Cycle South Korea - 9 Days

Annyeong! Welcome to South Korea. Your adventure begins in Seoul, South Korea's vibrant capital of high-tech gadgetry, soaring skyscrapers and delicious eats. If you arrive early, explore this modern Asian metropolis at your own pace.You’ll be picked up from the hotel at 4 pm this afternoon and transported to our local office for your welcome meeting. 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 early with a relaxed bike ride along the Han River riverside trails to see the towering Seoul skyline. This mostly car-free ride is a great introduction to cycling in South Korea. After the ride it’s time to jump in the vehicle and visit to the infamous Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). Here, you’ll get a glimpse into North Korea – one of the last communist nations in the world – and see the Freedom Bridge for a fascinating insight into the separation of North and South Korea. After, return to Seoul for a free afternoon. Maybe head back down to the river to see the sparkling Seoul skyline in the evening as the sun descends.

Today, it's time to adventure out of Seoul. Begin the day with a train or bus ride, 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 riverside paths through quiet, leafy roads to the small riverside town of Cheongpyeong. From here, transport north to the Gapyeong Glamping Park where you’ll spend the night in permanent tents among beautiful natural scenery. Take some time by the pool and a visit to scenic Nami Island a famous site for Korean dramas and movies. Then 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, you'll have one last ride in central South Korea as you traverse the mostly flat paths and roads of nearby Chuncheon, capital of the Gangwon Province and where the Soyang River and the Bukhan River (North Han River) meet. This is a beautiful ride along the lakeside pathways that wind around the lake beneath the nearby green hills. After the ride you'll drive all the way to the seaside city of Sokcho on shores of the East Sea. On arrival, 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.

Today you ride south along the rugged and lightly undulating coastline, all the way to the seaside city of Gangneung. The mostly bike trail ride - often called 'the most scenic road in Korea' - crosses the 38 parallel which marks the original separation marker for North and South Korea after the Korean War, and will take you past golden sand beaches, small coastal villages, isolated coastal pagodas and even some famous K-drama film locations. 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!

After a hearty breakfast today, you’ll drive skip the hills and drive all the way to the coastal town of Pohang. Have lunch, then begin your first ride (approximately 33kms) alongside the Hyeongsan River to the ancient city of Gyeongju – the capital city of the Silla Dynasty that once ruled the Korean Peninsula. On the second half of the ride (approximately 26kms) you’ll see its many cultural sites, like the Daereungwon Royal Tombs, along the way. This afternoon, maybe check out Hwangnidan-gil Street with its many restaurants, cafes, photo studios and shops housed in traditional hanoks. Or 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 have the option to 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 on local transport to Dadaepo Beach then ride along the last stretch of South Korea’s longest river then avoid the busy traffic and take the subway to Minam Station. From here cruise Busan’s streets on a short ride to the golden sands of Busan’s famous Haeundae 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.