Destination: Cycling in South Korea – hidden cycling gem

As part of his around-the-world odyssey, our contributor Harry Kooros visited South Korea and found an expected hidden cycling gem.

South Korea might not be the first country that springs to mind for world-class cycling. But after riding through Busan and Seoul on a recent trip, I can confidently say it’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

From its extensive cycling infrastructure to its scenic routes, South Korea delivers a unique riding experience. Add incredible food and warm, respectful locals, and the country becomes a standout destination. With terrain ranging from flat riverside paths to challenging mountain climbs, there are options for every rider, from casual beginners to seasoned elites.

Busan: a city of coastlines and climbs

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city and a major port hub, is rapidly growing in popularity with both domestic and international visitors. For cyclists, it delivers a rare blend of relaxing seaside paths, short but punchy mountain climbs, and the raw buzz of urban riding – all wrapped into one rideable package.

Ganjeolgot cape loop

This 102km loop includes 1,237m of elevation and heads north from Busan to the scenic Ganjeolgot Cape in Ulsan, following much of the stunning East Sea coastline. The route offers gentler gradients than the inland mountains, yet covers enough distance to leave you hungry for a Korean barbecue feast.

As you leave the bustle of the city, the roads open into wide, smooth stretches where you can ride side by side and soak up the ocean breeze. Reaching the lighthouse at Ganjeolgot (the northern turning point) you’re rewarded with sweeping 180-degree ocean views. Known as the first place to see sunrise on the Korean mainland, it’s a memorable stop, even if you’re not there at dawn.

Waveon Coffee is an epic coastal coffee stop along the way. We sank into the outdoor couches, sipped iced Americanos, and watched the ships drift by.

Cheolma-myeon loop

If you’re after a shorter, punchier ride, the 51km loop through Cheolma-myeon is a great option, with nearly 800m of climbing spread across three distinct hills. Starting in the same direction as the Ganjeolgot loop, you cruise the coastal roads over the manageable Dalmaji Hill before turning inland. It’s not until the 30km mark that the real tests begin, with two tougher climbs to finish the day.

The first is 2.4km long at an average gradient of 7.4%, starting gently before biting hard in the final kilometre. The last climb is just over 2km, averaging 8.8%, with more than a kilometre above 12%. The descent flies you back into Busan, legs screaming and body ready for a well-earned rest.

Unmun Lake loop

Not for the faint of heart, the Unmun Lake Loop is a 160km challenge with more than 2,500m of climbing. Within the first 40km, you’ll hit two major climbs – one topping out over 600m with brutal 10+ per cent ramps. Soon after comes a 5km grind at an average of 8.2% before you descend toward Unmun Lake. Once there, take a moment to soak up the sweeping mountain backdrop and blue water.

The ride home is kinder, with long, steady ascents followed by a cruisy 20km downhill.

Seoul: seamless cycling in a global capital

Seoul is a city of contrasts – from ancient palaces to cutting-edge tech. This metropolis of 10 million is high-energy, but what’s most remarkable is how well it integrates cycling.

The centrepiece of Seoul’s cycling infrastructure is the Han River Path, a network of dedicated routes stretching more than 80km along both banks. Smooth pavement, clear signage, riverside rest stops, and convenience stores make riding simple and stress-free. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with riders of all abilities sharing the path.

Beyond the Han, there are many notable rides that take you to some of the most incredible parts of Seoul, including Namsan Park and the Bukchon Hanok Village.

Infrastructure, integration and hospitality

One of the standout impressions from the trip was how easy it was to get around the country, whether by bike or by high-speed rail.

If you’re cycling, there are endless bike paths with great directional signage and respectful riders. You’re never far from public bike parking stations, and in high-traffic areas, there are even repair stations and vending machines (stocking tubes, snacks, and tools). Active transport is clearly a huge focus of the South Korean Government.

If you want to move you and your bike around the country, the Korea Train Express (KTX) high-speed trains are the most efficient way. The infrastructure is incredible, and the comfortable trains travel at over 300km/h.

Food, recovery and culture

You can’t talk about South Korea without talking about the food. From steaming bowls of bibimbap to the delicious Korean barbecue, the country’s dining culture is a highlight in itself. Wherever you go, you’re never far from a bustling restaurant or street stall serving something delicious. On the bike, one of the biggest challenges was resisting the urge to pull over at every stand and sample the local delicacies.

Between rides, we explored palaces, traditional markets, and cultural villages. This level of immersion adds real depth to a cycling trip, and it’s the perfect balance for many riders.

This balance – epic rides followed by deep cultural immersion – makes South Korea a standout destination. It’s not just about the bike. It’s about the journey through a country with one foot in the future and one deeply rooted in tradition.

Final thoughts

For Australian cyclists, South Korea offers something fresh and surprising. A direct flight of just over 10 hours from Sydney to Seoul is all it takes, and once you arrive, the domestic transport and cycling infrastructure will impress you.

The people are welcoming, and with more tour operators and tourism bodies embracing cycling tourism, the experience is only getting better.

A big thank you to the Korea Tourism Organization for their warm hospitality and seamless organisation, and thanks to Busan Routes (routesbusan.com) for their help with the routes. This trip showed us that South Korea is a fully-fledged cycling destination waiting to be explored.

More info here.