South Korea Cheery Cherry Blossom Ride, 6 days

Cycle along the Han River of South Korea on 95% designated bicycle paths and lanes, the highlight being rows and rows of Cherry Blossom trees along some parts of the route. Embark on this leisure cycling trip displaying a lesser known side of South Korea, where the views are great and the air fresh!

Break away from the hustle of the city of Seoul into the peacefulness of the local neighbourhood, catching a glimpse into the lives of the locals. Cycle to the views of the Han River and mountains, where every scene seems to belong to a painting. This trip features 2 unique accommodation; homestay at a local farm and another at a lovely hilltop temple nested amongst beautiful landscape.

Trip Duration: 6 days

Interested in this trip? Itinerary can be customised according to your needs. < MAKE AN ENQUIRY > and our Active Travel Specialists will get in touch with you.

Itinerary

Key Highlights
~ Visit Namsan Park and Bukchon Hanok Village on arrival;

~ Cherry Blossom viewing at Yeouido Park;

~ Kimchi making experience at local Ajuma’s home;

~ Visit the three weirs of Han River;

~ Cherry Blossom viewing towards Binaesum Certification Centre;

~ Cultural temple stay with included yoga stretching class.

Day 1 Arrive Incheon – Seoul

Upon arrival into Incheon International Airport, you will be met and transferred in a group. Transfer will leave airport at 10.00 AM.

First visit of the day will be to Namsan Park. Atop Mt. Namsan, there is the Palgakjeong Pavilion, which has a fantastic view overlooking Seoul. This is where you will find N Seoul Tower, the symbol of Seoul now. It is also Korea’s first general radio wave tower from 1969, delivery TV & radio broadcasting in the metropolitan area.

Next, visit Bukchon Hanok Village, home to hundreds of traditional houses (hanok) dating back to Joseon Dynasty. Many of these hanoks now operate as cultural centres, guesthouses, restaurants, and tea houses.

Satisfy your shopping craving with a visit to to Myeongdong before checking into your hotel and bike check.

Meal: Lunch

Stay: hotel, Seoul

Day 2 Seoul – Bukhangang

Our first day of riding brings us to Bukhangang, a tributary of the Han River that flows through both North and South Korea.

Your first encounter of cherry blossom brings you to Yeouido Park – famous for having the loveliest cherry blossom in Seoul. Continue to pedal past Banpo Bridge and Gwangnaru Park, one of the many recreational eco-friendly parks for sports and leisure dotted along Han River. The Gwangnaru Park is formed naturally through rich silt that flowed in from the upper Hangang River that was then filled with reeds, creating an ideal habitat for groups of migratory birds.

Visit Neung Nae Station, with its pretty red postbox situated in Joan-myeon, Namyangju-si. Now a closed station, it houses a café on a train and a bicycle rental shop. Ride on the railway, tunnel, and iron bridge.

Arrive at Ajuma’s farm in the countryside where we will be putting up a night. Learn how to make a classic Korean dish from Ajuma, kimchi! Retire the evening in her large communal room in ondo-style sleeping (on heated flooring).

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: pension, Gyeonggi

Cycling Distance: 62 KM approx. Accumulated Elevation: +557 M est.

Day 3 Bukhangang – Yeojubo

Today’s ride takes us to Yangpyeong Museum of Art. Take a breather and admire some of the interesting art pieces on display around the compound of the museum.

Pedal along picturesque countryside to Ipobo Weir, an interesting structure with dam-eggs lined along the bridge. Ipobo is the most beautiful of three low head dams built on the Namhangang River as part of a government construction project.

Continue riding to Yeojubo Weir which is shaped like a cheugugi, the world’s first rain gauge invented by King Sejong the Great before proceeding to our hotel for the night.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel: hotel, Gyeonggi

Day 4 Yeojubo – Seokjongsa

Start the day with a ride to the last of the 3 low head dams, Gangcheonbo weir. There is a Hangang River Culture Pavilion with exhibits of artworks created with inspiration drawn from Certification Centre. the river and water.

As you continue riding along the river, admire rows of cherry blossom trees to Binaesum.

Next, cycle to Tangeumdae Terrace and Park, a lovely park of significance history. It was here that General Shin Rip and his troops fought fierce battles against the invading Japanese forces, hence the monument of fallen heroes was built at this site.

End our ride at Seokjongsa Temple where you will be staying for the night. Loosen and stretch your muscles with a yoga master after dinner. You will be imparted yoga moves beneficial for cyclists.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Temple Stay, Gangwon

Day 5 Seokjongsa – Seoul

Today’s scenic ride will be slightly challenging, starting with Suanbo Ohceon, and an uphill climb to Ihwaryeong.

End off in Mungyeong Buljeong Station. Mungyeong area is home to a mountain pass connecting Mungyeong City and Goesan County.

The ride may be challenging, but the views and the immense satisfaction will make up for it.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Seoul

Day 6 Depart Seoul

Simply rest and relax until check out time, 12 pm. Or depart at your own timing for your onward arrangement/flight back home.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ arrival group transfer at scheduled timing;

~ 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners;

~ 3 nights hotel stay, 1-night pension stay & 1-night temple stay;

~ luggage transfer;

~ provision of mountain bike during cycling days;

~ service of a Cycling Lead and a cycling support assistant;

~ service of a support vehicle with snacks and drinking water for consumption during cycling days.

Exclusions

~ air travel to Seoul, South Korea;

~ visa/K-ETA arrangement, if required;

~ meals not specified within the itinerary;

~ departure transfer to airport on day 6;

~ comprehensive personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ provision of cycling helmet;

~ tipping for Korean working team;

~ anything not specified in the itinerary and inclusion.

Important Notes

~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of total trip quoted value is required at the time of booking.

~ Price may subject to change at the time of booking confirmation. You will be informed if there is any price increase, and you may withdraw within 3 days of notification. As such, your deposit will be fully refunded.

~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ Only book your air ticket to Seoul Incheon, South Korea when you have been informed to do so.

~ Recommended Group size: minimum 4 cyclists.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Republic of Korea, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the cyclists. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due (not limited) to bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ Because cycling requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for cyclists with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Cyclists must ensure they are medically and physically able to cycle.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Activity	Cycling
Country	Korea
Cycling Grade	Grade 2 – Beginner, Grade 2+ – Beginner Plus
Season	04 – April

South Korea Cheery Cherry Blossom Ride, 6 days