2024 Korean Touring Experience, Stage 1

 Stage 1:

Although I’ve been bicycle touring the Korean peninsula on several occasions, there are always new routes to explore and “recycling” old routes bring back memories.

Since the Busan to Jeju Island ferry stopped operating, a new route had to be plotted and sailing with the Wando ferry, appeared to be a good option.

Leaving Seoul on one of the hundreds of kilometers of bicycle ways criss-crossing the city.

Bike path on both sides of the canal

All around in the city, the bike paths never really get crowded as everybody spreads out.

Only few users to share the path with

Distant Seoul City view

Riding along the Han River bike path is always a pleasure.

Railway bridges across the Han River with Seoul Namsan Tower

One of the places I utilized

Resting places are along the routes and perfect for afternoon naps.

Under bridge crossing, just for bicycles & pedestrians

While looking for accommodation, 3 Koreans started to take up a conversation in broken English and offered a bed for the night. Not before long, they introduced me to the game of croquet then followed by a BBQ.

It turned out. Mr. Kim studied law in Germany and spoke rather good German, which became the language of choice.

Croquet team

Bicycle transport

Couldn't keep up, so bike and rider got loaded up.

Backup bike... Just in case

Saying goodbye to my new found friends.

Decided to skip the Swimming & Running 

Riding through Naejangsan National Park was a nice change from the previous days along the waterways.

The route wound through hilly forested roads with little traffic to compete for the road with.

Soon it was back to a straight and level bike path.

Bamboo forest

One of many Dr. Who sights

Whoever is familiar with Dr. Who, he seems to have been busy visiting Korea in the past…

Re-utilized Kimchi pots

The Minions also made an appearance.

The Love Shack!

Kristie took the bullet train from Seoul to Mokpo, where we met for a couple of days visiting some tourist spots.

The Cave Cafe

Mokpo Wall Art

The Mokpo Cable Car presents a birdseye view of the city and harbor.

Mokpo, a City of some 200'000 plus residents.

All those sightseeing activities create a big appetite for a typical Korean meal.

Lookout and history tower

Mokpo Laser and Water Canon show.

As Kristie boarded the train back to Seoul, I left Mokpo City in the rear view mirror and soon the old familiar roads winding through rice paddies and garlic fields became the daily landscape again.

The smell of garlic is in the air.

Rice paddies

Arriving in Wando, the first task was to organize the ferry ticket to Jeju Island which I had purchased online. The language barrier at the counter was still a large issue, but eventually it got resolved.

Wando harbor

Jeju Island ferry

On a rainy day I sailed to Jeju City, perfect for not having to ride!

Leg #2 will start at the next port.

2024 Korean Touring Experience, Stage 2

 Stage 2:

Although I rode around the Island before, this time I would have company.

After arriving in Jeju City, while waiting for Kristie, I rode up to Mt. Halla summit at 1100m to get a birds eye view of the city, but ended up viewing dark clouds.

Jeju City

Mount Halla

Many cafes are beautifully placed along the coast, serving as "waiting rooms"

Wayne from Vancouver who rode the brewery tour with me last year would accompany me for this segment. While Kristie and Somee would ride the bus and meet up at the end of the day.

Riders with support team

Leaving Jeju City across the pedestrian hanging-bridge.

Guardians of the Sea

Elaborate coffee machine at the Blue Whale Cafe

Sunset along the Volcanic island coast.

Sanbang Mountain is sticking out of the Beach Head.

Sanbang Mnt. up and close

Happy Buddah

Buddhism is wide spread in Korea, temples large and small can be found all over the island and mainland.

Sanbang Temple

Seogwipo, the city of Love... at least according to the cupid that is strung across the intersection.

Beach by Pyoseon

A Cafe is always just a few pedal strokes away, with lovely beach views.

Coffee substitutes on special occasions

Seong Mountain

Seong Mountain is also called Sunrise Peak, as it lies on the most Eastern part of the island and flocks of tourists make the pilgrimage up to the volcanic crater to watch the sunrise.  

Some deserved treats after a days ride.

Dried Squid is a specialty around the island. After drying, they are put on a grill to warm up, then consumed.

It's lovely in between snack!

Female divers are an old, but dying tradition who are forging for sea creatures. They dive without snorkel, or oxygen tanks.

Note: 60% are 70 or older and about 30% are in their 60's.

Very few follow the tradition, as it is a hard way of life.

It's almost time for goodbye....

Along the North Coast

My favorite part of the island with plenty of sandy beaches and "Watering Holes"

Jeju Harbor and City from where our ferry will leave in the morning, while our Vancouver friends are flying back to Seoul.

Stage 3 is only a 6 hour ferry ride away...