Ancient Korea by Bicycle

Ancient Korea by Bicycle

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9 Days From

$3500

$3343

Ancient Korea by Bicycle

9 Days Starting and ending in Seoul, South Korea

Visiting: Seoul, Namyangju-si, Chuncheon-si, Yeoju-si, Sangju-si, Andong Hahoe Folk Village

Tour operator:

SpiceRoads Cycling

Tour code:

KOR-AKO

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

ACTIVE

Age range:

Min age:18

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Active

Interests:

Cultural, History

From:
$3500
$3343 Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$158

NB: Prices correct on 21-May-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

South Korea - The Land of the Morning Calm - is steeped in contradictions and traditions. Craggy mountain ranges slope down to pristine beaches and bustling cosmopolitan cities are surrounded by serene farmland. Elements of Confucianism, practiced for a thousand years across several dynasties, linger on today, living alongside the innovative economic power of this thriving country.



Cycling through the country puts you in direct contact with the Korean people and you’ll find them a real delight. Fiercely proud, and with a character almost as spicy as their food, they’re markedly eager to please foreigners.



We start our tour from the centre of Seoul and thanks to an extensive network of bike paths we can cycle along the Han River directly out of the city into the rural countryside, visiting temples, sampling delicious Korean food before finishing in the traditional village of Andong.



We follow the dedicated cycling paths along two of the country's main waterways, the Han and Nakdong rivers, making for scenic, flat and leisurely cycling. We stop often each day to visit historical and cultural sites, with one of the many highlights being Hahoe Folk Village. Here we'll stay in a traditional guest house and immerse ourselves in folk traditions dating back centuries. The vast variety of menu options will also be a highlight of the tour, and we'll be sure to try many local specialties.



Uniquely on this South Korea bicycle tour you'll be able to collect stamps in your souvenir Korean Cycle Tour passport. Each day we'll pass certification points where you can stamp your passport to show your biking achievements.



Please note this join-in tour is open to riders from other tour companies. This helps us to gather together sufficient numbers of cyclists to guarantee a departure quickly. This tour meets our quality standards and the only difference to our other SpiceRoads tours will be the jersey the guide wears.

Suitability: This trip is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. This trip is not too arduous; however, it is a point-to-point ride, and cyclists will be encouraged to complete the riding distances. Riders with less experience are more than welcome, but the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it.



Biking Conditions: This trip is primarily on dedicated bicycle paths in very good condition. The terrain is flat, and the surfaces are smooth. We'll stop often to visit sites, for photo opportunities or to have a water break

Highlights

  • Visit royal tombs that are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Visit Korean Buddhist temple is a sacred pilgrimage site and a repository of seven treasures.

  • Visit the Sangju Bicycle Museum where a large collection of bicycles of all types and sizes from all over the world are on exhibit.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Seoul

Location: Seoul

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: New Seoul Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

We meet you at our hotel lobby at 1 pm for a city tour that includes the famous Gyeongbokgung Palace, Samcheongdong street, and a shopping excursion to Insa-Dong street. In the evening, we have a trip briefing and welcome dinner.

Day 2 : Seoul – Namyangju

Location: Seoul, Namyangju-si

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Heimat Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We cycle on a bike path along the scenic Han River to Namyangju. The terrain will be flat as we leave the city, riding past Yeo-ido, the heart of politics, banking, and finance of South Korea, and Hangang Park, a local favourite to stroll along the river, and the National Assembly Building, which took six years to build and was finished in 1975. The pillar and the dome symbolise varying public opinions emerging as one. We continue riding another leisurely 20 km along the river bank before having a Hanjeongsik lunch, a meal that consists of many side dishes. Our next stop is at the Dasan Heritage site, commemorating a famous scholar from the late Joseon Dynasty. We ride on to our overnight in Namyangju.



Ride: 62km

Day 3 : Namyangju – Chuncheon

Location: Namyangju-si, Chuncheon-si

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Chuncheon Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we continue on the bike path to Chuncheon. We cycle upstream along the Bukhangang River and start to see some mountains in the distance. We visit Jara Island, which was created in 1943 due to the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam. After lunch, we keep riding north along the river to our overnight hotel in Chuncheon. The town is perhaps most famous for being the setting for the enormously popular TV drama, Winter Sonata.



Ride: 61km

Day 4 : Chuncheon – Yeoju

Location: Chuncheon-si, Yeoju-si

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sun Valley Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We take a short train ride to cover more ground. We continue our bike tour cycling to Chuncheon station and then catch a local train for just over an hour, disembarking at Daeseongli. We ride south to Dumulmeori, where the two rivers of Bukhangang and Namhangang meet. We pass three 400-year-old Zelkova trees that appear as one giant tree as we make our way down to Yeojubo and then keep riding south to visit royal tombs that are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Yeongneung is the first joint royal tomb of the Joseon Dynasty. The fourth ruler of the dynasty, King Sejong (1397-1450, reign 1418-1450) and his wife Queen Soheon (1395-1446) are buried there. Nearby is Nyeongneung, the joint royal tomb of the 17th ruler of the dynasty, King Hyojong (1619-1659, reign 1649-1659), and of his wife Queen Inseon (1618-1674). After our lesson in Korean dynasties we cycle on to Yeoju and our hotel.



Ride: 70km

Day 5 : Yeoju – Sangju

Location: Yeoju-si, Sangju-si

Accommodation: Homestay

Accommodation Name: Nakgangmasil Korean Traditional House stay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A visit to Silleuksa Temple begins our day. Built during the Silla dynasty circa 580, this Korean Buddhist temple is a sacred pilgrimage site and a repository of seven treasures. We learn about Korean Buddhism at this religious site set amidst a 500-year-old juniper tree and a 600-year-old ginkgo tree. After our visit, it's time to get on our bikes and again follow the Han River bike path. Lunch will be a local specialty – Oritang, duck and vegetable soup. We finish riding at Chungju and transfer by bus to Sangju, nicknamed Sam Baek, or three whites, referring to the primary agricultural products of the region – rice, silkworm cocoons, and persimmons. We arrive in time to explore Sangju, and dinner is your choice.



Ride: 66km

Day 6 : Sangju – Andong Hahoe Village

Location: Sangju-si, Andong Hahoe Folk Village

Accommodation: Homestay

Accommodation Name: Hahoe Village

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is our last day of riding, and we switch rivers as we cycle along the Nakdong River. Be sure to have your camera ready! Back on the bike, we ride by the Donam Coufucian School, founded in 1606. Then we stop at the Sangju Bicycle Museum where a large collection of bicycles of all types and sizes from all over the world are on exhibit, including, of course, a history of Korean two wheelers. In the afternoon, before we reach Hahoe Folk Village, we stop on the outskirts to visit the Mask Museum and gain insight into how these are used in traditional Korean mask dances. We spend the night in a traditional Korean guest house that dates back to 1797.



Ride: 57km

Day 7 : Andong Hahoe Village

Location: Andong Hahoe Folk Village

Accommodation: Homestay

Accommodation Name: Hahoe Village

Meals Included: Breakfast

A full day off the bikes to explore this traditional village from the Joseon Dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage site has preserved Joseon period-style architecture, tiled and thatched roof houses, and folk traditions of clan-based villages. Later, we visit the mask museum before we hike to Buyongdae, a cliff about 64-m high situated where the Taebaek mountain range ends.

Day 8 : Andong Hahoe Village – Seoul

Location: Andong Hahoe Folk Village, Seoul

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kensington Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we transfer to Andong Hot Spring to relax and enjoy the sensation of soaking in the mineral hot water before we catch our express bus to Seoul. We meet for a farewell dinner, our last feast of traditional Korean cuisine. We head back to the hotel via the Han River, so we can see how beautifully the bridges spanning it are lit up.

Day 9 : Departure

Location: Seoul

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart for your onward journey. Those looking to extend their trip can visit Seoul’s traditional Hanok village, take a day trip to discover the cliffs in Busan, or venture to the beaches of Jeju Island!

What's Included

  • Accommodation

  • Fully Guided

    Experienced local English-speaking guide on this tour.

  • Meals

    As detailed in itinerary.

  • SpiceRoads jersey

  • Water bottle,Snacks and drinks

  • Support vehicle

What's Not Included

  • Additional Services

    Tips service are not included.

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    Airport pick up and drop off service are not included.

  • International Travel

    International flights are not included.

  • Visa fees

Bike Hire

Hybrid: US$ 295

Single Supplement

US$ 500

Mode of Transport

Bikes

The bikes are Scott Sportster X40 hybrid bikes with lightweight alloy frames, light gears, disc brakes, and Shimano components. You're free to bring own pedals, (rail type) seat, and handlebar extensions.



Bike Repairs

Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in itinerary.

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    This tour is classed as ACTIVE. Cyclists looking for more of a physical experience will find it on our Active trips. Longer distances of over 75 kilometers on undulating terrain, or up to 1,000 meters climbing over shorter distances provide more of a challenge for fit cyclists. Active trips require cycling experience, but not technical expertise, as most road conditions are tarmac. Riders should be comfortable making sustained climbs, being in the saddle for longer, consecutive cycling days and for tackling one or two especially difficult riding days.



    Get out and ride three times a week, with a longer ride, up to 70km, on the weekends. Aim to feel comfortable spending several hours at a time in the saddle, and with cycling on back-to-back days. Try to ride in hillier areas to get used to climbing.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    The max group size is 16 peoples.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Domestic and International flights are not included.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, Local English speaking guide on this tour.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Airport pick up and drop off service are not included.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is US$ 500.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Passport holders up to 101 countries do not require a visa to visit South Korea from 30 – 90 days. A complete list of visa-exempt countries is here.

    Update on K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization): The South Korean government has announced that it will temporarily exempt travelers from 22 countries from the K-ETA requirement. Beginning April 1 to Dec. 31, 2024, travelers from 22 countries will no longer need to apply for K-ETA before entering the country. See here for more details and the list of exempt countries. The U.S, U.K. and Australia are on the exempt list. If you are on the exempt list then there is no need to apply. However, if your passport is not on the exempt list then make sure to get your K-ETA approved before departure via this website. For more information on the Korean entry process, please see this website

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Yes! SpiceRoads insists that all clients must take out good travel insurance before joining one of our tours. There are inherent risks involved in cycling and mountain biking and we will not be liable for your medical expenses or evacuation in case of an accident. This insurance must include adequate coverage for any personal accident, medical expenses, injury, death and repatriation. Insurance should also provide coverage for cancellations or curtailment of the holiday. Clients should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for any dangerous or unusual activities that might be included in their tour. If you join the tour without adequate insurance you may be disallowed from continuing on the tour without the right of refund. Clients are solely responsible for arranging their insurance and they should ensure that they are covered for the full duration of their tour. Your tour leader will ask for copies of your insurance before allowing you to join the tour. This protects both you and us.

  • Is the trip guaranteed to depart and does it require a minimum number of people?

    There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please contact us.

  • Why hire a bike from SpiceRoads?

    SpiceRoads bikes are never just "fit for duty" but a key component of our riders’ tour experience and satisfaction. For tours with bike hire option, renting one of our bikes saves hassle, not to mention precious luggage allowance. All SpiceRoads tours use well-known makes of mountain, hybrid or road bikes (depending on the tour) with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, v-brakes or disc brakes and Shimano components. Mountain bikes all have front suspension. We renew bikes in our fleet every two seasons. When in use, our bikes are well-cared for, including full service before each trip and daily cleaning while on tour. SpiceRoads tour support vehicles carry plenty of spares and extra tubes for every emergency.

  • Do you have E-Bikes?

    Electric "pedal assist" e-bikes are available on select tours. E-bikes can help manage long distances and climbing terrain through the use of a pedal-activated electric motor. Unlike other e-bikes, "pedal assistedr" e-bikes feel more natural to the rider. We recommend e-bikes for riders interested in tours that might normally be too challenging for them, or for groups of riders with mixed ability. E-bikes provide assistance for long distance or more challenging terrain, but they can’t do all the work for you! Always chose a tour within the range of your own abilities to ensure your own enjoyment when exploring a new destination. Contact us for a complete list of e-bike available tours.

  • What do I need to bring if I rent a SpiceRoads bike?

    Bikes rented for tours always come with a helmet, a single water bottle cage, and a standard saddle. If you prefer to bring your own saddle (just the saddle, not the seat post), additional water bottle cage, or SPD pedals, we will fit them to your bike for the tour. Don’t forgot to bring your shoes and cleats if you bring SPD pedals! Women specific seats are recommended for longer tours. We have a limited supply of gel seat covers to soften the ride, and of strap-on toe cages. Please enquire about adding these during your booking.

  • Do you have details of the SpiceRoads fleet?

    In Thailand we have a fleet of Verve city bikes, TREK 4300 and X-Caliber 7 mountain bikes, TREK 7.2 X, FX 3 and 7200 hybrid bikes and Trek 2.1 C, Domane 2.0, Lexa SL and carbon Émonda S5 road bikes. We also carry Giant 2019 Explore E+ 3 e-bikes. Our bicycles are available in sizes ranging from 13 inches to 22 1/2 inches or 47 cm to 62 cm. Please note that a certain frame model is not guaranteed. In Bangkok and Chiang Mai, baby seats, tag-alongs, and child bikes for children are available. In Bangkok the single-wheeled tag-along bike attach to the seat-post of an adult bike, allowing a child to pedal along behind the adult. There's no age limit to the tag-along bike, but there is a 36 kg weight limit. Bike hire is include in the tour price for short tours, while longer tours offer bike hire as a supplement, as many riders opt to bring their own bike for our cycling tours. Depending on the destination, length of tour, and type of bike, hire costs vary.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

TAMIR GOLDSTEIN  

Excellent Tour.

Excellent guide, great biking trails, and amazing

Excellent guide, great biking trails, and amazing food. This is the way to see Korea.

ROBERT KIECKHEFER  

Fantastic Bike Trails

Fantastic bike trails! Good food, too.

Fantastic bike trails! Good food, too.

HERBERT KAVET  

South Korea Bike Tour Was Excellent

The South Korea bike tour was excellent. The bike

The South Korea bike tour was excellent. The bike paths used and infrastructure were superb. The guide was one of the most competent and personable that I have experienced in over 50 guided bike trips.

JOHN MCGILLIVRAY  

Great Family Friendly Ride

Great family friendly ride, full of interest and a

Great family friendly ride, full of interest and adventure.

1 Dates & Availability

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Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024
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May 10, 2025 - May 18, 2025
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Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025
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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    SpiceRoads Cycling allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform spiceroads cycling, 40 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    SpiceRoads Cycling requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of spiceroads cycling charges.

    At 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 0% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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