Seoul to Andong
South Korea Bike Tours
A bike tour in the land of the morning calm
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length9 days
- Prices from$2647 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
A bike tour in South Korea, you ask? We answer a resounding YES!! Bicycles have long been an intergral part of the Korean culture for transportation and work. Now apart from tradition, the bicycle is enjoyed for pleasure, fitness, camaraderie, and sheer enjoyment. The country has dedicated time, expertise, and money to make cycling the number one national pastime!
The newly-constructed bicycle route that runs along Korea’s four major rivers stretches 1,757 kilometers across the country and takes riders past traditional Korean villages, historical relics, and restaurants with traditional Korean food. Aside from this main "four rivers bike path", the number of new paths are increasing year by year, connecting different regions and cities with the final goal, to connect the whole country with a comprehensive network, which, proponents claim, will rival that of Holland.
South Korean cycling has arrived!
Highlights
- Dynamic Seoul
- World class bicycle network
- Yeouido Hangang Park, Ttukseom Park, two of the most popular parks along the Han River in Seoul
- Jaraseom Island
- World Heritage sites
- Namiseom
- Korean cuisine
- Silleuksa Temple in Yeoju
We feel another highlight of this exotic tour are the accommodations in Andong Hahoe Folk Village. Here you will have the opportunity to sleep at Bukchondaek House, built in 1797 by a high ranking official. In Korean style, you will sleep on a thin mattress on a heated floor, just like the locals.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Seoul - Namyangju, 42 miles (68 km)
Day 3: Namyangju - Chuncheon, 44 miles (71 km)
Day 4: Chuncheon - Yeoju, 48 miles (78 km)
Day 5: Yeoju - Chungju - Sangju, 44 miles (71 km)
Day 6: Sangju - Andong Hahoe (Folk) Village, 43 miles (70 km)
Day 7: Andong Hahoe Folk Village
Day 8: Andong Hot Spring - Seoul (no cycling)
Day 9: Departure*All distances are approximate.
Day 1: Arrival
Upon your arrival at Incheon International Airport, you can travel to your first hotel by taxi or public transportation or take advantage of the optional transfer. Upon settling in to your hotel, there will be opportunity to participate in a city tour of Seoul at 1 pm. On the agenda, is a visit to the largest palace in Seoul followed by free time in Insadong, an area well famous for its traditional; crafts shops. Dinner is scheduled at 7 pm. (D)Day 2: Seoul - Namyangju, 42 miles (68 km)
After enjoying a lovely breakfast at the hotel or nearby, the cycling adventure begins and leads almost entirely along the Han River Bike Path, past Yeouido, the heart of politics, banking and finance of South Korea, and through different parks located along the Han River. Among them, are Yeouido Park and Ttukseom Park. These parks are the local's favorite place to stroll along the river. Along the way, there is a stop scheduled at the Dasan Heritage Site to learn about Dasan Jeong Yak-Yong (1762~1836), one of the greatest scholars from the late Joseon Dynasty. (B,L,D)Day 3: Namyangju - Chuncheon, 44 miles (71 km)
The cycling begins early today! You will be on the bike just after 8 am and will continue to follow the Han River. This is a vast waterway, nearly two kilometers wide in places, that winds its way from the mountains to empty into the Yellow Sea. Millions of dollars have been invested to restore the river ecosystem, improve access to the riverside parks, and to create recreational facilities. Lunch will be on Jara Island, in a simple and peaceful setting, with a lovely 4 km riverside walk, variety of wild flowers such as cosmos, cockscomb, etc. and sports facilities. It is also a popular camping location, which is a very trendy activity in Korea.
For dinner, you will enjoy Dakgalbi, the local dish of Chuncheon, on the infamous Dakgalbi Street, where all the restaurants serve only this dish. (B,L,D)Day 4: Chuncheon - Yeoju, 48 miles (78 km)
Once again, an early departure on bikes (approximately 8 am) for a short ride to Chuncheon Station. From here, you will enjoy a train ride to Daeseongli Station, followed by a ride along a different path, the South Han River Bike Path, considered to be one of the most beautiful of the newly developed bike path system. The route leads through Dumulmeori, or 'two water area,' the place where Bukhangang River and Namhangang River meet. There is a rustic beauty here, graced by weeping willows and the three 400-year-old Zelkova trees that appear as one giant tree! (B, L, D)Day 5: Yeoju - Chungju - Sangju, 44 miles (71 km)
First on the agenda today is the Silleuksa temple, built during the Silla dynasty and located deep in the forest of Mt. Bongmisan. This Korean Buddhist temple is a sacred pilgrimage site and a repository of seven treasures, set amidst a 500-year-old juniper tree and a 600-year-old ginkgo tree. After lunch a visit to Jungangtap Historical Park followed by a bus transfer from Chungju to Sangju. Tonight you are free to explore Sangju and enjoy dinner on your own. (B, L)Day 6: Sangju - Andong Hahoe (Folk) Village, 43 miles (70 km)
On a 37-mile stretch of the Nakdong River Bike Path, cyclists pass the Sangju Bicycle Museum, a Confucian school founded in 1606, and Gyeongcheondae Terrace, a rock cliff prized for its view of the Nakdong. The day's destination is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Andong Hahoe Folk Village. Hahoe Village (translated to “Village Enveloped by Water”) gets its name from Nakdong River, which flows around the town’s perimeter. The village is located at the foothills of Hwasan Mountain, an offshoot of Taebaek Mountain that rises up to the east. The night will be spent in Andong Folk Village traditional house. Famous personalities have passed this way. Queen Elisabeth II spent her birthday in Andong and Mark Lippert, and American ambassador, visited the village as well. (B, L, D)*Please note that Hahoe Village is a UNESCO World Heritage and modern accommodations are not available within the village. You accommodations this evening are in Bukchondaek House, that offers exclusive accommodations to this operator. You will sleep on a thin mattress on heated room floor, which is the Korean style. Both rooms/shower are modern but shared among 4~7 persons. Although this sounds awkward and quite foreign to our western perspective, this is a truly authentic experience!
Day 7: Andong Hahoe Folk Village
Today you will have a day of respite and rest from the bikes but will have opportunity to explore Andong. This traditional village from the Joseon Dynasty is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has preserved the Joseon period-style architecture, tiled and thatched roof houses, and folk traditions of clan-based villages. In the morning, a guided tour will be offered After the tour village, we will visit Andong Hahoe Mask Museum to learn about the different masks in Korea but also all over the world and use this new knowledge to understand the mask show performance which will be offered at 2:00 pm.
After the performance, you will cross the river in a small ship (if available) and hike to the top of Buyeongdae cliff (15min of easy hiking). Upon arrival to the summit, you can enjoy the views over all the village. (B, D)Day 8: Andong Hot Spring - Seoul (no cycling)
You are transferred via public bus from village to nearby Andong Hot Springs and opportunity for bathing in the various pools, a perfect antidote for your legs after four days of riding. Lunch will be on your own and then transport back to Seoul. After visiting the hot spring, there is a transfer to Andong Bus Terminal and return to Seoul. Farewell dinner at buffet restaurant, then night walk along the Han River (optional). (B, D)**Please note: In Andong Hot Springs, men and women are in separate areas and it is not permitted to wear clothing in the hot springs.
Day 9: Departure
Tour finishes after breakfast. Hotel airport transfers are available with frequent departures throughout the day.*Unique to this tour is the opportunity to collect stamps in your souvenir Korean Bike Passport. Each day you will pass certification points where you can stamp your passport. When your passport is complete you will have an awesome souvenir to remind you of your achievement and to relay your stories and experiences to anyone who will listen!
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Accommodation
Hotels used on this tour are good 3 * hotels, many with Wifi available. On Day 6 and Day 7, you will be accommodated in Hahoe Village is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Modern accommodations are not available within the village and you will sleep in simple Korean style with shared facilities. Sample hotel list will be provided upon request.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 8 nights in Hotels/Hanok
- 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners
- Daily snacks and water
- Bike rental (Scott Sportster X40) with helmet, water cage, water bottle, and pannier (Ortlieb bag, 20 l)
- English speaking guide(s) for 9 days
- A support vehicle with 3 seats for emergency participants and luggage transfer that will follow the tour group on the entire trip
- Vehicle for transporting of bicycles
- Entry tickets for the museum parks and other places to visit
- Subway, suburb train and express bus transfers
What’s Not Included
- International Travel Insurance
- Any meals not mentioned above
- Beverages
Dates & Pricing
Dates
August 26, and Ocober 14, 2017
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Price $ 4117 £ 2121 $ 3,657 € 2481 kr 368594 ₪ 9941 ¥ 402174 Mex$ 45152 NZ$ 4435 NOK 28688 kr 27989 $ 2,647 Single supplement: $ 526 £ 271 $ 467 € 317 kr 47066 ₪ 1269 ¥ 51354 Mex$ 5766 NZ$ 566 NOK 3663 kr 3574 $ 338
Extra Options
Arrival airport transfer: $ 53 £ 27 $ 47 € 32 kr 4734 ₪ 128 ¥ 5166 Mex$ 580 NZ$ 57 NOK 368 kr 360 $ 34 Extra nights, Seoul: $ 117 £ 60 $ 104 € 70 kr 10444 ₪ 282 ¥ 11395 Mex$ 1279 NZ$ 126 NOK 813 kr 793 $ 75 Single room: $ 233 £ 120 $ 207 € 141 kr 20887 ₪ 563 ¥ 22790 Mex$ 2559 NZ$ 251 NOK 1626 kr 1586 $ 150
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
The majority of this guided and supported bike tour is on dedicated bike paths along the Han and Nakdong River. The route is predominately flat. 80% will take place on bike paths, 10 percent, quiet roads with little traffic, 5 percent on gravel roads, and 5 percent, roads shared with traffic.
Airport Info
Fly to Incheon International Airport (ICN), also known as Seoul-Incheon International Airport
Local Travel
Upon arrival at airport, you can take a train, bus or taxi (45 minutes) to downtown Seoul and your first hotel. Trains and buses depart from the airport. Taxi drivers sometimes speak English. However, inside all Seoul taxis is a phone number to call for English translation if needed.
Private airport arrival transfers are available for $34 per person. Please request at time of booking.
Climate
This exotic bike tour is scheduled during the best time of year to visit South Korea. In Autumn, the mountainsides are ablaze with fall colors and in the Spring, fragrant cherry blossoms are blooming. A good web site to research local weather is weatherbase.com.
Remarks
A support vehicle follows the group for luggage transfer and is available in case of an emergency. Space is limited in the vehicle so cyclists will be expected to ride the daily distances listed.
Extra Stay
You will of course want to book an extra night or two in Seoul!
Tour Operator
We work with our trusted local partner, bikeOasis Korea to offer this tour to you.
Photos
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