South Korea bike tour

Mike,

First off, I'm not a cyclist (unless peddling around on my little retro city bike counts :P), but I'm a foreigner living in southerner Korea, so I will try to help . . .

If I were you, I would take the ferry to Gunsan and then head south along the western coast and then southern coast. But the east coast is beautiful too. I recommended the former, because it would be great to stop off at some of the small islands near Mokpo- Hong-do, Jin-do, Wan-do, etc. They are really beautiful and many have been turned into marine parks (like an aquatic version of a national park). Also lots of camping opportunities along the coast.

I take it you intend to ride on the road? Be careful, Koreans are stupid drivers and not used to sharing the roads with cyclists.

Other than that, have a great trip!

Please check below site for cycling in Korea.

http://user.chollian.net/~boonstra/myself.htm

Thanks guys, useful stuff.

Gypsy- thanks, that confirms what I was thinking. Love the coast and camping, so that should be awesome. Do you know if wild camping is ok in the countryside? I intend to ride on the road, hoping that Korean drivers can't be worse than Chinese!
picom- nice one, I had a read through. (Although it says wild camping isn't done in Korea, annoying).

If anyone else wants to pitch in, I'd really appreciate any help!

Mike

Mike,

Well, with regards to Chinese vs. Korean drivers . . . My opinion is that Chinese are somewhat more reckless, whereas Korean drivers are just stupid. I really can't think of another word- just "stupid." (texting while driving, not looking either direction before turning onto a busy street, rolling through red lights . . . while not looking, etc.) I'm a pretty aware pedestrian, but I've been hit by a car 4 times in less than 4 years in Korea :(

Not too sure about "wild camping"- similar to China, just about anywhere you go, you're not going to be far from people. They probably won't mind you camping, but might force pajeon (veg pancakes) and makkeoli (rice wine) on you.

Anyway, hope you enjoy your time in Korea!

Wow, worse than Chinese drivers?! They must be so bad! Will be extra careful and stick to the minor roads in that case. I've camped in some pretty daft places in China (favourite being a factory car park) and not had any problems, so hoping that will be the case in Korea too. Looking forward to some jimjilbang (?) action- get a wash and a bed for the night! (Actually, further question- can I rely on using these for accomodation? Will have been travelling for over 14months by then and almost out of cash, so really don't want to be paying for motels)

Forced pancakes and rice wine is no problem!

Thanks for the help, and will be sure to enjoy myself in Korea

Hey Mike,

Hope this response isn't too late. In the major cities you will definitely be able to find a 24-hour jjimjilbang. Actually, in the cities most of them are 24-hour. In smaller towns, you may have some difficulty, but just ask around. If you're really in a crunch, you can try sleeping at a DVD bang (just rent two movies back to back)- they usually have couches, or even a PC bang if you can sleep at a computer.

Have fun!

Awesome advice! I have a tent as well, according to a few blogs I've read you can camp in some pretty daft places and no-one really cares. Way things are looking I've now got time to go down the west coast and up the east, so will have plenty of time to perfect my technique...

Hey Mike, Danny here. I just noticed all this buzz and am wondering if you are riding around the world. Obviously you have all the essentials for camping and whatnot... Also, how did your tour of Korea go? Or did you not do it yet?

I case you didn't and have time, you might check out hopping the ferry from Mokpo or Busan down to Jeju Island. Its a great place to spend a couple of days riding. Beach camping is definitely permitted and pleasant. I've ridden most of southern SK, so I can give you some tips.

Where are/were you off to after that?

Hey Danny. Not quite the world, but just finished a ride from Bangkok to Busan! Was originally Beijing, but saw another city begining with the letter B and had to go for it. yeah, had camping gear, although with jimjilbangs (love em!) for a few thousand won only used it twice in Korea. Loved Korea, such an interesting place and unbelievably far off the beaten trail for what it has to offer. Thinking of coming back to teach and get some cash together before the next trip. Off back to London now! Thanks for the offer. Are you off anywhere soon?