6D Cycling In South Korea Autumn Colours

HIGHLIGHTS

South Korea is rapidly being known for her world class cycling infrastructure. There are several major cycling trails, with the longest one being the Four Rivers Trail which crosses the country from northwest and stretches all the way down southeast to Busan covering over 650 KM. You will be covering a section of this dedicated cycling paradise following the rivers and streams, mostly away from traffic and noise.

During the cycling trail, you will be tasked – Cycle to Eat. Every meal included in the itinerary showcases a wide variety of Korean cuisine and local delights. We will not be apologetic if you pack on more calories than burning them away!

Included:

~ arrival group transfer;

~ 5 nights stay in various accommodations;

~ 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners;

~ luggage transfer;

~ provision of bicycle during cycling days;

~ service of a Cycling Lead;

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

~ Travel Wander Trip Facilitator.

Excluded:

~ air travel to Incheon, South Korea;

~ K-ETA & Q-Code application;

~ visa arrangement, if necessary;

~ personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ provision of cycling helmet;

~ tipping for lead and support assistant(s);

~ anything not specified in the itinerary.

ITINERARY

Day 1      Arrive Incheon, Seoul

Upon arrival into Incheon International Airport, you will be met and transferred in a group.

Incheon Singi traditional retail market is mostly run by 2^nd generation stall/shop owners. Walk through the market alleys and savour (own expense) local delights. The market issues traditional bronze coins know as ‘Singitongbo’ to be used within, adding elements of fun and entertainment for the visitors.

Incheon Chinatown harbours many of the flavors of China, preserving the traditional culture of the first-generation Chinese in South Korea. Certain parts of the streets are regularly used as filming location for Korean dramas.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Stay:   Hotel Sopra Incheon Cheongna or similar

Day 2      Incheon – Seoul

Get onto your bicycle this morning as we head towards West Sea Lock Certification Centre along Han River. Hold your excitement as you put down your first location stamp into your Korean (cycling) passport. Continue the journey to Ara Han River Gate via Ara Bike Path that was created to connect Incheon to Seoul. It is known as a ‘fantastic bicycle route’. Like a runway, this bike path is straight with no sudden curves and it is set against a beautiful urban landscape.

If time permits, you may have the chance to indulge in the latest Korean cycling fashion and accessories as you browse through the cycling shops around the vicinity.

Breeze through the bicycle route that runs parallel to the Han River. Pedal along and enjoy the scenery created by bridges, skyline of high-rise buildings and colourful ships and yachts on the river as we approach Yeouido Park. Finally, before we reach Gangnam district, make a stop at Sebitseom, an iconic culture complex made up of 3 man-made floating islands located near the southern end of the Banpo (rainbow fountain) bridge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay:   Seokchon Lake Hotel or similar

Cycling Distance: ~ 68 KM

Day 3      Seoul – Bukhangang

Today’s ride will bring us to Bukhangang, a tributary of the Han River that flows through both North and South Korea.

Pedal past Dduksum Park and Gwangnaru Park, 2 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.

Then 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay:   9 Stone Hotel or similar

Cycling Distance: ~ 48 KM

Day 4      Bukhangang – Chuncheon

Start our day by cycling to a local fruit farm for some fruit picking experience. You will get to keep all the fruits that you can pack in your fruit basket.

Head towards Saeteo Samgeori Certification Center to get our passport stamped before continuing to Gyunggang Bridge.

We will arrive at our resort by afternoon. After checking in, enjoy the beautiful surrounding and rest in comfort amid Mother Nature.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay:   Chuncheon Cozy Hotel or similar

Cycling Distance: ~ 42 KM

Day 5      Chuncheon – Seoul

Cycle from our resort to Sinmaeri Bridge, crossing the boardwalk and passing through a downstream river.

Proceed to MulLaeGil Skywalk for a thrilling walk (just 12 metres above water) across the glass paved bridge over Uiamho Lake.  Cycle on the flat bicycle path that skirts around the peddle-boat filled yet peaceful lake.  Enjoy the tranquility as you wheel round, admiring quirky statues along the way.

Time to load up our bikes and head back to Seoul. After dinner, time at leisure to explore the vibrant city of Seoul.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay:   Jongro Korean Traditional House stay or similar

Cycling Distance: ~ 30 KM or less

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.

Meals: Breakfast

REMARKS

~ Non – refundable deposit, 10% of total tour price is required at the time of booking. Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.
~ This trip requires minimum 8 cyclists to depart. We accept up to maximum 20 cyclists.

~ Should you require a visa to enter South Korea, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure.

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

~ There is no refund should you wish not to take part in any of the included experiences as per illustrated in the itinerary.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip takes place during the proposed autumn colours period of South Korea, however the specific colour bloom are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variation which is not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see autumn colours, we cannot guarantee the sightings in peak bloom.

~ For cyclists who has opt for twin sharing basis, Travel Wander will do our utmost to pair you with another cyclist of the same gender to share the room. If this is not possible, cyclist is required to top up the difference for a single room. Should you choose not to go on this trip, there is no refund to the deposit paid.

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

~ Cyclist(s) is/are allowed to bring their own bicycle(s) and required to bring appropriate spare parts or tools suitable for their own bicycle(s). Travel Wander & its Operator cannot be held responsible for breakdown and repair of cyclist’s own bicycle. In the event of a breakdown which results in trip not being completed, Travel Wander & its Operator shall not be liable to refund any tour cost. Travel Wander & its Operator will do their best to help get the client to the next hotel or to a bicycle shop. Any cost incurred shall be the responsibility of the cyclist. There is no reduction if you bring your own bicycle.

~ Please advise in advance the type and model of bicycle that you will bring to know if they could fit into the support vehicle.

~ Travel Wander recommends that all members booked on this trip to purchase comprehensive travel or personal insurance. You may purchase it here.

~ Travel Wander’s booking terms & conditions apply. By making payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to the booking terms & conditions, privacy policy and acceptance of risk as set out on our website. For more details, click here to access.