Published Date : Aug 01, 2016 / Edited Date : Sep 04, 2023
Roam the City Like a Local
Explore Seoul on a Seoul Bike
The Seoul Metropolitan Government launched a public bike-sharing service in 2015 called Seoul Bikes (“Ddareungi” in Korean). It was designed to be a self-operating rental service that could be used conveniently by anyone. Around 30,000 public bicycles are currently available at 2,600 rental stations in Seoul. Seoul Bikes are a great way to travel distances that are a bit too far to walk, but a bit to close to bother with public transportation or a taxi. The bikes are eco-friendly, user friendly, and low-cost. Take a bike out for a spin and see a new side of Seoul.
How to Rent a Seoul Bike
#When Renting
1. Download the "Ttareungi, Seoul Public Bicycle' mobile app. 2. When the app opens, select "Foreigner". 3. Select a pass and pay. * There are three types of passes: one-day pass (1 hour), one-day pass (2 hours), and all-day pass (24 hours). * Passes can be purchased with a credit card issued overseas or Discover Seoul Pass. 4. On the map screen, find a rental station, select a bike, and click the Rental button. 5. Scan the QR code below the bike saddle or enter the 5-digit bike number. 6. The rental will start when a sound comes out, and the lock lever opens automatically.
#When Returning
1. When returning, lower the lock lever all the way down. 2. The return will be completed once you hear a voice confirmation and receive a message on your phone.
Seoul Bike Usage Notice
- ‘Ttareungi, Seoul Public Bicycle’ can be used by anyone over the age of 15 and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. - The ‘Ttareungi, Seoul Public Bicycle’ app is available in four languages: Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. - A one-day pass (1 hour) costs 1,000 KRW, a one-day pass (2 hours) costs 2,000 KRW, and a full-day pass (24 hours) costs 5,000 KRW. - For non-members, if the purchased pass is not used within 24 hours, it will be automatically refunded.
The Traditional and Modern: Central Seoul and the Four Great Gates
Head to the heart of Seoul to see the city's historical attractions as well as the modern sights of Seoul from a Seoul Bike. The grand palaces of Seoul as well as the four great gates (once the only way to enter or exit Seoul) are all in proximity to each other. There's no better way to explore Seoul's history than a tour through this area. For more modern attractions, visit one of Seoul's art museums. Seoul's museums offer both amazing art and fun activities for visitors to take part in. In the Four Great Gates area, there are Seoul Bike rental stations located every 500 meters, so sightseeing and bicycling in this area is both fun and convenient. Rent a bike, and park it at the rental station while you sightsee at each attraction. Here's an itinerary you may want to use on your bike trip: Changdeokgung Palace - National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul - Gyeongbokgung Palace - Sejong Center for the Performing Arts - Jeongdong-gil -Sungnyemun Gate (Namdaemun).
Enjoy Cultural Attractions for Free on Culture Day
Every last Wednesday of the month is Culture Day in Seoul. Museums and palaces throughout Seoul offer free entry to all visitors on Culture Day. Changgyeonggung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine are just some of the historical and cultural sites that can be visited for free. The National Folk Museum, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul, and other museums also have extended closing hours (closing at 9 p.m.) in adddition to offering free entry. If your visit to Seoul coincides with Culture Day, make your way to a palace or museum.
Urban Recreation: Yeouido and the Han River
Seoul’s financial center, Yeouido is home to landmark buildings like 63 Square, LG Twin Towers and other skyscrapers. Situated between these skyscrapers is Yeouido Park. The park’s bicycling and walking paths are well-designed and marked, so the park is an ideal place to bicycle. A soothing and green refuge in downtown Seoul, the park is used by many Seoulites looking to take some time to relax and enjoy some leisure time. Take your Seoul Bike for a spin here! If you decide to explore the area on foot as well as by bike, make sure you secure your bike before you wander away to explore the park's themed areas and foot paths. The Yeouido Hangang Park is also nearby, just 9 minutes away by bike. The Yeouido Hangang Park is very spacious and has lots of fun to offer to people of all ages. Go for a bike ride and get great views of the Han River, Mount Namsan, skyscrapers, and downtown Seoul. On a hot summer’s day, a visit to Yeouido is hard to beat. Go for a swim at one of the Han River’s outdoor swimming pools, then head to 63 Square to check out the aquarium, restaurants, and do some duty free shopping.
Eat Like a Seoulite
After a day of bicycling around Seoul, one of the Hangang Park’s many expanses of grass is the perfect place for a rest. While you're resting, if you're in the mood for a snack, why not eat like a Seoulite and head to a convenience store? Convenience stores in Korea now offer snacks as well as more substantial fare like lunch box sets, instant noodles, and much more. Don't forget to choose a drink to go along with your food. Convenience stores are equipped with hot water dispensers and microwaves so that patrons can prepare their store-bough meals in store. Prepare your food and eat at the store, or take everything outside to enjoy a picnic in the warm summer weather.
Ecologically Green Urban Parks: Sangam-dong
The World Cup Stadium is located in Sangam-dong, and nearby visitors will find the World Cup Park. The World Cup Park is actually a group of several smaller parks, Pyeonghwa Park, Haneul Park, Noeul Park, and Nanjicheon Park. The parks are popular with Seoulites and tourists, and they are also important sites of ecological recovery. The entire area was once a landfill, but years ago the city recovered the landfill in order to transform it into the green oasis it is today. Pyeonghwa Park in particular is beloved for its spacious walking paths. This well-maintained park is full of tree-lined walkways and dirt riding paths. Pyeonghwa Park connects to Haneul Park. To the left of Haneul Park’s entrance is a path that takes bicyclists to the highest point in the park. Because the path runs uphill, it may be a bit difficult for beginners, and it may be best to dismount and walk their bikes uphill. Once you reach the top, you’ll find that the area flattens out and is perfect for a bit of riding. There is a great view of the park and the path leading down the other side is lined with huge metasequoia trees. The area is so beautiful it’s nearly impossible to take a bad photo, so don’t forget to take a shot before you leave!
본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
보호자를 동반하지 않을 시 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 보행약자 1명당 보호자 최소 1인 이상 동반 ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능
희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
The Seoul Guided Walking Tour administration office and tour guide affiliates are not responsible for any accidents that happen to occur during the tour program.
Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
You may not use the course without an assistant (or companion) ※ At least one assistant shall accompany a tourist with mobility problem ※ In case of electric assisting device users (electric wheelchair, electric scooter users), one assistant may accompany up to 4 tourists with mobility problem
Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)