Break away from the typical walking tour and discover South Korea by rail bike, a modern sightseeing activity that uses bikes and railroads to explore natural landscapes. Pedal your way through top sites, including Nami Island and Petite France, Gyeongbuk, and Busan. Join Seoul’s growing bike enthusiasts while you travel through gorgeous forest, river, and mountain scenery.
What ts it and what to expect
A rail bike is a two, three or four-seater cycle with attachments on the wheels, especially designed to let it travel along unused railroads. Sometimes, rail bikes will have a roof to protect travelers from rain. There’s no need for helmets or other equipment, although some tours allow you to add VR goggles to enhance your rail bike experience. Aside from burning calories while you pedal, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views in the midst of mountains, rivers, and hills.
Tip: Best seasons to visit
This activity is usually available all year-round; expect cherry blossoms in spring, clear blue skies in the summer, vivid leaves during fall, and a snowy wonderland during winter months. A great time to visit would be during Spring (Apr-Jun) or Autumn (Sep-Nov) seasons. Fill your surroundings with a kaleidoscope of colors and take advantage of milder temperatures.
Where can you rail bike
1. Gangchon Rail Bike Experience, Seoul
Pedal along old train tracks and marvel at the view of Bukhangang River below. Ride along the historic route used by the Mugunghwa train and breeze past mountain scenery. Begin your 8km journey at Gimyujeong Station. Pass through tunnels filled with brilliant lights, bubbles, and music. You may opt to enhance your experience with VR goggles, and ‘shoot’ monsters inside the tunnel. After around an hour, you’ll be back at Gangchon Station. You can ride the free shuttle which will bring you back the starting point.
No Seoul trip is complete without Nami Island and Petite France. Go ahead and include them in a day tour with the Gangchon Rail Bike Experience. Meander through the picturesque tree-lined roads of the iconic Nami Island and gaze upon lush greenery and wild flowers against the backdrop of the blue sky. Meet wildlife such as rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, ducks, and peacocks. Fall in love with the charms of Petite France, the lovely French-style village where you can browse quaint museums, workshops, restaurants, and cafes featured in hit Korean TV shows like Running Man.
2. Mungyeong Rail Bike, North Gyeongsang province
Escape the hustle and bustle of Seoul to the North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea’s eastern province. Try the Mungyeong Rail Bike, the first rail bike recreational facility in the country. It runs over 20-year-old coal train tracks where pastoral landscapes of Jinnam Gyoban mountain await. Surround yourself in greenery as far as the eye can see. Cruise through deep valleys, pass the historic coal mining village, and take in the fresh breeze. It might take you around an hour or so to complete depending on your pedaling speed.
3. Gimhae Nakdonggang River Rail Bike, Busan
For travelers in Busan, hop on the Gimhae Nakdonggang River Rail Bike. Enjoy the short but sweet 3km journey along the scenic Nakdonggang River. Pass by a rustic bridge and wine cave where you can sample ‘bokbunja-ju’, a sweet wine made from wild raspberries. Then bring home a bottle or two as a souvenir.
If you join the Busan Day Tour, you can also delight in spectacular coastal views at Songdo Skywalk, or stroll the colorful homes at the foothills Gamcheon Culture Village.
This article first appeared on KKday; the leading travel experience e-commerce platform in Asia.
