Why South Korea is Great Place for Road Cycling? A cycling enthusiast with 10 years of experience in Korea is here to share why.
Let’s briefly explore why Korea is a great place for road cycling and what courses can be used.
The first well structured bicycle infrastructure
The first reason why South Korea is great for road cycling is probably its well-developed cycling infrastructure. Let me explain what makes it so exceptional, step by step
Well Developed Road Conditions : A Perfect Place for Road Cycling
South Korea offers excellent road conditions for road cycling.
In particular, the country boasts a network of dedicated bike paths across the nation, and even regular roads are well-suited for cycling. However, cycling is not permitted on highways, so caution is advised.
Rural roads in South Korea are an outstanding choice, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Korea’s natural scenery without the stress of heavy traffic.
Convenience Stores Along the Route: The Convenience of Resupply
For road cyclists, the ability to easily resupply is very important.
South Korea is one of the countries with the highest number of convenience stores in the world. Additionally, convenience stores offer a wide variety of foods necessary for riding.
The likelihood of suffering from hunger during a ride due to a lack of resupply is very low.
Once you become accustomed to this environment in South Korea, it may actually be difficult to travel in other countries where resupply is not as convenient.
Various Accommodations: Comfortable Stay, Recovery
Along with convenience, staying in Korea is incredibly easy and convenient.
Along the way, there are various models and hotels at different price ranges.
If you are not afraid of sleeping on the road, bus stops and local community centers in Korea can serve as excellent free accommodations.
Above all, Korea is one of the safest countries in the world.
Secondly, the incredibly beautiful natural scenery
Along with well-equipped infrastructure, Korea’s outstanding natural landscapes also explain why it is a great place for road cycling.
Mountains Different from Europe and America
Korea has many beautiful uphill courses.
Seventy percent of the country’s terrain is made up of mountains. Although there are no towering peaks like the Alps or the Rocky Mountains, the mountains continuously connect, providing a strong challenge for road cyclists.
There are no flat sections like the roads in Europe or America.
Typically, within 10 kilometers, you will encounter frequent uphill stretches with a gradient of over 10% and a distance of about 1 kilometer.
If you enjoy climbing mountains on a road bike, I highly recommend challenging the mountain routes in Korea.
Three Sides Surrounded by the Sea: A Unique Experience in Jeju Island
Korea is bordered by the sea on three sides.
With about a two-hour bike ride from the capital, Seoul, you can reach the ocean.
Each of the three directions offers different charms.
Additionally, road cycling on Korea’s most beloved island, Jeju, provides a unique pleasure.
Korea’s Nature and Distinct Four Seasons
Riding a road bike while experiencing the charm of Korea’s four seasons is also enjoyable.
Personally, I find spring and autumn to be the best seasons for cycling. However, summer and winter are not bad for road biking in Korea either.
Just be prepared for rain in the summer and the cold in the winter.
In spring, you can enjoy various flowers and the beauty of nature, while in autumn, you will be captivated by the scenery of red leaves.
Lastly, Simple and Kind People
Finally, one of the best reasons to ride a road bike in Korea is the simple yet kind people.
Koreans are very friendly to foreigners, especially towards those who are traveling or sightseeing.
Even if you get lost while cycling, you can easily ask kind people for directions, and many of them can communicate in English, making it very comfortable.
In Conclusion.
Today, I discussed why South Korea is great place for road cycling from the perspectives of infrastructure, natural scenery, and the people.
This article was written in English for foreign visitors to my blog. If it receives a positive response, I plan to post about actual road cycling routes in Korea in the next installment.
– The End.