South Korea9 days
South Korea by Bike: Seoul to Andong — 9 Days
Cycle the Han and Nakdong rivers through royal heritage sites, Confucian academies, and a UNESCO folk village, staying in traditional hanok guesthouses.
This nine-day cycling journey traces two of South Korea's major river corridors, moving southward from Seoul through the Nakdong watershed to Andong. The route follows dedicated bike paths that wind past royal burial mounds, Buddhist temples, and preserved Joseon-era villages. You'll stay in hotels for the first five nights and in traditional hanok homestays for the final three, including a full day in Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO-listed settlement where clan-based village life continues largely unchanged. The riding is steady rather than strenuous—terrain is mostly flat along the river corridors. This is a trip for riders comfortable on a bicycle for five to seven hours but not requiring competitive fitness.
Highlights
- Cycle the Han River bike path from Seoul through Yeouido and Hangang Park to Namyangju, approximately 61.5 kilometers on flat terrain
- Visit Yeongneung and Nyeongneung royal tombs near Yeoju, where Kings Sejong and Hyojong rest in forested UNESCO World Heritage grounds
- Visit Silleuksa Temple, a 6th-century Buddhist site housing seven national treasures amid centuries-old trees
- Ride the Nakdong River corridor through rural farmland to Andong, passing a 1606-founded Confucian academy and the Sangju Bicycle Museum
- Stay overnight in Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO site preserving Joseon Dynasty architecture, with access to the Mask Museum and views from Buyongdae cliff
- Soak in Andong's natural mineral hot springs before returning to Seoul by express bus
Day by day
1Arrival in Seoul — Orientation Walking Touryour hotel · Gyeongbokgung Palace · Samcheongdong neighborhood · Insa-dong
Arrive in Seoul and transfer to your hotel to settle in. At 1:00 PM, meet the group for a guided walking tour covering the city's historical core: Gyeongbokgung Palace, the residential Samcheongdong neighborhood, and the artisan galleries of Insa-dong. Gather for a welcome dinner and trip briefing in the evening.
2Han River Cycling: Seoul to NamyangjuHan River bike path · Yeouido · Hangang Park · Dasan Heritage Site
Depart Seoul on the Han River bike path toward Namyangju. The terrain remains flat as the city yields to open parkland. You'll pass Yeouido, the administrative and financial center of South Korea, then Hangang Park, where locals gather along the water. The National Assembly Building, identifiable by its symbolic dome, marks a recognizable waypoint. After approximately 20 kilometers of easy riding, stop for hanjeongsik, a full-course traditional meal with multiple side dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Dasan Heritage Site, dedicated to Jeong Yak-yong, a late Joseon-era scholar. Total riding distance is approximately 61.5 kilometers.
3Bukhangang River Ride to ChuncheonBukhangang River · Chuncheon · Jara Island
After breakfast, we continue cycling along the bike path toward Chuncheon, following the Bukhangang River upstream as mountain views gradually emerge in the distance. Along the way, we stop to visit Jara Island, which was formed in 1943 following the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam. After lunch, we ride further north along the river, passing through increasingly scenic terrain before reaching Chuncheon for the night. This lakeside town is well known as the setting for the hugely popular television drama Winter Sonata. The day's cycling covers approximately 61 kilometers with elevation gains and losses of around 465 meters each.
4Train Transit and Royal Tombs near YeojuYeoju · Chuncheon Station · Dumulmeori · Yeongneung · Nyeongneung
Take a short morning ride to Chuncheon Station, then board a local train for just over an hour to Daeseongli, allowing you to cover distance efficiently. From there, resume cycling south to Dumulmeori, where the Bukhangang and Namhangang rivers converge. On this section, you'll pass three zelkova trees approximately 400 years old, grown together into a single canopy. Continue south to Yeojubo, then to the royal tomb complex: Yeongneung, burial site of King Sejong (creator of the Korean alphabet) and Queen Soheon, and nearby Nyeongneung, the joint tomb of King Hyojong and Queen Inseon. Both lie within forested grounds recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and are encircled by stone guardian figures and ancient trees. Cycle onward to your hotel in Yeoju. Riding distance approximately 70 kilometers.
5Silleuksa Temple and the Han River to SangjuSilleuksa Temple · Sangju · Han River bike path · Chungju
Begin with a morning visit to Silleuksa Temple, founded during the Silla Dynasty in the 6th century and set among centuries-old trees. The temple holds seven national treasures and offers insight into Korean Buddhist practice. Return to cycling along the Han River bike path; lunch features oritang, a local duck and vegetable soup. Ride to Chungju, then transfer by bus to Sangju, historically known as Sam Baek (three whites) for its regional rice, silk, and persimmon crops. Arrive with late-afternoon hours to visit the town. Approximately 67 kilometers of riding.
6Nakdong River Ride to Andong and HahoeNakdong River · Confucian academy founded in 1606 · Sangju Bicycle Museum · Andong Hahoe Village · traditional Korean hanok guesthouse dating to 1797
Your final day of cycling follows the Nakdong River through open farmland and forested sections as the landscape shifts toward the eastern highlands. Along the way, pass a Confucian academy founded in 1606 and visit the Sangju Bicycle Museum, which traces the history of cycling in Korea and displays bicycles from around the world. In the afternoon, arrive at Andong Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Check into a traditional Korean hanok guesthouse dating to 1797, where you'll spend the next three nights. Approximately 57 kilometers of riding.
7Hahoe Folk Village — Joseon Architecture and Mask TraditionHahoe Folk Village · Mask Museum · Buyongdae
Today pauses the cycling rhythm to allow deeper exploration of Hahoe Folk Village. The settlement, preserved as a UNESCO site, maintains Joseon Dynasty architecture and the social structure of clan-based village life. Walk along lanes lined with thatched and tiled-roof homes. Visit the Mask Museum to learn the history of Korean mask dances and their cultural significance. In the late afternoon, take a short hike to Buyongdae, a 64-meter cliff overlooking the village and surrounding countryside. The remainder of the day is unscheduled, offering time to rest or wander at your own pace. Return to your hanok guesthouse for the night.
8Andong Hot Springs and Return to SeoulSeoul · Andong's natural mineral hot springs · Han River corridor · Andong to Seoul
Begin with a soak in Andong's natural mineral hot springs, a restorative break after six riding days. In the afternoon, board an express bus for the approximately four-hour return journey to Seoul. On arrival, gather for a farewell dinner of traditional Korean cuisine. As the evening concludes, drive along the Han River corridor, where the city's bridges light the night sky.
9Seoul DepartureSeoul
After breakfast, your South Korea cycling adventure comes to an end. An optional airport transfer can be arranged for your onward journey.
Where you go
- 1Gyeongbokgung Palace
- 2Han River bike path
- 3Chungju
- 4Andong Hahoe Village
- 5Hahoe Folk Village
- 6Seoul
Included
- Experienced English speaking cycling guide
- Support vehicle & transportation as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Bicycle rental and helmet for cycling days
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinking water for tour
- Snack and fresh fruit for cycling days
- All sightseeing entrance fee where required in the itinerary
- 5 nights accommodation in twin/double shared room in hotels (3-4*) & 3 nights in homestays
Not included
- Optional services, Upgrade to E-bike
- Arrival & Departure Flight Tickets
- Visas where required
- Travel Insurance. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance from home.
- Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping and so on…)
- Tips for guide, driver, etc.
- Beverage and alcoholic drinks.
- Any other services not clearly mentioned on itinerary and trip inclusive portion.
Activities: Cycling