2025 Japan Bicycle Tour, Stage 1

 Stage 1, Crossing the Korean Peninsula:

Rough outline of the Adventure

Seoul to Donghae

The departure from Seoul was slightly delayed due to a cold front traversing the peninsula.

The temperature plunged from 24C to a high of 1C in 12 hours, with rain and snow in the mix.

Decided, that this just wasn’t how the start of a new adventure should be remembered.

Left Seoul 2 days later, the air was still a crisp 10C, but under sunny skies. The 1st leg was crossing the Korean peninsula to Donghae on the east coast to board a ferry, crossing the Sea of Japan to Sakaiminato.

Dressed for a chilly day.

Han River with Seoul Tower.

Bicycle Path Along the Han River.

Pedestrian /Bicycle Tunnel.

The first 140 km were exclusively on a bicycle Path, or at least 97% according to the route finder. 

Along the bike routes and elsewhere, there is never a shortage of coffee houses. Koreans drink more than double the amount of cups than the world's average.

Cappuccino

Always a nice break.

Cherry Blossoms were still in bloom. 

In Chuncheon it was time to catch up with Kristie, who had arrived by train from Seoul. We spent some time sightseeing with friends, in her old home town.

Buddhist Temple.

Catching up during a meal is always a good option.

Korean BBQ.

Sonny's Academy in Chuncheon. 

Also a visit to Tottenham's Sonny's hometown of Chuncheon Football Academy.

A Cafe is overlooking the field and Sonny's dad happens to be there.

Cafe Santorini on the outskirts of Chuncheon with incredible views.

And it was time again to move on.

Dr. Who caught my eye again. He must be on foot, as he left his bike behind.

Finally the bicycle path ended and the road East continued on a 4 lane highway. 

Traffic was light for most of the time, a generous shoulder and best of all, a lovely tailwind.

Some roadside art caught the eye!

This Gentleman works for a Battery charge only!

Inje, a town in the Center North, is promoting to build a resort, in style the likes of Switzerland.

Google Translation.

In case anybody wants to find out more... it can be heard at the "Kaffee Klatsch" in downtown Inje!

(Interesting name, but suitable, as Klatsch is Gossip in German)

Traveling cross country, many War Memorials can be seen.

Livingston Bridge

Keeping up with the body's calorie requirements is a constant chore.

Peanut Butter and Marmalade Sandwiches. 

Before reaching Sokcho on the East Coast, a climb over the Misireung tunnel bypass road had to be conquered. With up to 13% inclines, speed down to 3 km/h, barely holding the heavy loaded bike upright. Finally reaching the summit, the views were rewarding. 

View of Sokcho.

View of Seorak Mountains.

With speeds up 70 km/h on the downhill side, the coast was reached in no time.

Old Port meets new construction.

And the fishing stories got bigger.

Caught one just like that...

Protectors of the Sea.

Next was crossing the 38th. Parallel heading South.

And always more roadside Coffee Houses.

Some 70 year old fellow cyclists with a bucket list, heading up the East Coast.

New Bucket List Friends. 

A bit down the coast was the port city of Donghae, from where the ferry was waiting to depart for Japan.

Ferry Companions.

The Eastern Dream sails under the Flag of Panama between Vladivostok - Donghae and Sakaiminato.

The Eastern Dream.

Sailing Away.

In Korea I use KakaoMap for navigation. It picks the best cycling routes away from traffic.

Pedaling on and catching up from across the Sea of Japan.