Cycle South Korea (World-class Bike Paths, Rivers, Beaches & Cities) 9D8N, Fully Guided

From A$5,665.00 Per Person, Twin Share

At a Glance

Pedal across South Korea on this fully guided 9-day cycling adventure, where you'll bike from vibrant cityscapes to serene coastal paths. Explore the highlights of Seoul and the coastal allure of Gangneung and Sokcho, to the historic wonders of Gyeongju and Busan. As you trace the famed Four Rivers Bike Path and the stunning East Sea coastline to the serene Nakdonggang River and iconic Haeundae Beach, you'll not only tick off bucket-list destinations like the DMZ but also uncover hidden gems, all with ample time to explore each city at your own pace.

Your journey begins in Seoul, cycling along the serene Han River before a poignant visit to the DMZ. Traverse the famed Four Rivers Bike Path, staying overnight in a unique glamping park, and pedal along shimmering lakeside trails ...

Trip Highlights

  • Step away from the saddle to share a deeply moving and personal experience as you listen to the life stories of a North Korean refugee in the historic settlement of Sokcho
  • Immerse yourself in the captivating duality of Seoul, from its neon-lit streets to its tranquil riverside paths, before venturing to the infamous Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) for a poignant glimpse into history
  • Embark on a breathtaking ride along the East Sea, a route so picturesque it is widely regarded as the most beautiful road in all of Korea
  • Indulge your palate in the rich tapestry of Korean cuisine, from a bubbling, savoury hot pot in Seoul to a convivial barbecue under the stars and the comforting flavours of a traditional soft tofu stew
  • Discover the ancient city of Gyeongju under a blanket of stars, embarking on an exclusive night ride through its serene streets to witness its illuminated treasures long after the crowds have departed
  • Journey along the celebrated Four Rivers Bike Path, weaving through the most scenic trails of South Korea’s remarkable bike path network

What's Included

  • 8 nights accommodation in deluxe hotels with 1 night glamping on a twin share basis
  • 7 x breakfast, 2 x lunch, 3 x dinner
  • Bicycle (E-bike option available, at an additional cost and subject to availability)
  • Support/Private Vehicle, Bus, Train, Metro
  • Seoul - Orientation Walk
  • De-Militarized Zone (DMZ) Tour
  • Han River Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
  • Hangang River Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
  • North Bukhan River Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
  • North Korean refugee village & meeting
  • Chuncheon Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
  • Sokcho to Gangneung Coastal Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
  • Pohang Beach - Gyeongju Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
  • Anapji Pond and Cheomseomdae visit
  • Gyeongju at Night Cycling Tour
  • Haeundae Beach to Minam Guided & Vehicle-supported ride
  • Gupo to Dadaepo Beach Guided & Vehicle-supported ride

Itinerary

DAY 1 WELCOME TO SEOUL & GENTLE CITY RIDE
Lotte City Hotel Guro, Seoul or similar
Dinner
DAY 2 RIDE ALONG THE SERENE HAN RIVER & VISIT THE INFAMOUS DMZ
Lotte City Hotel Guro, Seoul or similar
Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3 TRAVERSE THE FAMED FOUR RIVERS BIKE PATH & OVERNIGHT GLAMPING AT GAPYEONG PARK
Glamping, Gapyeong Park
Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 SERENE LAKE RIDE FROM CHUNCHEON TO SOKCHO & MEET A NORTH KOREAN REFUGEE
Marinabay Sokcho or similar
Breakfast
DAY 5 JOURNEY SOUTHWARD ON 'THE MOST SCENIC ROAD IN KOREA' TO GANGNEUNG
Gangneung City Hotel or similar
Breakfast
DAY 6 FROM COASTAL POHANG TO ANCIENT GYEONGJU ALONG HYEONGSAN RIVER
Gyeongju GG Hotel or similar
Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7 BUS RIDE TO BUSAN: CYCLE PART OF SOUTH KOREA’S LONGEST RIVER & TO HAEUNDAE BEACH
W Residence Hotel, Busan or similar
Breakfast
DAY 8 ENJOY A HIGH SPEED TRAIN BACK TO SEOUL & FREE TIME TO EXPLORE AT YOUR LEISURE
Lotte City Hotel Guro, Seoul
Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9 FAREWELL SEOUL!
None
None

Dates & Prices

Please contact us for group bookings and private departures. Single Supplement is available on request.

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How To Get There

- The departure and finish point is Seoul

- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Seoul. Gimpo International Airport (GMP) is closer to central Seoul, but most international travelers will arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN). As the larger of the two airports, ICN handles the majority of long-haul international flights into South Korea.

- Airport transfers are not included. Airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. Alternatively, you can make your own way to the start hotel via Airport Limousine Bus, subway or taxi.

- Airport transfer options: Airport Limosuine Bus: Take route No. 6004 (Terminal 1 6A, Terminal 2 No.26) It will drop you off at the hotel. Subway: Have cash to buy a subway card. Line 2 Guro Digital Complex Station, Exit No. 3 then 5-10 mins walk

Weather & Climate

South Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, shaped largely by continental influences and seasonal monsoon patterns. Winters are cold and dry, with Seoul averaging around -6°C to 3°C in January, as cold air masses move in from the Asian mainland. Summers are hot and humid, particularly in August, when temperatures in the capital typically range from 25°C to 33°C and the summer monsoon brings heavy rainfall. Spring and autumn are mild and comfortable, with temperatures generally sitting between 10°C and 22°C, making them the most temperate periods of the year. Overall, the country's continental climate produces a wide annual temperature range, from sub-zero winter lows to summer highs above 30°C.

Please note that the seasonal climate of South Korea means that this trip may, for some people, feel more difficult during the hotter/more humid Summer months (July/August/September). If you are travelling in the Spring or Autumn the weather is milder, however it can sometimes be cool and wet. Please ensure that you pack and dress appropriately.

Physical Rating

This trip is rated 3 out of 5.

1 out of 5: these trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

2 out of 5: Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

3 out of 5: This trip will raise your heart rate. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

4 out of 5: Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most activities will be challenging.

5 out of 5: Our highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You'll be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Cycling & Bike Information

Cycling Information

- To complete this trip, it is important that you are confident and competent in riding a bicycle, both solo and in a group environment.
- While we often ride to our next accommodation, outside of the main cities a support vehicle will also be with you at all times. Please note that the maximum number of cyclists we can fit in the support vehicle is six.
- On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a backmarker where needed). Where the vehicle cannot travel directly with the cyclists (e.g. a cyclists-only path) your leader will assign a person from the group to act as a back-marker. For larger groups a second local guide may join.
- If you feel like doing all the riding but with less effort, we have the option of hiring an electric bike (e-bike) on this trip. Limited sizes are available so book quickly!
- South Korea is naturally quite hilly the majority of bike paths we use are relatively flat, and those climbs we do encounter are not overly long. Most of the rides are also relatively short in distance, ranging from 16 kilometres to 54 kilometres. We are confident anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can complete these sections (the views really are amazing!) but also have a support vehicle with us at all times in case anyone wants to rest or skip the harder sections.

Bike Information

- Helmets: Bike helmets are compulsory on this trip. Please ensure you bring your own bike helmet from home. Helmets can be purchased locally if needed.
- Bringing Your Own Bike: While we’re confident in the quality and suitability of the bikes we include, we do recognise that sometimes you just need the comfort of your own bike to enjoy the ride. If you are thinking of bringing your own bike on this trip, please advise us at time of booking and take note of the below information. If you do choose to bring your own bike, please note that we will not being carrying a spare bike for you.
- Suitable Type of Bike: Although the surfaces of the roads we travel on are generally good there are occasionally gravel or potholed sections of road/track. As such, we recommend a 'mountain' or 'hybrid' style bike with plenty of gear selections for easy cruising.
- E-bikes: An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please contact us for more details at the time of booking. Our fleet of e-bikes has evolved and we have a mix of Korean step-through bikes and mid drive bikes. Our e-bikes are designed to fit people from 155cm up to 190cm, and like most e-bikes they have a maximum speed of 25kph while the assistance is on. For shorter to average height cyclists we have two 24 inch motovelo step-through bikes with 350w motors, and one 500 w folding bike with front and rear suspension that all have fatter 20-24" wheels with larger comfortable tyres, disc brakes and 7 gears. For taller cyclists we have one Merida e-bike. This model include an (aluminum) frame, front suspension, what 700cc wheels, 1x 11gear drive train and disc brakes.

Food & Dietary Requirements

Dietary Needs: Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may wish to supplement inclusions with their own supplies from markets or supermarkets. Please note that some dietary requirements, such as Gluten Free, will be uncommon in South Korea and you may need to explain to your leader what you can and can't eat as well as research common dishes before you travel.

Allergies: For those suffering from particular food allergies, your group leader will endeavor to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic and research suitable local foods before travelling.

Vegetarians & Vegans: Being Vegan or Vegetarian can be difficult in Korea since there is fish sauce or shrimp paste used as fermentation agents. However, there are always plenty of meat free options on menus including vegetable, tofu and egg dishes that come out with rice as a meal. However, keep in mind that we share dishes and dishes may be cooked served along with meat dishes. Your leader can advise on some local favourites or help you order and delivery them. Dairy is uncommon in local cooking. Vegans should also have few problems finding tasty meals in most locations. Nearly all cities will have vegetarian restaurants, often near to temples or monasteries that specialize in Buddhist cuisine.

Accommodation

Hotels: The majority of accommodation on this trip is in 'Western-style' hotels with all the usual amenities you would expect.

Glamping: Accommodation at the Gapyeong Glamping Park is in permanent tents with air con and ensuite facilities.

The Single Supplement excludes Day 3 at the Naeseolap Glamping Park.

Other Information

Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.

Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.

A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.

Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.

General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance

Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.

Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.

Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.

Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.

Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.

Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.

Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.

Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.

Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.

For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.

Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.

Product Code : EKRICNCSK09