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Recent findings by Explore Worldwide, using global search statistics, highlight the most sought-after places for bicycle tour this year. Cities in Asia, notably Taipei and Phnom Penh, are emerging as top choices for cycling excursions. South Korea finds itself in seventh place among nations witnessing the most substantial growth in interest for bike tour.
Top Trending Countries for Bike Tour, Including South Korea
The company’s latest Learn To Ride Report unveils the trending bike tour destinations worldwide, drawing on Google search data over the past two years. This research points out which locales have seen a notable uptick in search interest compared to the year before, shedding light on countries that are becoming favorites for those eager to explore on bicycles. The report covers a wide array of destinations, from bustling city routes to tranquil coastal paths, highlighting these spots as favorites among biking enthusiasts globally.
5 Best Bike Trails in South Korea
1. The 4-Rivers Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 630 km
Duration: 12-15 days
Starting Location: Incheon or Seoul
Ending Location: Busan
The 4-Rivers trail, a premier biking highway, stretches impressively across South Korea. It’s known for its unique length and the Sangiu Bicycle Museum along the route, showcasing bicycle history and technology. This trail is perfect for those seeking adventure and delicious street food in Seoul.
Route & Condition
Starting your adventure from either Incheon or Seoul, the path is unmistakable, resembling a bicycle superhighway. The trail leads all the way to Busan in the south, offering a straightforward route. Unlike the typical undulating terrain of cycling paths, the 4-Rivers trail is predominantly flat, ensuring a more manageable ride despite its length, which may take weeks to complete.
4-Rivers Passbook
A distinctive feature of this trail is the 4-Rivers Passbook. Cyclists can collect stamps at red booths along the route, marking their progress. Completing the trail rewards you with a medal and a certificate, a testament to the journey undertaken.
2. Han River Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 80 km
Duration: 5 hours
Starting & Ending Locations: Anywhere along the Han River, recommended start at Yeouido Park.
The Han River trail offers a quick, accessible escape within Seoul, combining sightseeing and exercise perfectly.
Route
The Han River slices through the heart of Seoul, providing one of the city’s finest cycling routes along its banks. This extensive path stretches along both sides of the river, covering nearly the full length of Seoul. Starting points are flexible, and for those without their own bicycles, rentals are readily available in Yeouido Park. This path is an excellent introduction to the city for first-time visitors, offering a unique perspective and the opportunity to explore key sights. Highlights along the route include the Seoul Marina, The National Assembly building, the beautifully landscaped Yeouido Park, and the Saetgang Eco Park, each offering a glimpse into the city’s diverse attractions.
Path Condition
This route is known for its ease, thanks to being mostly flat and paved, making for a smooth cycling experience. Be mindful that weekends can see a surge in activity, so it’s important to stay alert to your surroundings while riding. Although the path itself spans 40km, opting to cycle on both sides of the river allows you to extend your journey to a total of 80km.
3. Jeju Bike Path
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 244 km
Duration: 4-5 days
Starting Location: Paldangdaegyo Bridge
Ending Location: Tangeumdae Terrace
This trail provides a serene journey along South Korea’s coast, with mountains on one side and the sea on the other. You’ll get a peaceful bike tour experience in South Korea.
Route
Jeju City serves as the ideal launching pad for your cycling adventure around the island, allowing you to gather supplies and rest up before embarking on the week-long circuit. Cyclists often choose to navigate the island in a counter-clockwise direction, which leads them past some of Jeju’s most scenic spots, including Hyeopjae Beach, Songaksan Mountain, and Jeongbang Waterfall. This route offers a blend of coastal vistas, mountainous landscapes, and natural wonders, making for an unforgettable cycling experience.
Path Condition
The cycling path around Jeju Island is considered easy, mainly because it is flat and features numerous spots to pause and relax during your journey around the island. Additionally, the route is dotted with opportunities for side excursions, whether it’s to a beach or a waterfall, making it one of the most delightful cycling experiences in South Korea. This accessibility and variety ensure that the ride is not only manageable but also enriches your adventure with the natural beauty and tranquility of the island’s landscapes.
4. East Coast Cycling Route
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 720 km
Duration: 10-14 days
Starting Location: Unification Observatory or Sokcho City in Gangwon Province
Ending Location: Busan
The East Coast Cycling trail offers a cross-country adventure akin to the 4 Rivers trail, requiring approximately 14 days to traverse from one end of South Korea to the other. This trail stands out as one of the most captivating routes in the country, with its unique feature of hugging the coastline throughout the journey. Riders experience the serene beauty of having mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting for the entire ride. This continuous coastal presence makes it an exceptionally peaceful and scenic route, ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in South Korea’s natural landscapes.
Route
The designated starting point for the East Coast Cycling trail is the Unification Observatory, located at South Korea’s northern tip. However, many opt to begin their journey in Sokcho, given its accessibility. For those interested in collecting the official trail stamps, starting at the Unification Observatory is necessary. From there, the trail meanders down the eastern coastline, passing through every port and city on the route, until it reaches Busan, 720 km later. This scenic route encompasses both the North and South Gyeongsang provinces, offering cyclists a comprehensive tour along South Korea’s eastern coast.
Path Condition
The entire length of the East Coast Cycling trail is well-paved and meticulously maintained, offering a smooth ride for cyclists. As you navigate through numerous seaside villages, you’ll encounter ports brimming with fresh seafood and inviting restaurants, enhancing your journey with culinary delights. While a significant portion of the trail is relatively flat, it does include several mountain passes that add a degree of challenge. The cycling-specific paths are designed with manageable inclines, yet some sections involve extended climbs that can be physically demanding. Considering both the trail’s length and the mountainous segments, it is classified as a moderate course, suitable for those prepared for a mix of leisurely rides and more strenuous stretches.
5. Chilbongsan Trail
Difficulty: Advanced
Distance: 13 km
Duration: 2-3 hours
Starting Location: Songnaedong
Ending Location: Near Dongduchon
For experienced cyclists, the Chilbongsan trail offers rugged terrain and stunning views from Yangju to Seoul. It is one of the best trail for your exciting bike tour.
Route
The trail begins in the Songnaedong area, weaving its way around the mountain until it concludes near Dongducheon. Situated close to several other paths, it provides an option for those looking to extend their cycling adventure. However, this particular segment is recognized as the advanced portion of the WangBangSan race course. Characterized by its dirt and rocky terrain, the path skirts along the mountain’s edge, presenting a challenging and technical ride for cyclists seeking to test their skills and endurance on more demanding trails.
Path Condition
The Chilbongsan trail is designed with the seasoned cyclist in mind, featuring sections that can be exceedingly steep, both uphill and downhill, posing a significant challenge to those who are not accustomed to such demanding conditions. It’s a path that promises a rigorous journey, intended solely for cyclists who embrace a challenging terrain. This trail is not recommended for beginners due to its intense nature and is best suited for those who seek the thrill of navigating through tough, unforgiving landscapes.
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