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Tour de Seoul on Two Wheels

Forget driving or walking. It’s finally bicycle season! Let’s take a trip around Seoul at a leisurely pace. But how do you ask? Seoul Public Bicycle, or Ddareungi, is available all across Seoul! You can see it all around with green wheels in every neighborhood, such as at the entrances of subway stations, near bus stops and schools, residential areas, banks, and more. And you don’t even need a membership! It costs only KRW 1,000 per hour, making it the best way to travel around Seoul for foreign tourists, as well. If you have a Discover Seoul Pass, you can rent a bike for 24 hours using the Ddareungi mobile app called Seoul Public Bike. Themed trips always make trips even better, don’t you think? Let’s go on an adventure and explore Seoul’s history or just relax by the Hangang River, on two wheels across the city.

The past and present of Seoul
Hanyang Palace Course

Hanyang Temple Course

Start pedaling from present-day, dynamic Seoul at Gwanghwamun Gate. Ride along the bike lane from Gwanghwamun Square, where the statutes of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin stand, down to City Hall Station and you can simultaneously experience the past and present vibes of Seoul. You will feel as if you’ve gone back in time to the Joseon Dynasty. When you turn at Deoksugung Palace, the former residence of King Gojong, you will find a stretch of Deoksugung Stone Wall Path, a famous dating spot for Seoulite couples. Designated as the first “pedestrian-friendly street” by the city of Seoul, Jeongdong-gil is also cyclist-friendly as it has bicycle lanes along one side of the street. The street has a unique atmosphere with extraordinary buildings from when Western culture was introduced to Korea in the form of architecture back in the 19th century, such as Ewha School, the nation’s first modern all-girls’ school, as well as Paichai School and Chungdong First Methodist Church, the nation’s first protestant church.

When you come out from Jeongdong-gil and go toward Seodaemun Station, you will see another palace - Gyeonghuigung Palace. It is where kings of the Joseon dynasty took shelter in emergency situations. After spending some time to unwind around the palace, you may want to wrap up your trip by taking a tour of the Seoul Museum of History. You will be able to look into the history in which the city of Seoul was formed through the city’s artifacts and traces of the past such as old houses.

Riverside leisure
Yeouido Trail Course

Yeouido Trail Course

This is the perfect time to go on a trip to the Hangang River. You’ll only need the help of two bicycle wheels to enjoy a scenic ride through Hangang Parks bypassing some of Seoul’s major bridges. Start from Yeouido, the center of Seoul’s politics, media and finance, and you’ll reach Yeouido Hangang Park in no time. It’s cyclists’ much-loved course as it offers a blend of Seoul’s skyline, including 63 Building in harmony with the serene Hangang River. Keep riding through Cascade Square by the floating stage to Yeouido Station and you’ll arrive at Saetgang Ecological Park and be greeted by thick bushes. It is Korea’s first ecological park, established in 1997, and maintains a natural ecosystem environment rather than neatly trimmed. The pedestrian trail and bicycle lanes are divided in the park that runs along the Saetgang River in Yeouido.

Now, let’s run from Saetgang Ecological Park along the riverside of Yeouinaru Station to Banpodaegyo Bridge, which comes into sight after Wonhyodaegyo Bridge and Hangangdaegyo Bridge. The southern end of Banpodaegyo Bridge is known among cyclists as the easiest route across the river. Banpo Hangang Park is often less crowded than Yeouido Park. Look around Sebitseom Island, a complex cultural space floating on the river beside Banpodaegyo Bridge, and have a snack at Mini Stop with an extraordinary view of the Hangang River.

Run through downtown
Jongno Course

Jongno Downtown Course

Jongno shows us how simplicity and complexity can coexist, while also it is also where the history and culture of Korea remain intact. Cycle through the urban center via the 2.6-kilometer-long bicycle lane along Jongno that was established in April, 2018, from Jongno 1(il)-ga to Jongno 5(o)-ga starting in front of Gwanghwamun Post Office. The meter-wide dark red lane is used exclusively by cyclists, and you can join in on the fun with the help from Ddareungi. The closest Ddareungi dock is located by exit 5 of Gwanghwamun Station. Keep pedaling and you will reach Dongdaemun Gate, the end point of the cycling course, in approximately 15 minutes. Have fun while looking for some snacks in the market street stretched across Jongno. If you find the Jongno cycling course a bit too short, pass Dongdaemun Gate and head to the cycling course along Jungnangcheon Stream. A walking trail is connected from Sangwangsimni through Jungnangcheon Stream to Yongdap Station. You will be able to ride your bike without worries of traffic as no cars are allowed to enter this section. Though, keep in mind that the Jongno cycling course disconnects and reconnects here and there, and you might have to swerve at times to avoid pedestrians when it gets too narrow. Therefore, it is better to go slowly and pay special attention. Be careful not to speed as accidents often occur as more number of merchants ride motorcycles near Dongdaemun Gate.

Alongside the Hangang
Gwangnaru Hangang Park Course

Gwangnaru Hangang River Park Course

Located between Gangdongdaegyo Bridge and Jamsilcheolgyo Railroad Bridge, Gwangnaru Hangang Park is a place that keeps the original nature of the Hangang River, including wetlands and reeds. As Seoul’s only water source protection area, it is also a habitat for migratory birds as its water is clean and clear. Another name for Gwangnaru Hangang Park is Gwangnaru Bicycle Park. It offers excellent bicycle lanes and there are various cultural heritages around the park, including Prehistoric Dwelling Site in Amsa-dong and Earthen Fortification in Pungnap-dong. If you want to feel a more cozy neighborhood atmosphere, start from the Ddareungi rental dock at exit 3 of Amsa Station and follow Cheonho Bicycle Street, which is a 433-meter-long lane that goes from in front of Gangbyeon Apt. to Gongwon Junction in Cheonho-dong. It is the only street in Korea with an array of bike stores and the start point of Hangang Bicycle Street and Gwangnaru Bicycle Park. Then, let’s head to Gwangjingyo Bridge. It is the bridge that connects Gwangjang-dong and Cheonho-dong, and is the oldest bridge over the Hangang River together with the Hangangdaegyo Bridge before its reconstruction. Gwangjingyo Bridge reopened in November, 2003, with Korea’s first-ever 2-meter-wide bicycle lanes on both directions of the roads and three balcony-type overhanging observatories. If you cross the bridge toward the direction that allows you to see Jamsil Tower, you can overlook the landscape of Gwangnaru Hangang Park at a glance.

Delectable ride through the city

Yongsan Mukbang Course

Most cyclists starting from Ichon Station take the direction toward Hangang Park. That said, if you are a cyclist who loves to eat, we recommend the Yongsan-gu Mukbang Riding Course! From exit 4 of Ichon Station, it takes only five minutes on foot to reach the Ddareungi rental dock behind Ichon 1-dong Community Service Center. Ride until you reach the vicinity of exit 3-1 of Ichon Station, the small, so-called “Japanese Town” of Seoul, where you can find a cluster of bars, restaurants, and cafes. You can also spend some time at the National Museum of Korea located on the way to Itaewon. If the restless pedaling has made you hot and sweaty, stop by Dongbinggo, where you can enjoy some delicious patbingsu (shaved ice with sweetened red beans and other toppings), located near Seobinggo Station. Dongbinggo became well-known after being broadcast on the hit TV show, Wednesday Food Talk, and is famous for its not too sweet, yet refreshing red beans. Gyeongnidan-gil has no particular bicycle lane so it would be better for you to ride slower than usual. If you are confident about your stamina, take up the challenge of riding uphill along Gyeongnidan-gil. When you reach the top, you can look down at the panoramic view of Itaewon from under N Seoul Tower.

Rider's Choice
Bicycle-themed Cafes in Seoul

Bicycle-themed cafes in a city serve as places for exchange where you can experience the cycling culture of a country. There’s no doubt that you will be guaranteed safe bicycle parking there! You can also find what you want while browsing through a wide array of bicycle gear hand-selected by cycling enthusiasts. You can talk with and learn from other cyclists while fueling your body with a cup of coffee served with some energy-boosting food.

Pitstop for bicycle enthusiasts
BA

"BA"

BA, short for “Break Away from Ordinary,” is a cafe situated in a corner of a quiet neighborhood. As it is by the entrance of Yeomchang Underpass, cyclists who ride along the Hangang River stop by to use it as a resting place. Bicycle racks in a spacious parking lot at the entrance of the cafe allow cyclists to leave their bicycles conveniently and relax for a while. Separate from the cafe, there is underground space for bicycle repair service. This doesn’t mean the cafe is all exclusively for cyclists. Quite opposite from the active outdoor nature of cycling, it has rather a calm atmosphere, drawing in non-cyclist customers from all around the neighborhood. BA uses Dukes coffee beans, trendy coffee beans from Australia to satisfy even the top coffee aficionados, living up to its sign boasting, “COFFEE & CYCLE.”

Classic bicycles & coffee

Veloccino

Veloccino is a franchise cafe where visitors can enjoy premium barista-brewed coffee and gaze at some hand-made classic bicycles on display. It has branch stores across the country, including in Hyundai City Mall’s Garden Five near Jangji Station and Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam Branch. By combining velo (“bicycle“ in French) and cappuccino, Veloccino shows elements—tables with glass resembling a bicycle wheel, wall interior design, and a photo zone—related to bicycles. Visitors can enjoy their tea time while casually observing classic bicycles in the cafe that are on display and even for sale. The cafe serves ordinary menus like coffee and tea, as well as simple desserts such as cake and muffins, plus healthy detox juices.

Customized cafe for cyclists

Most-frequented pitstop

Thirsty after passing Seobinggo Station by Jamsugyo Bridge? As you look for a cafe to lock up your bicycle and wet your mouth, you will almost instantly see BIDON near Seobinggo Station. BIDON is not exclusive for cyclists; it is a comfortable space where anyone who loves bicycles can drop by and relax. The interior of the cafe is very neat, and except for the tables in one corner, there are long benches everywhere on which you can perch. Quench your thirst while you take a break after a long bike ride, and you can even make yourself comfortable at the cafe. Have fun gazing at some cool bicycle gear ensconced in a neat interior. Everything is stylish from the bike-saddle chairs to the wheel-shaped lamps made from chain gear sprockets. The underground space is operated as a gallery and market. Make sure to try out their banana and chocolate energy bars that taste like brownie and goes well with coffee. You can take it to go and eat it while you ride.

A cup of coffee & Brompton bike test ride

Wecle (Yangjae Branch)

Among the various types of bicycles, small bicycles with 20" wheels or smaller are called “minivelos.” Men and women of all ages love riding minivelos as they are small, portable and attractive. Three major brands of minivelos are Brompton, Birdy, and Tikit. At WECLE, you can take any model of a Brompton bike on a test ride down the bicycle lane along Yangjaecheon Stream, as well as browse and shop for bicycles, such as Cannondale and Strida, along with other bicycle-related gear. Oh, and of course with a cup of coffee. The inside walls of the cafe are filled with folded Bromptom bikes and various items, including helmets and saddles. While most store-slash-cafes focus on one primary sales, either coffee or merchandise, WECLE is successful at handling both aspects. Outdoor seating with greenery behind through the wide window is the cafe’s most popular seating. Most seats are decorated with camping (aka Bromping: Brompton+camping) items. You can receive a KRW 1,000 discount when visiting with your bike!

Bike-themed cafe upstream

Velomano (Gwangjang Branch)

As you go from Gwangnaru Station and cross Gwangjingyo Bridge, you will come across Velomano right before you reach Gwangnaru Hangang Park. Velomano is a portmanteau word that combines velo (“bicycle” in French) and mano (“hand” in Italian). Even its facade is unique in that its signboard is made from bicycle wheels. When you go inside, a flat-coated retriever named Mano, the cafe mascot, will be the first to welcome you. There are three bicycles under the spotlights displayed on the wall. The lamps made using bicycle wheels emit soft orange light, giving out a warm feeling. The cafe owner makes his so-called “cycling drinks,” which are a hit among cyclist customers because of their thirst-quenching and energy-boosting effect as they contain natural protein and chia seeds. They are available in three flavors: Pantani (grapefruit), Coppi (grape), and Armstrong (mango) named after world-famous cyclists. Also be sure to try the sweet and savory combination of shaved ice with peanuts and some Kaya toast. Everyone who visits Velomano wearing a helmet can get KRW 500 discount for all menus.