While South Korea is most well known for it’s addictive Korean drama series or it’s K-pop music, a lesser well-known secret is that South Korea has an ever-growing generation of cyclist! South Korea is actually one of the best countries in the world to explore by bicycle, and almost no one knows, not even cyclists! Whether you are looking for a short route nearby Seoul, or an end to end South Korea country-wide path, they have both of them. South Korea has built massive cycling infrastructure in the past few decades, including a network of cross-country bike paths. You read that right, bike-only paths spanning the length of the country, a coastline, or across a scenic or challenging segment. These bike routes are a mix of well-maintained paths through parks and along rivers, quiet country trails, and small roads. The vast majority of the paths, barring mountain passes and remote areas, are car-free. This is one of the many reasons why South Korea should be added to your list of potential cycling destinations! Here is a guide on the 5 best cycling trails in South Korea coupled with things you should know about the country and top travelling tips. 1. The Four Rivers Trail This is one of the best paths in the world with a dedicated cycling highway with multiple lanes and made just for bikes. It is one of the most challenging trails, though, as it runs all the way from the north west corner of South Korea to the south east corner spanning almost 600 km. While cycling the 4-Ri0vers Paths, a must-see place is the Sangiu Bicycle Museum which is seemingly in the middle of nowhere. This fun and interactive museum covers the history, culture, and technology of the bicycle in its entirety. Most of the museum is in Korean, but exhibits are interactive enough to understand the main points and have a good time! Route You can start your trip from either Incheon or Seoul, and you definitely can’t miss the paths as it literally looks like a biking highway. From Incheon you can follow the path all the way down to the Busan in the south. Path Condition While most cycling paths are uphill and downhill, the 4-rivers is mostly a flat paved route which will not cause you much difficulty in terms of altitude. The only difficulty comes with the duration of the trip often taking weeks to complete. 4-Rivers Passbook The 4-Rivers Passbook is unique to this cycling trail. The path has red booths along the way so you can get a booklet stamped as you complete your journey. Once you’ve completed it you can send the booklet in and get a medal and certificate of completion. There are so many great trails in South Korea, but to get the truly best cycling experience, the 4-Rivers trail is a must. Not only the length of the trail but the quality of trails and the amazing scenery you’ll find along the way is just another reason we find this one of the best in the world. While in Seoul, you have got to try these great street foods that will fill your belly but won't hurt your pockets! 2. Han River Trail While most times biking trails are found outside of cities in the sprawling countryside, you can’t always get out of the city to enjoy it. That’s why it’s great when cities create biking paths for those who need a quick fix during the work week like the Han River trail. Route The Han River flows right through Seoul and one of the best bike paths in the city is along it. The paths run on both sides of the river almost the entire length of the city. You can start anywhere, but if you didn’t bring your own bike, you can easily rent one in Yeouido Park. This bike path is a great way to get to know the city if it’s your first time. Along the ride there are many things to see including the Seoul Marina, The National Assembly, Yeouido Park (Korean gardens) and the Saetgang Eco Park. Path Condition This is an easy path that is primarily all flat and paved so it’ll be an easy ride’. Weekends can get quite busy so just remember to be aware of your surroundings while biking. While the length of the paths are only 40km, riding on both sides doubles your ride to 80 km. Whether you’re local or a tourist looking to get a little exercise while in Seoul, the Han River trail is a perfect way to spend a free day while still seeing all that the city has to offer. 3. Jeju Bike Path While the mainland has many great paths, if you want to experience cycling on a beautiful island full of amazing beaches, then Jeju Island is definitely your cycling dream come true! Route The best starting point is in Jeju city as you can stock up on supplies and get well rested before you start your week-long journey around the island. Most cyclist go around the island counter-clockwise and pass by Hyeopjae beach, Songaksan Mountain, and Jeongbang Waterfall along the way. Path Condition This path is rated easy as it is primarily flat and there are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way around the island. The path also has many side trips whether that be a beach or waterfall it’s definitely one of the more enjoyable rides in South Korea. Of course you could always pick one of the trails closer to Seoul, but Jeju cycling trail is a unique pick because you can go from one tourist destination to the next as you circle around this tropical island. 4. East Coast Cycling Route Similar to the 4 Rivers trail, the East Coast Cycling trail is a cross country trip that will take you about 14 days to complete spanning from one end of the country to the other. This is by far one of the coolest trails in South Korea because you never leave the coast. There are times where you have mountains on the right and the ocean on the right and it’s so peaceful the whole ride. Route The official starting point of this path is at the Unification Observatory at the northern tip of South Korea. Many people just start in Sokcho as it’s easier to get there. If you want to collect the official stamps then you’ll need to go to the Unification Observatory. From the Unification Observatory you’ll follow the trail all the way down the eastern coast through every port and city along the way until 720 km later you arrive in Busan. You will travel through both the North and South Gyeongsang provinces. Path Condition The path is well maintained and paved the whole way. You will pass through many seaside villages with ports that have plenty of fresh seafood and restaurants along the way. While much of the journey is quite flat, there are quite a few mountains that you will need to pass. The paths that are made for cyclists don’t have very steep climbs, but there may be hours spent climbing mountains that may tire you out. This is why we would still consider it a moderate course due to it’s length and mountain passes. This ultimate cross-country cycling trip is one of the best in the country and is great for those interested to learn more about South Korea’s landscape and rural village life. 5. Chilbongsan Trail This cycling trail isn’t for the weak hearted. If you are an avid cyclist then this rough cycling trail in South Korea will be a great challenge. The best part about this path is when you hit the peak, you can see the beauty of the South Korean countryside — all the way from Yangju to Seoul. Imagine that! Route This path starts in the Songnaedong area and winds around the mountain to end near Dongducheon. It’s just nearby a few other trails if you want to continue traveling around, but this one is considered the advanced section of the WangBangSan race course. The path is dirt and rocks and winds along the edge of a mountain. Path Condition The Chilbongsan trail is not for beginners. The trail can be straight up and straight down at some sections which can be very difficult for inexperienced riders. This path is meant to be a challenge and is designed only for those who don’t mind a rough ride. While this path may not be for everyone, adrenaline junkies will definitely enjoy a day bouncing around the hills of the Chilbongsan trail. This cycling trail isn’t for the weak hearted. If you are an avid cyclist then this rough cycling trail in South Korea will be a great challenge. The best part about this path is when you hit the peak, you can see the beauty of the South Korean countryside — all the way from Yangju to Seoul. Imagine that! Route This path starts in the Songnaedong area and winds around the mountain to end near Dongducheon. It’s just nearby a few other trails if you want to continue traveling around, but this one is considered the advanced section of the WangBangSan race course. The path is dirt and rocks and winds along the edge of a mountain. Path Condition The Chilbongsan trail is not for beginners. The trail can be straight up and straight down at some sections which can be very difficult for inexperienced riders. This path is meant to be a challenge and is designed only for those who don’t mind a rough ride. While this path may not be for everyone, adrenaline junkies will definitely enjoy a day bouncing around the hills of the Chilbongsan trail. Source: Bookmundi
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1. Safety First The most important aspect of traveling on your bike is to make sure you're as safe as possible at all times. Check your helmet before you leave and check that it fits snugly but comfortably and doesn't obstruct your view. Give your bike a once-over to see that all bolts are tightened, your brakes are working correctly and your bike changes gears smoothly. If you're going to be riding at night, install a light on your helmet and/or bike to let drivers and other cyclists know where you are. Review your planned trip before you hit the road. One of the keys to avoiding an accident is knowing your surroundings. If you know the route well you can also anticipate traffic. Brush up on the rules of the road as well so that you don't put yourself in a bad spot. Remember, you are much smaller and less powerful than the cars and trucks you may be sharing the road with. That makes proper signaling, turning and attentiveness all the more important. 2. Carry Your ID, Cell Phone and Money The age-old motto, "always be prepared" has particular application to cycling. You don't want to have an accident and you don't want to get stranded, but both unfortunate events can happen. If they do, you'll want to be able to call for help, so bring your cell phone. Many smart phones have GPS technology or the capability to access the Internet for a map. If there's been an accident, you can summon emergency help. It's also a good idea to pack identification and a debit card or small amount of cash. Money and an ID can be absolutely vital when you're in a tight spot. 3. Pack Snacks and Water Cycling takes a lot of energy and burns hundreds, if not thousands, of calories. If you've ever "hit the wall" on a bike then you know the feeling of being depleted and lethargic. Your legs turn to lead and your motivation wanes. To avoid the "bonk" effect, pack healthy, energy-packed snacks to keep you going. Options include bananas, fig bars, peanut butter or apples. Energy bars provide a handy combination of nutrients to propel you down the road. That's the food side of the equation, but what about hydration? Staying hydrated is even more important than fueling your body with healthy calories. If you become dehydrated, your blood will thicken, your heart rate will rise and you'll generally find that an otherwise fun ride can turn into a grueling slog. Plan to drink at regular intervals to keep problems at bay -- every 15 minutes is a good rule of thum. 4. Know How to Make Minor Repairs and Adjustments The sound of air escaping a tire is one of the worst sounds a cyclist will hear. Flat tires are also quite common, so you should know how to change one. This basic knowledge will save you time and money and ensure that your rides are more about actually riding and less about waiting on the side of the road for a friend to find you. But it's not just the tires you need to understand. Knowing how to make minor adjustments to your brakes will keep your bike riding smoothly and safely. In addition, replacing a slipped chain or tightening various bolts here and can be lifesavers. Make sure that you carry a spare tube, pump and tire levers and wrenches for the actual work. 5. Wear Proper Clothing for Your Trip It may sound like common sense but you'll want to consult the weather forecast before you head out. If you forget to wear a jacket when traveling by car, you may hardly notice the unpleasantness during stops to look around. But when you're exposed to the elements for hours at a time, you'll wish you'd been more observant of Mother Nature's plans. Once you know what's in store, you can pack your clothes accordingly. If you're looking at mostly warm and dry temperatures, then you're safe with a biking jersey or a similar lightweight top. But if your ride will last into the evening or night, pack a lightweight jacket you can easily slip on if needed. Keep in mind, however, that your body will heat up as you exert yourself on the bike and clothing that you don't use will have to be carried. Source: HowStuffWorks
Going for a ride is good for your heart and muscles, and it may improve how you walk, balance, and climb stairs. They say you never forget how to ride a bike, so maybe it's time to climb aboard a two- or three-wheeler and enjoy the health benefits of cycling. "It's socially oriented, it's fun, and it gets you outside and exercising," says Dr. Clare Safran-Norton, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital. Check out the main physical benefits. 1. It's easy on the joints. When you sit on a bike, you put your weight on a pair of bones in the pelvis called the ischial tuberosities, unlike walking, when you put your weight on your legs. "That makes it good for anyone with joint pain or age-related stiffness," says Dr. Safran-Norton. 2. Pushing pedals provides an aerobic workout. That's great for your heart, brain, and blood vessels. Aerobic exercise also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's feel-good chemicals—which may make you feel young at heart. 3. Cycling builds muscle. In the power phase of pedaling (the downstroke), you use the gluteus muscles in the buttocks, the quadriceps in the thighs, and the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in the calves. In the recovery phase (backstroke, up-stroke, and overstroke), you use the hamstrings in the back of the thighs and the flexor muscles in the front of the hips. Cycling works other muscles, too. You use abdominal muscles to balance and stay upright, and you use your arm and shoulder muscles to hold the handlebars and steer. 4. It helps with everyday activities. "The benefits carry over to balance, walking, standing, endurance, and stair climbing," says Dr. Safran-Norton. 5. Pedaling builds bone. "Resistance activities, such as pushing pedals, pull on the muscles, and then the muscles pull on the bone, which increases bone density," says Dr. Safran-Norton. ------------------------------ Source: Havert Health Read more: |
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