It's been a while since I've posted specifics about Bicycle-Lite touring in South Korea, here's that update! Some popular routes that I have explored to date:
1. Sokcho-Yang Yang-Gangneung-Donghae-Samcheok-Uljin-Pyeonghae-Gyeongju-Ulsan-Busan (Hwy 7, 475km, difficulty level 7.5/10)
2. Gangneung loop! Gangneung, Gangwondo (starting) ride West on Hwy 456 towards Daegwallyeong Museum. This is a 25km ride with 830 meters to ascend to the top (Pyeongchang-gun), another 20km riding through meadows and rolling meadows/mountains above 700 meters, reaching Jinbu, you will find a river under the Hwy 50 Inter-province. This is a great place for a swim or camping, if you plan a multi-day, this is a great place. Next stage, follow signs for Taebaek, Southbound in the inner mountain passage, you'll find the river along your left/parallel to this route. The ride difficulty is 5.0/10 with rolling grade and a few long/light ascents. When you reach the junction of Donghae (east) and Jeongseon/Taebaek (West...20/55km respectively), the option West is the most challenging (Difficulty 9.5/10). Westbound takes you across 7 - 700 meter+ mountain passes, eventually there is a massive descent, be prepared to brake hard, it drops into S.Donghae and you can ride into the city center or camp on the outskirts of town. Donghae to Gangneung via Hwy 7, takes you past Mangsang Beach, and Okgye, there are two mountains to pass through via the Donghae 1,2 tunnels, reversing this route southbound towards Donghae from Gangneung, I have reached 71 km/h after passing through the Donghae 2 tunnel. The complete loop is 257km, can be completed in 2-3 days.
3. Seongnam (Seoul) City, -Suam-Andong-Daegu, approximately 355km, 3 day tour. Difficulty 7/10. Last day of this tour Andong-Daegu, 100km+ can be completed in 4 hours, grade ascends and the ride is excellent all-around. See specific maps leading southwest from Seongnam (Bundang).
4. Ansan City, Gyeonggi Province - Suwon-Osan-Pyeongtaek-Cheonan (Day 1), Follow Rural rice fields and the subway line south of Suwon, Hwy 1. From Cheonan, it's an excellent ride West to Boryeong/Daecheon Beach, approximately 100km, highway road conditions (mask recommended) Day 2. Next, follow the coastal or inner Hwy towards Gunsan-gun (Mokpo) Southbound, there are vineyands and grapes are seasonally best in August, also the hottest month on the peninsula! Route is long and flat, approximately 355km in total distance, takes 3-3.5 days to complete. Difficulty 8/10.
5. Daebudo Island, Gyeonggi, Province. Adjacent to Ansan/Siheung Cities is Daebudo Island. Close access from Incheon/Siheung via the land bridge built for cyclists! A tour can take 1-2 days, there are a variety of Pensions/Rentals available in different areas of the island. If you cycle around the island, it's optional to continue Southbound towards Suwon/Hwaseong Cities for a longer adventure ride. Camping is possible here. There are also wetlands and a number of reclaimed land projects with service roads off the beaten roadway to explore.
6. ADD to this list, send an email! tesol2000@gmail.com
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