Korea By Bike: 2014

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Riverside Bike Trails in Korea

Beautiful Riverside Bicycle Routes in Korea | Official Korea Tourism Organization

Korea Tourism link

10 KM Causeway

Oido to Daebudo on a 10 KM causeway with protected bike lanes.

Gongju

Gongju bike paths on the Geumgang route.

Gongju

Between Seoul and Chuncheon

Between Seoul and Chuncheon on the Bukhangang Bike Passport route.

Bukhangang Route

"Snow Storm"

There is not much snow in the winter. This is one of few "snow storms".

Incheon

Winter

The bike paths a usually snow free all year round. There are a few 10 cm snow days in January. This photo was taken on one of the coldest days...after a "snow storm".

Paths have been salted.

Monday, November 17, 2014

"Aegukga" South Korea National Anthem English lyrics

Autumn Colors

South Korea (like many other counries) is ideal for biking in Autumn.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Korea 4 River Bike Certification System - What is it?

The Korea 4 Rivers Certification System (passports,medals,certificates) are all provided by the Korea government. I am not affiliated in any way. I am simply someone who thinks this is a great way to experience Korea. The more people who promote this cycling infrastructure the better! As far as I know, there is no other bike path network like this in the world!

Korea By Bike - About

South Korea is now a paradise for all kinds of cycling! In my case, bike touring (bike camping, bike packing) is most interesting. Going on a bike tour across Korea can be a very economical adventure. Ride across the country in just 5-6 days! If you have all of your own gear (including a tent) $10.00 per day would be enough. If not, there are lots of cheap bikes and gear in Korea.

*Contact me by submitting the contact form at the bottom of this blog.

Korea By Bike was created after my own positive experiences cycling on the Korea 4 Rivers Bike Paths. The goal is to share this information so others can have a good experience biking in Korea. Other features: 1.) KBB Facebook Group 2.) KBB Facebook Page 3.) KBB YouTube...and this blog. To join the Facebook Group (which contains much more detailed information), it is best to contact me by submitting the contact form at the bottom of this blog page.

I have already been assisting local and international cyclists (and other interested in starting) on and off line with:

1.) Transportation
2.) Logistics
3.) Locating storage for luggage while they bike toured
4.) Sending out Bike Passports
5.) General Q & A by e-mail and SNS
6.) Where to find cheap bikes and gear
7.) Practical Accommodations Info.

I'll do what I can to assist you.

Sincerely, Brad

*Contact me by submitting the contact form at the bottom of this blog.

Medals & Certificate: Korea 4 Rivers Bike Certification System

The completed (all required stamps) bike passport can be submitted a bike certification center. The passport information is then updated on the computer system. A medal and certificate (see my own collection below) will be sent to your address. This is all FREE!! No fees for the medals and certificates! No postage fee! The only thing is the mailing address in your bike passport must be a Korean address. It is possible to have it sent to an address in Korea. That person could forward it to your own address.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Bicycle Certification Center Sign - Nakdong River Bike Path

Arriving Busan on the Nakdong River. Notice the Bicycle Certification Center sign.

Deokjokdo - Island Cycling

Bike on the ferry to Deokjokdo. Worth the hilly cycling to get to the beaches.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

FREE Korea Bike Tour Guidance

FREE guidance is available for bike touring in Korea. Simply scroll down to the bottom of this blog and submit the contact form. General Q & A on (but not limited to): 1. Transportation 2. Bike & Gear 3. Accommodations 4. Routes 5. Economical Travel Tips 6. etc

Bike Passport Stamps - Geum River Bike Path

Bike Passport Stamps - Geum River Bike Path http://www.riverguide.go.kr/eng/index.do

Bike Passport Stamps - Incheon Ara Bike Path

Bike Passport Stamps - Incheon Ara Bike Path http://www.riverguide.go.kr/eng/index.do

Bike Passport Stamps - Youngsan River Bike Path

Bike Passport Stamps - Youngsan River Bike Path http://www.riverguide.go.kr/eng/index.do

Bike Passport Stamps - Nakdong River Bike Path

Bike Passport Stamps - Nakdong river http://www.riverguide.go.kr/eng/index.do

Bike Passport Stamps - Saejae Bike Path

Bike Passport Stamps - Saejae Bike Path http://www.riverguide.go.kr/eng/index.do

Bike Passport Stamps - South Han River Bike Path

Bike Passport Stamps - South Han River Bike Path http://www.riverguide.go.kr/eng/index.do

Autumn

Autumn is the best time to ride in Korea.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Korea Bike Touring - Tips

Have you ever thought about biking across a country? South Korea is the perfect place! Examples: 1. A double paved bike lane from Incheon to Busan (and other places). 2. Tons of wild camping areas. 3. 90% of the route is free of vehicular traffic...100% dedicated bike lanes! Across the entire country!! Wow! This is just amazing!! 4. The route is along the riverside and through complete nature. 5. It is a very economical adventure. 6. Camp or use very cheap and nice accommodations along the route. 7. Average people could complete the cross country tour in 5-6 days.

Korea 4 Rivers Skyview - Guemgang

Geumgang - Geum River

Korea 4 Rivers Skyview - Youngsangang

Youngsangang - Youngsan River

Korea 4 Rivers Skyview - Nakdonggang

Nakdonggang - Nakdong River

Korea 4 Rivers Skyview - Hangang

Hangang - Han River .The cross country bike paths are constructed across the dams and along the riverside.

Bike Passports

Stamp the bike passport along the designated routes. http://www.riverguide.go.kr/eng/cycle/index.jsp?dep1=cert

Korea 4 Rivers Guide

The Korea 4 Rivers guide site provides further information concerning the bike passport and routes. http://www.riverguide.go.kr/eng/cycle/index.jsp?dep1=cert

Korea 4 Rivers Bike Paths - Guidebooks (e-books)

These guidebooks contain the whole Korea 4 Rivers Bicycle Certification System routes. In addition, there is also information on accommodations, etc. http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/e_book/access-e/ecatalog_sp3.jsp?Dir=311&catimage&cpage&callmode

Korea Bike Path Guide - Geum River & Yeongsan River

http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/e_book/access-e/ecatalog_sp3.jsp?Dir=311&catimage&cpage&callmode

Korea Bike Path Guide - Nakdong River

http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/e_book/access-e/ecatalog_sp3.jsp?Dir=310&catimage&cpage&callmode

Korea Bike Path Guide - Han River

http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/e_book/access-e/ecatalog_sp3.jsp?Dir=309&catimage&cpage&callmode

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Bike Friendly Korea!

Korea is soooooo bike friendly! Ride across the entire country on new double bike lanes! The bike lanes are far away from traffic and go through valleys and rural areas.If one photo says a thousand words...these photos say a billion words! Ride on this kind of stuff all over Korea! VERY expensive and new national bike paths! It can't be any more luxurious...and it can't be any easier to go on a bike tour across Korea!

Biketel

A Biketel in rural Korea.

Break Time

These shelters are just the right spots for cyclists to rest.Tons of these along the bike paths and off the bike paths.

Bike Path Signs

The bike path network is VERY well sign posted all over Korea.

Manicured Bike Paths

The bike paths are well maintained throughout the year. There are plenty of photo zones and rest areas.

Bukhangang Certification Route to Chuncheon Gangwondo

This is one of the bike passport routes. It's approx. 75KM-80KM from Seoul to Chuncheon Station. Take the ITX back to Seoul. Don't forget to make a reservation for your bike (on the ITX) in advance.