traditional Soondubu (soft tofu stew) – the choice is yours!
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Day 5: Sokcho
Location: Sokcho
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today you ride north along the rugged and lightly undulating coastline, all the way to the seaside city of Sokcho. The ride is often called 'the most scenic road in Korea' and will take you past golden sand beaches, small coastal villages, isolated coastal pagodas and even some famous K-drama film locations. After cycling through the city, make your way to the Korean Refugee camp of Abai Village. Here, you’ll meet a North Korean refugee and hear their story of Korea – this will bring your previous visit to the DMZ into a clearer context. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore. For those seeking a more active afternoon, you could opt for a hike or take the cable car into the Seoraksan National Park. Maybe get an insight into Korea’s religious past at the Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion or Seoraksan Sinheungsa Temple. If you’re unsure, perhaps just take a stroll along the beach and finish your day in the bustling Sokcho Market.
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Day 6: Gyeongju
Location: Gyeongju
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
After a hearty breakfast today, you’ll drive skip the hills and drive all the way to the coastal town of Pohang Beach. Have lunch, then begin your ride alongside the Hyeongsan River to the ancient city of Gyeongju – the capital city of the Silla Dynasty that once ruled the Korean Peninsula. You’ll see its many cultural sites, like the Daereungwon Royal Tombs, along the way. With your free afternoon, maybe check out Hwangnidan-gil Street with its many restaurants, cafes, photo studios and shops housed in traditional hanoks. Maybe visit the Ancient Tomb Complex for a fascinating insight into centuries of Korean history. When it comes to dinner, the BBQ lamb skewers are a particular local speciality!
Later on, you’ll jump back on the bikes with your group for a nighttime cycling tour of Gyeongju, including a visit to Cheomseongdae – the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia – and the Anapji Pond. This is a great time to explore, as most of the tourists have left by nightfall and the well-lit streets, monuments and bridges give Gyeongju a unique atmosphere.
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Day 7: Busan
Location: Busan
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Travel by bus to South Korea's second-largest city, Busan. Today’s cycling will be split into two parts, so you get all the sights and less of the traffic. Begin with a short ride from the golden sands of Busan’s famous Haeundae Beach, through bustling streets to Minam Station. Here, experience the Korean subway as you transit to the banks of the Nakdong River. Jump back on your bike and follow the last stretch of South Korea’s longest river all the way down to Dadaepo Beach. The rest of the day is free for you to explore – perhaps join the locals and soothe your muscles with a swim in the shallow waters of the South Sea or just relax on the beach. Later tonight, maybe stroll along the Gowooni Ecological Trail, take in the colourful lights and sounds of the largest sunset fountain in the world or take a nighttime boat cruise.
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Day 8: Busan
Location: Busan
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Bid farewell to Busan and make the rapid journey back to Seoul on a KTX fast train – grab a window seat if you can and watch the landscape whip past. When you arrive, your final afternoon is free to enjoy the city however you like. You may want to take a taekwondo class and learn some martial arts moves. K-pop fans should visit the Hallyu K-star Road in Gangnam for a hit of local Hallyu culture. Later, come back together with your fellow cyclists to enjoy a final group dinner and celebrate a trip well-travelled.
Optional Activities:
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Day 9: Seoul
Location: Seoul
Your adventure comes to an end today. With no activities planned you’re free to depart anytime. If you’d like to stay in Seoul for longer, just speak to your booking agent.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights), Glamping (1 night) -
Meals
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners -
Seoul - Orientation Walk
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Korean Hot Pot - Welcome dinner
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6 days Included Bike Hire
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De-Militarized Zone (DMZ) Tour
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Han River Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
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Hangang River Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
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North Bukhan River Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
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Naeseolap to Gangneung Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
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Gangneung to Sokcho Coastal Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
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North Korean refugee village & meeting
Transport
While there are occasions when we use local public transport such as trains, buses or taxis to cover long distances or attend non-cycling activities, we predominantly use the bicycle as our main form of transport. On most of our trips we also have a support vehicle as secondary transport for travelling longer distances, avoiding hazardous areas to cycle, as a backup should we have any incidents and of course as an option for those that would prefer not to cycle for an hour or a day. In most regions, the support vehicle will be a minivan, but may range in size up to a full-sized coach or overland vehicle. Your main piece of luggage is transported in the support vehicle. Our bikes do not have panniers or bags on them, so we recommend a small backpack or a cycling jersey with rear pockets to carry any essentials you’ll need with you.BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKEWhile we’re confident in the quality and suitability of the bikes we include, we do recognise that sometimes you just need the comfort of your own bike to enjoy the ride. If you are thinking of bringing your own bike on this trip, please advise us at time of booking and take note of the below information. If you do choose to bring your own bike, please note that we will not being carrying a spare bike for you.SUITABLE TYPE OF BIKEAlthough the surfaces of the roads we travel on are generally good there are occasionally gravel or potholed sections of road/track. As such, we recommend a 'mountain' or 'hybrid' style bike with plenty of gear selections for easy cruising. For more details on the type of roads we’ll be riding on see the ‘Physical Rating’ section of your Essential Trip Information. Please contact your booking agent if you have any questions about the suitability of your bike.We usually cannot accept tandem bikes on our trips as they are often too large for our transport. In some destinations we can make an exception. Please ask your booking agent if you are interested in bringing a tandem bike.BEFORE THE TRIPWe recommend that you have a full service of your bike performed by a trained mechanic to help minimise any issues you may have during the trip. Please also ensure that you have specific and adequate cover for loss, damage or theft for your bike under your travel, home and contents or specialist insurance policy.DURING THE TRIPYour bike will be transported in the same way as our included bikes, usually in the support vehicle or on the bike trailer. While we endeavour to take the best care we can, you should recognise that transported bikes do get the occasional bump or scratch along the way. The same applies when we take other forms of transport, such as a train, where we are unable to pack the bikes ourselves. Your bike will be secured in the same way as our included bikes. This can occasionally be outside the vehicle (where the bikes are locked together).In order to reach our destination, it is necessary for us to travel via various modes of transportation, including planes and trains. Any extra costs involved with transporting personal bikes are your responsibility. This includes (but is not limited to) additional transport costs and customs/import fees.While our mechanics can usually assist with minor repairs, you are responsible for the safety and upkeep of your own bicycle. This includes conducting regular safety checks of your bike during the trip and cleaning your bike. In addition, any parts that require replacing are your responsibility. Most destinations have access to only limited spares along the way and access to bike shops can be days apart. Therefore, please ensure you bring any spare parts that you may require (especially specialist parts).TRANSPORTING YOUR BIKE TO/FROM THE DESTINATIONYour preferred airline should have no problem carrying your bike, but many will charge an extra fee. Contact them before departing to discuss their arrangements for transporting bikes.A well-padded bike box (obtainable from a bike shop) is usually the best method of plane transportation. We recommend that you accompany your bicycle on the flight. Unaccompanied bicycles have been known to spend some extra days in the hands of customs authorities.Many taxis are not large enough to transport a bike box/bag so you may be delayed waiting for a suitably sized vehicle.INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USEYou must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.If you are spending additional time before or after your tour, you will find that the transport in South Korea is reasonably priced, quick and efficient. Public buses don't always have the signage in English so is is recommended that you write your destination in hangeul (Korean phonetic alphabet) letters on a piece of paper. Bus drivers don't speak English. Local tourist centres usually have English-speaking staff and are the best places to find out about local buses.An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.The e-bikes we use on this trip might look a bit different than you are perhaps used to but they are uniquely Korean - designed and built in Korea. They are fold up style (makes for easy packing and taking onto a train - you can even take them to your room!) and have faller 20" wheels with larger comfortable tyres, disc brakes and 7 gears. Like most e-bikes they have a maximum speed of 25kph while the assistance is on.Note our e-bikes are designed to fit people from 155cm up to 190cm.
Accommodation
The majority of accommodation on this trip is in 'Western-style' hotels with all the usual amenities you would expect. The accommodation at the Naeseolap Glamping Park will be either in the 'Cabanas' (very comfortable permanent high roofed canvas tents on a wooden floor pad) or in the 'Eco-cabins' (wooden cabins), or a mixture of both. All rooms come with floor heating, TV, refrigerator, air conditioner, fan, dining table, induction cooker, tableware, electric kettle, fire extinguisher, bedding, etc.The Single Supplement excludes Day 3 at the Naeseolap Glamping Park.
Important Information
1. It is very important that you provide your height at time of booking so we can ensure that you have the appropriate sized bicycle when your trip starts. If you do not provide your height ahead of arrival we cannot guarantee a suitably sized bike for you.2. A single supplement is possible if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. The supplement does not include Day 3 at the Naeseolap Glamping Park.3. While we usually ride to our next accommodation, outside of the main cities a support vehicle will also be with you at all times possible (excluding some bike-only paths). Please note that the maximum number of cyclists we can fit in the support vehicle is 6.4. An typically Korean 'fold-up' e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available, and they are an 'on request' basis only.5. Bike helmets are compulsory on this trip. Please ensure you bring your own bike helmet from home. Helmets can be purchased locally if needed.6. On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back-marker where needed). Where the vehicle cannot travel directly with the cyclists (e.g. a cyclists-only path) your leader will assign a person from the group to act as a back-marker.7. In the months of October and April many festivals and events take place in Korea. While these are great to witness they do on occassions affect the routes we plan to ride - alternate routes will be followed should the original route be blocked or the riding expected to be significantly delayed.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
While the cycling distances on this trip are relatively short (anywhere from 10 to 50 km (6 to 34 mi) the terrain of South Korea varies from flat to hilly, and the climate can vary dramatically. Most people with a reasonable level of fitness will enjoy the trip, but you’ll always have the support vehicle on hand if you need to take a break for an hour or a day.
To complete this trip, it is important that you are confident and competent in riding a bicycle, both solo and in a group environment.
While we often ride to our next accommodation, outside of the main cities a support vehicle will also be with you at all times. Please note that the maximum number of cyclists we can fit in the support vehicle is six.
On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a backmarker where needed).
If you feel like doing all the riding but with less effort, we have the option of hiring an electric bike (e-bike) on this trip. Limited sizes are available so book quickly!
A traditional Korean bed is a futon-like mattress placed on the floor, which may be folded and placed in the cupboard in the morning. Floor bedding can be firm compared to standard western mattresses. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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