SPECIAL INTEREST
Rivers by Bike 12 days
Tour Highlights
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- National Folk Museum of Korea
- Insadong
- Gwangjang Market
- Silleuksa Temple
- Jungangtap Tower
- Hahoemaeul Village
- Andong Folk Museum
- Daegu Herb Medicine Street
- Seokguram Grotto
- Bulguksa Temple
- Gyeongju National Museum
- Donggung palace and Wolji pond
- Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory
- Tumuli Park
Tour from April through October |
| Tour facts and features | |
| Accommodation | 11 hotel nights in 2 and 4 star twin share accommodation |
| Meals | 9 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 6 days, but very difficult uphill on day 6 |
| Degrees of difficulty | Normal |
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.
Introduction to ten bike types (Excerpts from Helsinki Times)
City bike / General purpose bicycle
The bike comes with a basket for shopping and is for short less than 5km work journeys or trips to a shop.
A bike with a hub gear for occasional use in a city. A model with derailleur gears is suitable for a cyclist regularly riding longer distances. Accessories, such as mud guard and a rear rack, are usually standard features.
Hub gear (1-8 speeds)
Requires less maintenance than many other bicycle types.
The upright riding position and wide, soft saddle are comfortable over short distances.
Derailleur gears (24 speeds)
Lighter to pedal than a model with a hub gear.
Hybrid bicycle
A general purpose bike that combines the best characteristics of mountain and road bikes. Available with both derailleur and hub gears.
A multi-purpose hybrid bike is suited to tarmac roads and gravel surfaces as well as urban environment but is too heavy for commuting or cycling trips covering dozens of kilometers.
Thanks to narrower wheels, it is lighter to pedal than a city bike.
Derailleur models have smaller rolling resistance than models with hub gears, making them lighter pedal.
Road bicycle / Impulso Ultegra / Racing bike
Suitable for a cycling enthusiasts for fast, long-distance training rides on tarmac.
Thanks to an aluminum or carbon-fiber frame, the bike is light.
Narrow tyres with a high inflation, pressure make the bike light to pedal.
Comfortable lover long distances with the drop handlebar allowing the rider to change their riding position.
Pedals with toe cliff allow the rider to gain power also on the up-stroke.
The narrow and hard saddle is well-suited to the riding position. Riders usually wear padded cycling shorts.
Studded winger tyres or proper mud guards cannot be fitted to road bikes.
Fitness bicycle
A blend of a hybrid and road bike. A city bike with straight handlebar.
20-27-speed trek bike for a long training rides and commuting.
Lighter to ride than a cyclo-cross bike.
Narrow and smooth tyres are well-suited for long trips but can feel hard when riding in town.
The handlebar position can be adjusted.
Slightly heavier than a road bike but allows the fitting of various accessories, including mud guard and bags.
Mountain bicycle
For a difficult terrain, such as footpaths and forest roads.
For cross-country riding, downhill biking or enduro. Suitable for use as a general-purpose bike only if you regularly use roads that are in bad condition and do not mind the low riding position. Suited to short work journey particularly in the winter.
Either full or front suspension.
Wide tyres with tread patterns give a strong grip.
Heavy to ride on tarmac.
The low riding position is good for a cross-country riding but pouts the neck under strain when riding in town.
Cyclo-cross bicycle
A road bike complete with select features from a mountain bike.
Sportier than a hybrid bike but more versatile than a road bike.
Cycling enthusiasts for fast riding all year round. Suitable for long work journeys and training rides.
Has a higher frame than hybrid bikes.
Drop handlebars allow the rider to change their riding position.
Tyres with tread pattern offer a good grip.
Studded with winter tyres and narrow road tyres for summer can be fitted to the same rims.
Electric bicycle
The maximum engine power can be 250 watts and the maximum travel speed 25kms in an hour.
For commuting, shopping trips, for the elderly or people with joint problems.
Hub motor or a mid-drive system. Light to pedal, can be ridden in a work clothes.
The motor can be switched on when riding uphill or against the wind.
The motor is automatically switched off when the speed exceeds 25kms per hour.
The motor is low maintenance.
The bike is heavy to pedal when the motor is not on.
Classic bicycle
A simple and streamlined bike. The oldest models have been in production for a century.
Pleasant city rides.
Luxury models are hand-made. Besides the traditional models, there are also newer, lighter versions available.
Some classic can be customized by picking the number of speeds, the color, saddle and extras.
Single speed bike
Looks like a pared-down version of a road bike with just one speed.
Suited to riding in a city or commuting.
The bike has a freewheel, which allows coasting.
If the wheel is turned, then pedals turn all the time.
The bike’s gear ratio can be adjusted according to the riding distances. This is done by changing gears. The chains can also be changed.
Fixed-gear bicycle
A single-speed bike without freewheel.
Lifestyle riders.
Modelled on a track bike, which many enthusiasts use as a basis for building their own fixie.
A fixed ratio, meaning that the pedals rotate at the same speed with the wheels. The rider cannot stop pedaling. Riding requires some practicing. The front brake should be kept in accordance with law. Without the front brake, the only way to stop the bike is to control the pedal speed. Stopping quickly is difficult.
Excerpt: Rasmus Ronn, managing director at Fillarikellari; Jari Vainio, Business owner, Classic Bike Finland; Joonas Berggren, bike designer at Pyorapalvelu Berggren; and Juhani Laakso, product manager at Huntteri.
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
There are a number of rest points built at the roadside for you to sit down, get your breath back, and enjoy the view.
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 - Yeoju | 110km |
| Day 4 | Yeoju - Chungju - Suanbo | 85km |
| Day 5 | Suanbo - Sojoryeong - Ihwaryeong - Mungyeong | 52km |
| Day 6 | Mungyeong - Sangpunggyo bridge - Andong | 88km |
| Day 7 | Andong | |
| Day 8 | Andong - Hahoe - Sangju | 75km |
| Day 9 | Sangju - Gumi - Daegu - Gyeongju | 192km |
| Day 10 | Gyeongju | |
| Day 11 | Gyeongju - Seoul | 360km |
| Day 12 | 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 both sides by rushing traffic and office buildings.
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.
Enjoy a brief visit to Gwangjang market. It is one of few markets retaining traditional Korean atmosphere. Established in 1905, the market today has 5,000 independent shops. On the market's ground level, the floor space is dominated by scores of small snack stalls selling rustic delicacies and cheap treats. Clouds of smoke billow out from the boiling pans, diverse types of pancakes sizzle on hot iron grills and the smell from the eateries filling the air. The roadside vendors hawking everything from food, fruits, vegetables to seafood and an entire upper level dedicated to high quality silk, satin, and linen. Try out some sorts of Korean snacks and see a side of regular Seoul life. After tour, tomorrow’s trip briefing is planned.
Day 3 Seoul - Ungilsan - Yeoju (B) 100km
After checking out, head to Ungilsan Station to begin your cycling adventure.
Upon arrival, you will receive a briefing on essential riding tips. Once you are ready, begin your journey by riding across the old, now-defunct railway bridge that stretches over the mighty Bukhangang River (North Han River). Shortly after, you will turn south and continue along the Namhangang River (South Han River), enjoying the scenic views and peaceful local atmosphere.
Today’s route covers approximately 54km, mostly on well-paved and generally flat roads with some gentle inclines.
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.
Day 4 Yeoju - Chungju - Suanbo (B) 84km
Today’s ride is relatively easy, following a scenic and mostly flat riverside trail all the way to Chungju. As you move deeper into the countryside, you will begin to see more apple and Peach orchards dotting the landscape, adding to the pastoral charm.
Chungju is rich in cultural heritage. It is the birthplace of Taekgyeon, a traditional Korean martial art, and the Gayageum, a 12-stringed musical instrument that dates back to the 7th century. Take a short break at Jungangtap Park, home to a remarkable seven-story stone pagoda.
From Chungju, your journey continues toward Suanbo, a town famed for its natural hot springs.
Upon arrival in Suanbo, reward yourself by soaking in the town’s soothing hot springs, perfect for relaxing tired muscles after a day of riding.
Day 5 Suanbo - Sojoryeong - Ihwaryeong - Mungyeong (B) 55km
Today’s ride will be the most physically demanding of your journey, as you will face the two biggest climbs of the entire route: Sojoryeong Pass and Ihwaryeong Pass(548m). However, the effort will be well worth it - both passes reward you with exhilarating downhill sections and breathtaking scenery. Rest areas are available along the way for short breaks and refreshments.
Despite the day’s challenges, the spectacular mountain scenery, thrilling descents, and cultural landmarks make this ride one of the most memorable legs of the journey.
Important Caution: Ihwaryeong Pass to Mungyeong Pottery Museum (6km)
This section of the ride is extremely steep and includes sharp, winding descents. Exercise extreme caution - control your speed, and stay alert for sudden curves.
As you approach the base of the descent:
You will need to take an underpass with a left turn.
Warning: There are no traffic lights and no visibility of incoming traffic from the right side while inside the underpass.
After exiting the underpass, you will see two roads ahead with no signages
Take the second road, farther from the underpass.
Do not take the first road on your immediate right - it is meant for reverse direction riding.
You will stop at the Mungyeong Ceramic Museum, which offers visitors an in-depth look into the history, craftsmanship, and artistry of Korean ceramics. Here, you can view a wide range of ceramic works, from ancient pottery to modern reinterpretations created by contemporary artists.
Day 6 Mungyeong - Sangpunggyo Bridge - Andong (- - -) 86km
Start your 86km ride to Andong. Most of the trail follows the riparian zones along the river, making the first part of the ride a downstream journey to Sangpunggyo Bridge (상풍교), where the Nakdong River begins to widen at its confluence.
After crossing the bridge, the route continues gently upstream toward Andong - a historic city known as a stronghold of Confucianism in Korea. The cultural values rooted in Confucian philosophy have profoundly influenced Korean traditions, education, and way of life, making Andong a meaningful destination to reflect on Korea’s heritage.
Day 7 Andong (B)
Today is a day for relaxation, but you may still want to spend some time touring Andong by bike to explore its rich cultural heritage.
Start with a visit to the Andong Folk Museum, which provides an in-depth look at traditional Korean life and Confucian culture.
The museum features a variety of exhibits focused on the four major Confucian rites.
Next, enjoy the local ambience as you explore Andong’s traditional market, filled with a wide array of merchandise, fresh vegetables, seafood, and fruits. At one end of the market, you will find a famous alley known for its Andong-style braised chicken (Andong Jjimdak) - a savory, mildly salty, slightly sweet dish with just a hint of spice. It’s a popular local delicacy you might want to try.
Day 8 Andong - Hahoe - Sangju (B) 75km
Retrace your route by bike to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hahoe Village (Hahoe Maeul), a remarkably well-preserved 15th-century traditional Korean village. This unique settlement offers a rare glimpse into the lifestyle of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Approximately 480 traditional hanok houses, both grand and modest, remain intact and fully functioning, preserving the authentic character of the era.
As you stroll through the narrow alleyways, take in the rustic charm and timeless atmosphere of the village. One unmissable highlight is a 600-year-old zelkova tree, believed to house the village spirit. Locals still gather at the tree's base to make wishes and offer prayers, continuing centuries-old traditions.
You will tour the Hahoe Mask Museum which offers a fascinating look into Korea’s traditional mask culture. The museum showcases a wide collection of Hahoe masks which are famously used in the Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori, a traditional mask dance drama performed for rituals, entertainment, and social satire.
You will view the masks from Hahoe and other regions of Korea but also masks from over many countries around the world, making it an international center of mask art and culture.
With time to explore, continue your ride onward to Sangju, following the scenic route through gentle landscapes and rural charm.
Day 9 Sangju - Gumi - Daegu - Gyeongju (- - -) 192km
Breakfast not provided. Today, a gentle path of 92km leads you to Daegu where your bike adventure ends. The trails are still flat that runs along the river. En route, pass by and under the number of bridges, weir and villages. Upon arrival at Munyang station (문양역), return your bicycle and enjoy a short city tour with a visit to Yangnyeongsi, a 700 meter-long streets, encapsulating the tradition of Korea's oriental medicine, filled with pharmacies, clinics, wholesalers of ingredients, ginseng stores, and medicine brewery shops. The atmosphere is filled with the rich fragrance of raw medicinal products. Stroll down the street and take a deep breath, you will immediately feel more rejuvenated and relaxed.
Your tour guide and supporting vehicle will stand-by approximately every 15km away from your riding point to check your health conditions, provide water, help you navigate the bike path, or wait at your preferred points.
Afterwards journey continues to Gyeongju, an ancient capital of Silla (BC57-AD935) often dubbed as Museum without Walls. 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. Gyeongju Historic Areas contains 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.
Day 10 Gyeongju (B)
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.
Next up is 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.
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.
Afterwards, explore Donggung palace and Wolji pond, a pleasure garden built to commemorate the victory of Silla, and later used as the recreational area for the Silla's royal family.
Then, 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 Gyoengju - Seoul (B) 360km
With leisurely time to pack, return on a speed train to Seoul. Balance of the day at own pursuit. You can explore the city yourself or look for souvenirs.
Day 12 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.
