Experience Overview
Take a cycling adventure through South Korea and see all the highlights (and lesser-known spots) from the perspective of two wheels. While you’re staying active, you’ll ride through Seoul, the seaside city of Gangneung, Sokcho, Gyeongju and Busan and discover the Four Rivers Bike Path with a group of likeminded travellers and a local leader to watch your back and show you the fun secret spots. Visit the famed DMZ and soak up Korea’s interesting history, tuck into delicious local cuisine like hotpot and barbeque, see riverside towns and countryside roads and stay in a glamping park where you’ll get stuck into traditional South Korean culture. Then, travel along the coastline, relax on golden sands and spend free afternoons walking along park trails or taking nighttime river cruises. Visit the Daereungwon Royal Tombs on an evening cycle, ride on a fast train and deep dive into K-pop culture (if the heart desires!) – what better way to see South Korea like a local.
Highlights
- Cycle along the famous Four Rivers Bike Path – the most famous and scenic trail of South Korea’s amazing bike path network.
- Experience the diverse nature of Seoul, from the neon lights to the quiet paths – not to mention a visit to the infamous DMZ (Demilitarized Zone).
- Ride along the stunning shoreline of the East Sea – this is possibly the most picturesque road in all of Korea!
- Take some time off the bike and share life experiences with a North Korean refugee in Sokcho.
- Enjoy a unique night ride on the street of laidback Gyeongju, soaking in the history long after the last tourist has gone home.
Trip Details
Product Code: 23075
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bicycle (e-bike option available,subject to availability,Support/Private Vehicle,Bus,Train,Metro
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: CJXS
Starts: Seoul, Korea, Republic Of
Finishes: Seoul, Korea, Republic Of
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (2), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights),Glamping (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,730 ($526 /day)
Itinerary
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!
Included Activities:
- Seoul - Orientation Walk
- Korean Hot Pot - Welcome dinner
- 6 days Included Bike Hire
Optional Activities:
- Seoul - Gwangjang market - Free
- Seoul - Gyungbokgung Palace (4 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day early with a visit 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. In the early 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.
Included Activities:
- De-Militarized Zone (DMZ) Tour
- Han River Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
- Hangang River Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, it's time to adventure out of Seoul. Begin the day with train 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 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!
Included Activities:
- North Bukhan River Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
Accommodation:
- Glamping (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, it’s time to leave central South Korea behind as you ride all the way to the shores of the East Sea. Start the day with a transfer down to Gapyeong then ride through hilly, wooded countryside, lush pine forests and past rivers and lakes 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!
Included Activities:
- Naeseolap to Gangneung Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
Optional Activities:
- Gangneung City Tour with soft tofu stew lunch - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you ride north along the rugged and lightly undulating coastline, all the way to the seaside city of Sokcho. The ride is often called 'the most scenic road in Korea' and 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 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.
Included Activities:
- Gangneung to Sokcho Coastal Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
- North Korean refugee village & meeting
Optional Activities:
- Sokcho Market Food Tour - Free
- Seoraksan Mountain Cable Car (20000 KRW)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 ride alongside the Hyeongsan River to the ancient city of Gyeongju – the capital city of the Silla Dynasty that once 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.
Included Activities:
- Pohang Beach - Gyeongju Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
- Anapji Pond and Cheomseomdae visit
- Gyeongju at Night Cycling Tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Haeundae Beach to Minam Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
- Gupo to Dadaepo Beach Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Seoul - Mangwon night market visit - Free
- Seoul - Naksan mountain walk - Free
- Seoul - Bukchon Hanok Village - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Kornelia - Traveled, August 2023
Great itinerary allowing to see different parts of the country. Yong was fantastic in sharing his knowledge and insights about South Korea, its history and culture and made sure to provide plenty of options and opportunities to sample the local cuisine.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/05/2023
Jay - Traveled, April 2024
Fantastic introduction to Korean food and culture. This trip had a great mix of walking, eating and chillin. If you’re an expert in Korean food, this may not be the best tour since it’s an intro with slightly more western tastes in mind, but we did try exotic things like murder hornet soju! Haha everything was good and the group was awesome. Everyone got along well, and the guide Michelle made the tour go very smoothly. Some days were >20k steps so def being comfortable walking shoes. One thing to remember is that the dmz visit is not a part of the tour, and in general the dmz is not available on Mondays… so if adding on, you’d have to stay until Tuesday or do it Sunday before tour starts.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2024
Andrew - Traveled, September 2023
I have way to many positive things to mention about this trip. First of all Jacob our tour guide went beyond being an amazing leader. The first few days by myself in in Seoul were overwhelming but having Jacob who knew what he was doing in the city made it feel like our group was part of the city, and we felt safe and comfortable walking the streets Jacob's amount of knowledge about the food , history and hidden gems made the days fly by. All accommodations and restaurants were fantastic. I absolutely recommend this tour. The only problem with the tour was that it ended too early. Because of this tour I am absolutely coming back to South Korea and hope Jacob can be my tour guide. Thanks for an amazing trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2023
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