Korea East Coast Cycling Tips for Beginners
This article was translated from the original Korean post with AI assistance. Read the original Korean post →
Please don't trust these tips too much, as they come from someone who recklessly attempted the East Coast cycling trail without even riding bikes normally.
- Personally, I think it's too difficult for beginners. Especially if you are over 60 and just picked up cycling as a hobby, I highly recommend skipping this section. The road conditions are terrible.
- If possible, set your route from Imwon Port heading north to the Tongil Observatory. It makes it much easier to see the ocean.
- About 30% is a decent bike path, 50% is riding alongside cars on the road, and 20% is off-road.
- There are plenty of convenience stores along the way. You don't need to worry about restocking water and food.
- Never ride at night. You literally won't be able to see a thing.
- Even though it was May, I got completely sunburned. The East Sea coast has zero fine dust, so the sun is incredibly intense. It's best to cover up as much as possible.
- There aren't many places to pump your tires or get repairs. There is exactly one spot in Samcheok City.
- For food, I recommend the Abai Sundae (stuffed squid and sausage) alley in Sokcho, the tofu dishes in Chodang-dong, Gangneung, and the mul-dakgalbi (soupy spicy chicken) in Samcheok. But honestly, the best option is to just go to any port and buy fresh raw fish yourself.
- Prices in Gangwon-do province aren't cheap. Yangyang, in particular, is expensive.
- Make sure to plan your itinerary so you sleep in Donghae City. The motel village there is cheap and the facilities aren't bad. It's also close to Mukho Port. I recommend the Hyunjin Tourist Hotel.
- Ride slowly or just walk your bike when passing through ports. There are lots of cars and people pop out of nowhere, making it a prime spot for accidents. Gangwon-do really traded human safety for money here.
- At the section where the path cuts off (which I mentioned in a previous post), cross quickly one by one and absolutely do not step on the train tracks. No matter how much you check left and right, if you hesitate even for a second, you're a goner. Some lazy official put the crossing right on a curve.