Cycle South Korea

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!

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.

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 River 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!

After breakfast this morning, it’s time to leave central South Korea behind. You’ll ride all the way to the shores of the Sea of Japan (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!

Today you ride north along the rugged and lightly undulating coastline, all the way to the seaside city of Sokcho. The ride 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 her 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.

After a hearty breakfast today, you’ll drive back along the seashore all the way to the coastal town of Pohang Beach. Have lunch, then begin your ride along Hyeongsan River to the ancient city of Gyeongju – the capital city of the Silla Dynasty that 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.

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.

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.

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.