Authentic Korea by Bicycle
Authentic Korea by Bicycle
Authentic Korea by Bicycle
9 Days Starting and ending in Seoul
Visiting: Seoul, Namyangju-si, Chuncheon-si, Yeoju-si, Sangju-si, Andong Hahoe Folk Village
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KOR-AKO
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
Min age:18
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
South Korea seamlessly blends age-old traditions with state-of-the-art modernity. Dubbed the "Land of the Morning Calm," the peninsular nation evokes images of misty mountains, serene rivers, and ancient heritage. Yet, alongside this tranquility, throbs an electrifying pulse in the metropolitanism of its bustling cities and the technological dynamism in all things from commerce to transport. This tour has been designed to give you a taste of authentic Korea as we ride leisurely along the country’s world-class cycling paths to discover both the old and the new. Starting in Seoul, we hit the ground running with a ramble through its historic core before spending five days cycling beside wide rivers that meander through rolling hills, vast farmlands, and thriving towns. We reserve a day for an off-saddle exploration of Andong Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back 600 years, and the tour ends back in Seoul. Most nights are spent in small cities hardly visited by foreign tourists, and during mealtimes we let loose on the diverse and delectable world of Korean cuisine!Join us on this delightful Korean cycling journey, showcasing some of the country’s finest inland cycling routes and scenery. As the tour starts and ends in Seoul, the adventure is perfect for those who want to add an active and off-the-beaten path element to a longer Korean holiday or those with more limited time looking to make the most out of 9 days in the country.
Highlights
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Fully Guided
Experienced local English-speaking guide on this tour.
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Meals
As detailed in itinerary.
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SpiceRoads jersey
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Water bottle,Snacks and drinks
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Support vehicle
What's Not Included
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Additional Services
Tips service are not included.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport pick up and drop off service are not included.
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International Travel
International flights are not included.
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Visa fees
Single Supplement
US$ 500
Bike Hire
Hybrid: US$ 295
Mode of Transport
Bikes
The bikes are Scott Sportster X40 hybrid bikes with lightweight alloy frames, light gears, disc brakes, and Shimano components. You're free to bring own pedals, (rail type) seat, and handlebar extensions.
Bike Repairs
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in itinerary.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is US$ 500.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Passport holders up to 101 countries do not require a visa to visit South Korea from 30 – 90 days. A complete list of visa-exempt countries is here.
Update on K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization): The South Korean government has announced that it will temporarily exempt travelers from 22 countries from the K-ETA requirement. Beginning April 1 to Dec. 31, 2024, travelers from 22 countries will no longer need to apply for K-ETA before entering the country. See here for more details and the list of exempt countries. The U.S, U.K. and Australia are on the exempt list. If you are on the exempt list then there is no need to apply. However, if your passport is not on the exempt list then make sure to get your K-ETA approved before departure via this website. For more information on the Korean entry process, please see this website -
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport pick up and drop off service are not included.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, Local English speaking guide on this tour.
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What is the maximum group size?
The max group size is 16 peoples.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
This tour is classed as ACTIVE. Cyclists looking for more of a physical experience will find it on our Active trips. Longer distances of over 75 kilometers on undulating terrain, or up to 1,000 meters climbing over shorter distances provide more of a challenge for fit cyclists. Active trips require cycling experience, but not technical expertise, as most road conditions are tarmac. Riders should be comfortable making sustained climbs, being in the saddle for longer, consecutive cycling days and for tackling one or two especially difficult riding days.
Get out and ride three times a week, with a longer ride, up to 70km, on the weekends. Aim to feel comfortable spending several hours at a time in the saddle, and with cycling on back-to-back days. Try to ride in hillier areas to get used to climbing. -
Are flights included in this tour?
Domestic and International flights are not included.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Yes! SpiceRoads insists that all clients must take out good travel insurance before joining one of our tours. There are inherent risks involved in cycling and mountain biking and we will not be liable for your medical expenses or evacuation in case of an accident. This insurance must include adequate coverage for any personal accident, medical expenses, injury, death and repatriation. Insurance should also provide coverage for cancellations or curtailment of the holiday. Clients should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for any dangerous or unusual activities that might be included in their tour. If you join the tour without adequate insurance you may be disallowed from continuing on the tour without the right of refund. Clients are solely responsible for arranging their insurance and they should ensure that they are covered for the full duration of their tour. Your tour leader will ask for copies of your insurance before allowing you to join the tour. This protects both you and us.
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Is the trip guaranteed to depart and does it require a minimum number of people?
There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please contact us.
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Why hire a bike from SpiceRoads?
SpiceRoads bikes are never just "fit for duty" but a key component of our riders’ tour experience and satisfaction. For tours with bike hire option, renting one of our bikes saves hassle, not to mention precious luggage allowance. All SpiceRoads tours use well-known makes of mountain, hybrid or road bikes (depending on the tour) with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, v-brakes or disc brakes and Shimano components. Mountain bikes all have front suspension. We renew bikes in our fleet every two seasons. When in use, our bikes are well-cared for, including full service before each trip and daily cleaning while on tour. SpiceRoads tour support vehicles carry plenty of spares and extra tubes for every emergency.
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Do you have E-Bikes?
Electric "pedal assist" e-bikes are available on select tours. E-bikes can help manage long distances and climbing terrain through the use of a pedal-activated electric motor. Unlike other e-bikes, "pedal assistedr" e-bikes feel more natural to the rider. We recommend e-bikes for riders interested in tours that might normally be too challenging for them, or for groups of riders with mixed ability. E-bikes provide assistance for long distance or more challenging terrain, but they can’t do all the work for you! Always chose a tour within the range of your own abilities to ensure your own enjoyment when exploring a new destination. Contact us for a complete list of e-bike available tours.
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What do I need to bring if I rent a SpiceRoads bike?
Bikes rented for tours always come with a helmet, a single water bottle cage, and a standard saddle. If you prefer to bring your own saddle (just the saddle, not the seat post), additional water bottle cage, or SPD pedals, we will fit them to your bike for the tour. Don’t forgot to bring your shoes and cleats if you bring SPD pedals! Women specific seats are recommended for longer tours. We have a limited supply of gel seat covers to soften the ride, and of strap-on toe cages. Please enquire about adding these during your booking.
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Do you have details of the SpiceRoads fleet?
In Thailand we have a fleet of Verve city bikes, TREK 4300 and X-Caliber 7 mountain bikes, TREK 7.2 X, FX 3 and 7200 hybrid bikes and Trek 2.1 C, Domane 2.0, Lexa SL and carbon Émonda S5 road bikes. We also carry Giant 2019 Explore E+ 3 e-bikes. Our bicycles are available in sizes ranging from 13 inches to 22 1/2 inches or 47 cm to 62 cm. Please note that a certain frame model is not guaranteed. In Bangkok and Chiang Mai, baby seats, tag-alongs, and child bikes for children are available. In Bangkok the single-wheeled tag-along bike attach to the seat-post of an adult bike, allowing a child to pedal along behind the adult. There's no age limit to the tag-along bike, but there is a 36 kg weight limit. Bike hire is include in the tour price for short tours, while longer tours offer bike hire as a supplement, as many riders opt to bring their own bike for our cycling tours. Depending on the destination, length of tour, and type of bike, hire costs vary.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025Saturday - Sunday
May 10, 2025 - May 18, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
SpiceRoads Cycling allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform spiceroads cycling, 40 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
SpiceRoads Cycling requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of spiceroads cycling charges.
At 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 0% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.