We meet at our tour hotel in the heart of Seoul’s historic district in the early afternoon and waste no time diving into Korea’s enigmatic history with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace. This massive walled complex houses beautifully adorned royal halls, traditional architecture, and serene courtyards, harking back to the early days of the Joseon Dynasty who ruled the Korean Peninsula for a whopping five centuries! We also stroll through the nearby neighbourhood of Insa-dong, which — crammed with boutiques, craft shops, cafes, and eateries — showcases that seamless blend of old and new so characteristic of Seoul. In the evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner for our first of many Korean feasts on this tour!
Our first day of riding involves a striking visual shift from megacity to countryside. Starting from the heart of metropolitan Seoul, we ride on designated bike lanes, avoiding congestion while still feeling the high-octane energy of the capital city all around us. For the first 10 km, we follow the path of the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a greenified urban waterway which cuts right through the city. We then loop onto the Han River Bicycle Path and ride past waterfront parks and promenades. Along the way, we’ll see many local cycling enthusiasts enjoying rides of their own – Seoul is truly one of the most cycling-friendly cities in the world! The further we press forward, however, the crowds thin out and Seoul’s skyline and urban sprawl begin to fade in the distance. Approaching the confluence of the Han and Bukhan Rivers, it will be as if we have been transported to a different world. The final 30 km of the ride are north along a bike path following the course of the Bukhan River, surrounded by lush countryside and rolling hills. We spend the night in a small yet lively riverside town in Gapyeong County, a favorite getaway for Seoulites!

We continue our journey along the Bukhan River Bicycle Path. While, for the most part, the riding is relatively flat with no big climbs, we are pretty much surrounded by a topography of rolling hills at all times – 70% of South Korea is covered by mountain ranges, after all! The first section follows the path of an old railway line through a cultivated valley floor, cycling past a mix of open fields and quiet farming communities. After around 16 km, we rejoin the Bukhan River, crossing a grand bridge with sweeping views, before settling in for a gorgeous river-facing ride framed by forested mountains all the way to Chuncheon. Known as the ‘City of Lakes’, Chuncheon is encircled by water, and our journey concludes with a stunning finale as the path hugs the shoreline of Uiam Lake. Chuncheon is also famous for ‘dakgalbi’ – a tangy chicken stir-fry prepared in a sizzling griddle built into the table – with an entire street dedicated to restaurants serving the dish! We’ll of course be going here for dinner tonight.

Having conquered the entire length of the Bukhan River Bicycle Path, we fast-track ourselves back towards Seoul via a one-hour vehicle transfer. We saddle up at the confluence of the Bukhan and Han Rivers, where we start today’s ride by crossing a dreamy, bike-only bridge. The rest of the route takes us south along the Han River Bicycle Path, which runs along the wide, gently flowing Han River flanked by rice paddies and forested hills. Thanks to a series of cyclist-exclusive tunnels burrowing through the hills, we avoid steep climbs and make good time as we head deeper into Korea’s interior. Around 5 km before reaching the town of Yeoju, where we end our ride, we will stop by King Sejong the Great’s grand tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered the most revered king in Korean history (he invented the Korean alphabet!), his tomb is nestled within a serene pine forest and dotted with stone statues that stand guard over the grass-covered burial mound. We spend the night at a classic riverside hotel on the outskirts of Yeoju.

We begin our day with a short ride to Silleuksa Temple, a splendid riverside Buddhist temple complex dating back to the 6th century AD. We then tread deeper into the valleys of Korea’s interior, continuing to follow the Han River as it meanders across plains filled with rice paddies, vegetable fields, and apple orchards, all framed by rugged hills. The colours in the spring and autumn are particularly pretty here! By around 57 km, we reach the more densely populated outskirts of Chungju City where we stop for lunch. We then jump in the support vehicle and transfer for around one hour to our next overnight stop: Sangju, an idyllic rural region in the heart of the Nakdong River valley. Here, we stay in a traditional hanok—a beautiful timber-framed house typical of pre-modern Korea. While we have private rooms, the facilities (including the bathrooms) are shared, and instead of Western-style beds, we sleep on thick mattresses on heated floors. Known as ondol, Korea’s ingenious underfloor heating system is incredibly cosy—a testament to South Korea’s ability to turn ancient craftsmanship into modern comfort!

On our final riding day, we cycle along the Nakdong River, Korea’s longest waterway. We make our way upstream through a particularly scenic rural landscape, where the river and the bike path thread together through rice paddies, vegetable farms, quaint villages, and dense woodlands. After around 40 km, we reach Buyongdae Cliff, a spectacular lookout point over a tight bend in the river nestling the world-famous Andong Hahoe Village. From here, 30 km of fun backcountry cycling, including two punchy climbs, bring us to Andong City where we saddle-off for the last time on the tour! In the evening, we head to a local market specializing in jjimdak, Andong’s famous braised chicken dish, eaten family-style from a giant platter. Andong is also well-known for its high-quality soju (Korean rice wine); a fitting reward to loosen up after an epic five days on the bikes.

The morning is set aside for an off-saddle exploration of Andong Hahoe Village, a treasure trove of Korean history and traditions dating back 600 years. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the village displays the pre-modern, clan-based lifeways of rural Korea from the time of the Joseon Dynasty. We will wander the winding streets and peek into the well-preserved tile-roofed houses known as hanok. The village is also renowned for its expressive and colourful wooden masks which are used in performances of Korean folklore. It is only a thirty-minute drive each way from Andong to the village, leaving you with plenty of time in the afternoon to relax or ramble around town. Andong has a laid-back vibe with a pedestrian-friendly core, hip cafes, cosy bars with craft beers, and plenty of restaurants. Lunch and dinner are not included today, giving you your pick of many options available in town. If you’re looking to loosen up your muscles, you could also head to a local bathhouse (called a jjimjilbang), but make sure to speak to your guide about the local etiquette beforehand!
It is time to head back to Seoul. The driving time is around three hours and we aim to arrive around noon. Lunch is not included, so feel free to venture out and take your pick of the endless culinary delights available in the capital. If you’re into street food, you should try Gwangjang Market. You can also take care of any shopping needs by heading to one of the glitzy department stores in Myeong-dong, or perhaps soak up the atmosphere at the sprawling Namdaemun Market for local bargains and traditional wares. If you prefer to spend your time learning more about South Korean history, then check out the War Memorial of Korea, which is a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the remembrance of the war. Whichever way you choose to spend the afternoon, we reconvene in the evening for a farewell dinner. A shot or two of soju may be in order to celebrate our adventure!
Our tour has ended, but feel free to extend your stay in South Korea. For a completely different vibe from what you’ve experienced so far, consider flying to Jeju Island to discover its volcanic landscapes. Or take the high-speed KTX train to Busan and explore the country’s second-largest city, located on the stunning southeast coast.
Disclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.


We cycle a total of 317 km over five cycling days. Our routes are a part of South Korea’s world-class 4-Rivers Bicycle Paths. While the entire network spans over 1,000 km and requires at least 12 days to finish, this tour has been designed to give you a satisfying taste of 3 out of 4 of the country’s bike paths! Days 2 & 3 combined entail the full length of the Bukhan River Bicycle Path; days 4 & 5 showcase the rural centrepiece of the Han River Bicycle Path; and day 6 is along one of the Nakdong River Bicycle Path’s dreamiest sections. Most daily distances are kept to less than 70 km, and the terrain is predominantly flat or mildly undulating. We employ two short vehicle transfers on days 4 & 5 to avoid backtracking and tough climbing, while also allowing us to take in more of South Korea’s beautiful interior.
But it’s not just about cycling. This tour has been carefully crafted to showcase Korea’s rich cultural heritage, starting with a guided visit to Seoul’s former royal palace and ending with an exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Andong Hahoe Village. Food is a highlight of the tour, and you can expect to taste a wide variety of the country’s cuisine (hint: it’s much more than just BBQ and kimchi, though there’s plenty of that too).
Your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain ensures you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of water and refreshments along the way.
Suitability: This is a moderately difficult tour that anyone with a reasonable level of fitness will enjoy. Daily distances are relatively consistent (min 56 km and max 75 km), enabling a leisurely pace to take in the sights while still getting in a solid couple of hours in the saddle. As the bike paths are situated in valleys, the terrain is predominantly flat, though the ever-present hills press up against the rivers at times, resulting in occasional climbs. These are typically short, rarely exceeding 1 km, with gradients mostly around 3–5%. The roads are entirely paved, so no technical riding is required, but good handling skills to navigate bumpier sections and occasional traffic will be helpful. The pace is leisurely with plenty of refreshment stops, so riders with less experience are more than welcome to join. While a support vehicle will always be on hand to provide refuge for weary riders, please note that it rarely follows the group directly due to the separation of cyclist and motorist infrastructure. Rendezvous points will always be communicated.
Biking Conditions: The riding on this tour takes place almost entirely on South Korea’s official bicycle paths which are, simply put, a joy. At times, these paths feel like dedicated cycling highways, with smooth tarmac and split lanes. Other sections wind through embankments, rural roads, or alongside main roads, where the surface can be bumpier with loose debris. A highlight for many is rattling over purpose-built wooden boardwalks, though extra caution is required as they can get slippery. While many of the paths are separate from motorised traffic, some sections merge with roads where vehicles, including cars and buses, are present. In the cities, we ride on a mix of bicycle lanes and urban streets where extra caution is necessary. Rainfall is not uncommon in South Korea at any time of year. We generally ride rain or shine, but based on the guide’s discretion or your level of comfort, modifications to the planned route can be made. It’s all part of the adventure!
Accommodations: Accommodations range from 3-star city hotels in Seoul to Korean-style pensions in smaller towns. These high-comfort, low-frills digs offer a clean room, hot water, and AC/heating, but don’t expect extras like a swimming pool, English-speaking staff, or a Western breakfast (sometimes there is no breakfast at all, and we’ll need to go elsewhere). Room sizes may be smaller, and beds can be firmer than you’re used to. A special experience is spending the night in a traditional hanok where there are private rooms but the facilities (including the bathrooms) are shared. Instead of Western-style beds, we sleep on thick mattresses on traditional heated floors. For larger groups, we may need to use more than one accommodation and, in case of limited availability, switch to an alternative property from the one listed in the itinerary.
We meet at our tour hotel in the heart of Seoul’s historic district in the early afternoon and waste no time diving into Korea’s enigmatic history with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace. This massive walled complex houses beautifully adorned royal halls, traditional architecture, and serene courtyards, harking back to the early days of the Joseon Dynasty who ruled the Korean Peninsula for a whopping five centuries! We also stroll through the nearby neighbourhood of Insa-dong, which — crammed with boutiques, craft shops, cafes, and eateries — showcases that seamless blend of old and new so characteristic of Seoul. In the evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner for our first of many Korean feasts on this tour!
Our first day of riding involves a striking visual shift from megacity to countryside. Starting from the heart of metropolitan Seoul, we ride on designated bike lanes, avoiding congestion while still feeling the high-octane energy of the capital city all around us. For the first 10 km, we follow the path of the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a greenified urban waterway which cuts right through the city. We then loop onto the Han River Bicycle Path and ride past waterfront parks and promenades. Along the way, we’ll see many local cycling enthusiasts enjoying rides of their own – Seoul is truly one of the most cycling-friendly cities in the world! The further we press forward, however, the crowds thin out and Seoul’s skyline and urban sprawl begin to fade in the distance. Approaching the confluence of the Han and Bukhan Rivers, it will be as if we have been transported to a different world. The final 30 km of the ride are north along a bike path following the course of the Bukhan River, surrounded by lush countryside and rolling hills. We spend the night in a small yet lively riverside town in Gapyeong County, a favorite getaway for Seoulites!

We continue our journey along the Bukhan River Bicycle Path. While, for the most part, the riding is relatively flat with no big climbs, we are pretty much surrounded by a topography of rolling hills at all times – 70% of South Korea is covered by mountain ranges, after all! The first section follows the path of an old railway line through a cultivated valley floor, cycling past a mix of open fields and quiet farming communities. After around 16 km, we rejoin the Bukhan River, crossing a grand bridge with sweeping views, before settling in for a gorgeous river-facing ride framed by forested mountains all the way to Chuncheon. Known as the ‘City of Lakes’, Chuncheon is encircled by water, and our journey concludes with a stunning finale as the path hugs the shoreline of Uiam Lake. Chuncheon is also famous for ‘dakgalbi’ – a tangy chicken stir-fry prepared in a sizzling griddle built into the table – with an entire street dedicated to restaurants serving the dish! We’ll of course be going here for dinner tonight.

Having conquered the entire length of the Bukhan River Bicycle Path, we fast-track ourselves back towards Seoul via a one-hour vehicle transfer. We saddle up at the confluence of the Bukhan and Han Rivers, where we start today’s ride by crossing a dreamy, bike-only bridge. The rest of the route takes us south along the Han River Bicycle Path, which runs along the wide, gently flowing Han River flanked by rice paddies and forested hills. Thanks to a series of cyclist-exclusive tunnels burrowing through the hills, we avoid steep climbs and make good time as we head deeper into Korea’s interior. Around 5 km before reaching the town of Yeoju, where we end our ride, we will stop by King Sejong the Great’s grand tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered the most revered king in Korean history (he invented the Korean alphabet!), his tomb is nestled within a serene pine forest and dotted with stone statues that stand guard over the grass-covered burial mound. We spend the night at a classic riverside hotel on the outskirts of Yeoju.

We begin our day with a short ride to Silleuksa Temple, a splendid riverside Buddhist temple complex dating back to the 6th century AD. We then tread deeper into the valleys of Korea’s interior, continuing to follow the Han River as it meanders across plains filled with rice paddies, vegetable fields, and apple orchards, all framed by rugged hills. The colours in the spring and autumn are particularly pretty here! By around 57 km, we reach the more densely populated outskirts of Chungju City where we stop for lunch. We then jump in the support vehicle and transfer for around one hour to our next overnight stop: Sangju, an idyllic rural region in the heart of the Nakdong River valley. Here, we stay in a traditional hanok—a beautiful timber-framed house typical of pre-modern Korea. While we have private rooms, the facilities (including the bathrooms) are shared, and instead of Western-style beds, we sleep on thick mattresses on heated floors. Known as ondol, Korea’s ingenious underfloor heating system is incredibly cosy—a testament to South Korea’s ability to turn ancient craftsmanship into modern comfort!

On our final riding day, we cycle along the Nakdong River, Korea’s longest waterway. We make our way upstream through a particularly scenic rural landscape, where the river and the bike path thread together through rice paddies, vegetable farms, quaint villages, and dense woodlands. After around 40 km, we reach Buyongdae Cliff, a spectacular lookout point over a tight bend in the river nestling the world-famous Andong Hahoe Village. From here, 30 km of fun backcountry cycling, including two punchy climbs, bring us to Andong City where we saddle-off for the last time on the tour! In the evening, we head to a local market specializing in jjimdak, Andong’s famous braised chicken dish, eaten family-style from a giant platter. Andong is also well-known for its high-quality soju (Korean rice wine); a fitting reward to loosen up after an epic five days on the bikes.

The morning is set aside for an off-saddle exploration of Andong Hahoe Village, a treasure trove of Korean history and traditions dating back 600 years. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the village displays the pre-modern, clan-based lifeways of rural Korea from the time of the Joseon Dynasty. We will wander the winding streets and peek into the well-preserved tile-roofed houses known as hanok. The village is also renowned for its expressive and colourful wooden masks which are used in performances of Korean folklore. It is only a thirty-minute drive each way from Andong to the village, leaving you with plenty of time in the afternoon to relax or ramble around town. Andong has a laid-back vibe with a pedestrian-friendly core, hip cafes, cosy bars with craft beers, and plenty of restaurants. Lunch and dinner are not included today, giving you your pick of many options available in town. If you’re looking to loosen up your muscles, you could also head to a local bathhouse (called a jjimjilbang), but make sure to speak to your guide about the local etiquette beforehand!
It is time to head back to Seoul. The driving time is around three hours and we aim to arrive around noon. Lunch is not included, so feel free to venture out and take your pick of the endless culinary delights available in the capital. If you’re into street food, you should try Gwangjang Market. You can also take care of any shopping needs by heading to one of the glitzy department stores in Myeong-dong, or perhaps soak up the atmosphere at the sprawling Namdaemun Market for local bargains and traditional wares. If you prefer to spend your time learning more about South Korean history, then check out the War Memorial of Korea, which is a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the remembrance of the war. Whichever way you choose to spend the afternoon, we reconvene in the evening for a farewell dinner. A shot or two of soju may be in order to celebrate our adventure!
Our tour has ended, but feel free to extend your stay in South Korea. For a completely different vibe from what you’ve experienced so far, consider flying to Jeju Island to discover its volcanic landscapes. Or take the high-speed KTX train to Busan and explore the country’s second-largest city, located on the stunning southeast coast.
Disclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
Because we know some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, they are not provided as standard on this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section. We provide high-quality hybrid bikes from well-known brands. If you bring your own bike, please ensure it is in good mechanical order; we recommend a tyre width of at least 28mm (any type of bike is suitable as the roads are paved). We also have e-bikes available for hire, but these are limited in number and size — please email us to check availability.
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.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
No vaccinations are needed.
South Korea offers two distinct cycling seasons: spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). Both seasons have mild temperatures [average highs around 18-25°C (64-77°F), lows around 10-15°C (50-59°F)], lower rainfall, and colourful scenery. The month of April is renowned for the annual cherry blossom, when the landscape explodes in hues of pink. This is similar to the more popular sakura season in neighbouring Japan but with just a fraction of the crowds! The peak for the autumn foliage tends to be in October, so if colourful scenery is what you are after then April or October are your best bets. We do not offer tours in the summer (June - August) due to high heat and chance of storms or the winter (November - March), due to freezing temperatures and ice.
Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Korean cuisine is largely based upon rice, vegetables, and meats. Traditional Korean meals are noted for the number of side dishes. Kimchi (traditional fermented vegetables) is served often, sometimes at every meal. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer is freely available everywhere in Korea, but is NOT included in the price.
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 listed above.
We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars, perhaps US$30 a day for incidentals. Tipping is not customary in Korea. Guides have received and accepted tips on a voluntary basis.
The currency in South Korea is the won (W) ATMs with a ‘Global’ sign often accept foreign cards. Most Global ATMs have basic instructions in English and mostly have a W700,000 limit. Motels, hotels, shops and restaurants in cities and tourist areas accept foreign credit cards, but there are still plenty of restaurants and small businesses that don’t. Be prepared to carry around some cash, especially when we are touring outside the main cities.
If this is the tour for you here's what you need to do to confirm your place:
Just complete our online booking form or send your booking details offline (email or post), and we will confirm your participation. No deposit is needed to confirm your place on a SpiceRoads tour.
You are advised to read our Booking Conditions in full before you make your payment and should you require further clarifications of any of the conditions below, please email us or call our office.
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 email us or call our office.
From the tour page, click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. For the next steps, you'll need to know the names of the people travelling. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height (for bike hire), or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). Our system will contact you from time to time to fill in the missing information, as it will be required before departure. However, if the trip that you are booking offers a child discount, you will have to fill out the date of birth of each rider (so we can calculate the appropriate discount).
If you are having any problems please send us an email, or give us a call (+66 026 3295) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.
Just call us or send an email indicating which trip you want to join and we will happily send you a list of questions and process your booking for you.
We do not require a deposit or full payment to book a place for you on a tour.
The balance of the tour’s cost (final invoice) will need to be paid 60 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.
In the case where a booking is made when there are less than 60 days until the tour departure date, the tour’s cost should be paid in full within 72 hours of receiving an invoice from SpiceRoads. Payment can be made by credit card using our online payment gateway or by bank transfer. When making payment online you will need to confirm that you have read these booking conditions during the "checkout" process, which equates to agreeing to the terms of services and stipulations as indicated in this document.
In all cases, tour fees need to be paid “in full” before participation in a tour. No person(s) will be allowed to join a tour without fully settling their invoice and receiving a confirmation number from SpiceRoads.
The exception can be made for last-minute miscellaneous fees that can be paid locally (visas, additional local hotel bookings, etc.) can be settled on the day of arrival.
If the tour is cancelled or postponed by SpiceRoads because we didn't make the trip numbers and the tour can’t run, we will make a full cash refund (by bank transfer or on your credit card).
If the tour is cancelled for any other reason, including due to Covid related travel restrictions, we will give you a full credit (with no deductions for admin or any other small-print item) to use on any SpiceRoads tour with no time limit. (Exceptions being flights, special permits and other non-refundable items and these will be advised when booking the trip).
Before paying for your tour, you can cancel your booking with no charge and up until 40 days before departure, you can change your booking to another travel date or move your booking onto another SpiceRoads tour with no charges.
If you need to cancel after you have made full payment, please see our cancellation policy.