Night 1-13
2-star and 4-star hotels in South Korea
The accommodation on this tour will range from 2-star to 4-star hotels in a variety of locations as you travel across different provinces and regions of South Korea.
Ride from Seoul to Busan on an epic 15-day guided cycling adventure
Discover the heart and soul of South Korea on this mesmerizing cycling tour that takes you from Seoul to Busan. The 14-day Best of South Korea Cycling Tour invites you to explore the gripping highlights of the country’s most famous cities, traditional villages, and cultural landmarks, accompanied by an expert guide.
The cycling tour begins in Seoul, where you’ll enjoy a driving tour through the capital’s unique districts, spotting landmarks like Seoul Plaza and Cheonggye Square. Then, setting out on the scenic 4 Rivers Bike Trail, you’ll explore scenic rural landscapes and vibrant cities as you ride south. Cutting through the heart of the country, you’ll enjoy overnight stays and explorations of Yeoju, Suanbo, Andong, Sangju, Busan, and more!
Visits to fascinating museums, ancient sites, traditional villages, and sacred temples allow you to strike the perfect balance between an active holiday and a culturally immersive one. Embark on a unique adventure that will ensure you don’t miss a single one of South Korea’s highlights. Book the Best of South Korea Cycling Tour today!
Arrive at the Incheon International Airport where you’ll meet your tour guide, who will take you to your hotel in Seoul.
Settle into your hotel and relax as you acclimatize to the new time zone. Get a good night’s rest in preparation for an in-depth exploration of Seoul tomorrow!
Your adventure begins with a driving tour of Seoul, introducing you to Seoul Plaza, City Hall, Gwanghwamum Plaza, and Cheonggye Square, among other spots.
Your exploration of Seoul continues with an afternoon visit to the National Folk Museum of South Korea followed by walking (and snacking) at the 5000-stall Gwangjang Market.
Following breakfast this morning, you’ll jump in the support vehicle and head to Gwangnaru Park where your route begins. Picking up the Hangang Section of the 4 Rivers Bike Trail, you’ll ride 80km to Yeoju.
When you arrive in Yeoju, check out the Silleuksa Temple, an ancient sanctuary perched on a riverbank dating back to the Silla Dynasty.
This morning you’ll enjoy a mostly flat ride alongside the river as you cruise to Chungju. Passing apple orchards and small crop farms, you’ll have a chance to bask in the peace and tranquillity of the countryside—the perfect prelude to the relaxing hot springs experience you’re heading towards at Suanbo.
The adrenaline will be pumping this morning following two challenging climbs to Sojoryoeng and Ihwaryeong. Thankfully, the rewards make it well worth your effort as you sail downhill following both climbs surrounded by breathtaking scenery!
This morning the support vehicle will drop you at Jeomchonyeok, where your 87km ride to Andong begins.
You’ll enjoy mostly flat terrain during this ride as you trace the river to the Sangpunggyo bridge. Cross the bridge, and then power upstream to Andong!
Today is a free day to explore Andong at your leisure!
Check out the Andong Folk Museum, followed by an afternoon of cruising the city streets, stopping off at markets and shops along the way.
This morning you’ll ride to the Hahoemaul Village, where you’ll encounter a fascinating blast from the past! Andong Haho Folk Village is a well-preserved 15th-century housing complex. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the village invites visitors to experience relics of traditional Korean village life during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The village is home to a 600-year-old Zelkova Tree, and if you’re quiet enough, you may even hear the whispers of the village spirit that’s said to live within it.
Continue your ride to your accommodations in Angye
Take a speedy ride this morning, passing many towns and villages along the way. As you approach the city the roads get busier, so you’ll hop off near Gyeongju and ride the rest of the way in a car.
You’ll be treated to a visit to a very significant historical site, exploring the temples, worn stone pagodas, and fortresses of the Tomb of King Muyeol and the Bunhwangsa temple.
An exciting day of cultural discovery awaits you as you explore Gyeongju! Often called “the museum without walls,” Gyeongju is renowned for its spectacular collection of historical sites. Today, you’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Seokguram grotto, where a shining white Buddha is surrounded by 37 other statues. The grotto represents the harmony of religion, science, and the arts.
Later, you’ll admire the tall gates of Bulkuksa temple, going inside to find ancient paintings and amazing architecture. You’re not done yet, though! Stops at Donggung palace, Wolji pond, and Cheomseongdae, the world’s oldest astronomical observatory, are all on the to-do list today.
Packing up and hopping on your bike, you’re off towards Busan this morning. Arriving in South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan, you’ll enjoy ocean and mountain views as you take in the energy of this vibrant area. Enjoy some downtime at the world-class beach resort of Haeundae before crossing the Suyeong Bay as you pedal the impressive Gwangan Bridge.
This afternoon, you’ll visit the UN Memorial Cemetery, where 2,300 deceased Korean ally soldiers are honoured and remembered.
Today you can enjoy Busan at your leisure, relaxing on the beaches, checking out the Jagalchi fish market, or window shopping on Gwangbokro Street.
This morning you’ll catch the speed train back to Seoul for one last night in the vibrant capital before your tour comes to an end tomorrow.
This morning your cycling tour comes to an end. You’ll pack up and head to the airport in a private transfer to depart.
This guided tour of South Korea is run as a custom tour for your group and the price depends on the number of participants. The minimum group size is 3 people.
Prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
This tour is based in 2-star and 4-star hotels. The hotels offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms and basic amenities.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $1,025USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible.
The accommodation on this tour will range from 2-star to 4-star hotels in a variety of locations as you travel across different provinces and regions of South Korea.
11 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Accommodations for 13 nights are included on this tour.
All transportation during the tour is included on a private vehicle basis, including airport transfers, a support vehicle, the high-speed train from Busan to Seoul, and all necessary luggage transfers between accommodations during the tour.
How hard is the Best of South Korea Cycling Tour?
We rate this tour a 4/5. The cycling occurs on mostly flat, sometimes hilly terrain, and you should be comfortable riding up to 110km a day. Please note that riding on any of the major roads on this route can be physically and mentally tiring, as traffic generally has little respect for cyclists, so caution must be taken at all times when on major roads and cyclists should be comfortable with this challenge (thankfully much of the route avoids major roads!).
Do I need a Visa to travel to South Korea?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
What is the minimum age for this tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 18.
Are meals included on the Best of South Korea Cycling Tour?
11 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Seoul to start this tour?
Arrive at the Incheon International Airport (ICN), where you’ll be met by your tour guide who will take you to your first accommodations in Seoul via private transfer.
Where does the Best of South Korea Cycling Tour end?
The tour ends in Seoul. A private transfer will take you from your accommodations in Seoul to the Incheon International Airport (ICN) to depart.
Is the Best of South Korea Cycling Tour in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
What items should I make sure to bring on the Best of South Korea Cycling Tour?
Make sure to pack a light day pack and a good water bottle. Also, bring any personal items you want for cycling each day.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes, you can. However, please make sure that your bike is suitable for this tour’s specifics.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to South Korea?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for South Korea?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to South Korea for this tour?
The best time to travel to South Korea is during the spring (March-May) or fall (September and October). The winters can be cold, and summers bring monsoon rains. If you travel in April or May, you could be treated to cherry blossom blooms.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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Google ReviewStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
We rate this tour a 4/5. The cycling occurs on mostly flat, sometimes hilly terrain, and you should be comfortable riding up to 110km a day. Please note that riding on any of the major roads on this route can be physically and mentally tiring, as traffic generally has little respect for cyclists, so caution must be taken at all times when on major roads and cyclists should be comfortable with this challenge (thankfully much of the route avoids major roads!).
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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