South Korea: Seoul to Busan Bike Tour

DAY 1:

Introductions to Seoul.

This afternoon is devoted to bike fittings and a test ride on the riverside circuit in Yeouido Park, just next door. It’s an easy way to get used to your bike and meet your fellow riders and guides before you begin the riverside trail tomorrow morning. After the ride, return to your hotel and gather for a welcome dinner.

Meal Inclusions: Dinner.

DAY 2:

Seoul to Namyangju ~58km (+500m / -500m).

Begin your cycling adventure from your Seoul hotel, connecting directly onto the Han River Bike Path. The traffic-free ride carries you out of the city, where bridges and riverside parks gradually give way to open countryside. Along the way, stop at old red phone booths that now serve as certification stamp stations to mark your progress along the cross-country route. Tonight’s lodging is set on the shore of the North Han River.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 3:

Namyangju to Yeoju ~62km (+450m / -450m).

Continue along the Han and Namhan River bike paths as the terrain begins to rise toward the foothills. You’ll pass through Yangpyeong, a riverside town popular with Seoulites escaping the city, before stopping at Silleuksa Temple, a historic Buddhist site set directly on the Namhan River, with origins in the Silla period. Your lodging lies a short cycle across the river.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 4:

Yeoju to Chungju ~62km (+500m / -500m).

Follow the South Han River on mostly dedicated riverside bike paths, riding through open agricultural landscapes and broad river bends as the valley gradually narrows. The terrain is largely gentle, with one short climb as the path briefly leaves the river before easing back onto the riverside route. Arrive in Chungju with time to unwind at your hotel or stroll to the local markets and cafés.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 5:

Chungju to Mungyeong ~50km (+900m / -700m).

Climb into the mountains on the Saejae Bicycle Path, crossing Mungyeong Saejae, a formidable barrier on historic routes between Korea’s inland regions and the southeast, once described as “so high even the birds could not cross.” A second ascent over Ihwaryeong brings views across the Baekdu-daegan range before descending to Mungyeong. Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park is just a short walk from your hotel, with well-maintained forest paths and historic trails that are easy to explore this afternoon.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 6:

Mungyeong to Andong, up to ~90km (+550m / -700m).

Today’s ride carries you out of the rolling countryside north of Mungyeong and across a mix of quiet country roads and dedicated cycling routes toward Andong. The terrain is varied, with gentle rises and stretches of farm and forest landscape that reward steady pedalling. This is one of the longer days of the trip, and the support vehicle is available to assist.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 7:

Visit Andong Hahoe Folk Village, transfer to Yeongdeok, walk the Blue Road Trail.

Enjoy a morning exploring the Hahoe Mask Museum and the UNESCO-listed Hahoe Folk Village, where traditional life, timber houses, and riverside farmland have been preserved for generations. After lunch, settle in for a scenic transfer across forested mountains to Yeongdeok on Korea’s east coast. Here, you'll have the option to stretch your legs on a short section of the Blue Road Trail, a coastal path known for its sea cliffs, quiet fishing harbours, lighthouses, and broad views over the East Sea.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 8:

Yeongdeok to Pohang ~45km (+450m / -450m).

This morning you'll follow the coast from Yeongdeok towards Pohang, riding beside the East Sea with wide-open views, salt air in your lungs, and fishing villages gently slipping past. Arrival in Pohang gives you time to absorb a city that blends seaport energy with seaside calm: fresh seafood markets, long sandy bays, and unusual modern art and industrial heritage side by side.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 9:

Pohang to Gyeongju ~33km (+150m / -100m).

Follow the Hyeongsan River corridor today, joining a smooth and scenic riverside trail that guides you gently inland toward Gyeongju. Arrive by early afternoon and settle into your traditional hanok, where polished wood, tiled roofs, and quiet courtyards offer a calm place to unwind. This evening is intentionally relaxed — you can explore the nearby streets, visit a café, or enjoy a short stroll through the historic neighbourhoods close to your hotel before dinner.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 10:

Gyeongju Historic Sites Loop ~37km (+300m / -300m).

Set out on a cycling loop linking Gyeongju’s major historic sites by quiet lanes and dedicated paths. It’s an easy day on the bike with plenty of time to step off and explore — from Bulguksa Temple to royal tombs, palace gardens, and the quieter corners that show the depth of Silla-era culture. Return to your hanok by late afternoon with time to unwind before dinner.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 11:

Explore Busan.

Hand off your bikes this morning and transfer to Shin-Gyeongju Station for the quick KTX ride into downtown Busan. The shift from rural Korea to the country’s second-largest city brings a lively change of pace, with the afternoon free to explore — you might wander the colourful lanes of Gamcheon Culture Village or browse some of the city’s well-known markets and harbour areas. Later, continue to your beachfront hotel and gather for a final dinner overlooking the water.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 12:

Farewells.

Your tour concludes following breakfast.