Cycling the Four Rivers Trail in South Korea // World Bicycle Touring Episode 42

In late March of 2023, we cycled the Four Rivers Trail from Seoul to Busan with our friend Marcus. At around 630 kilometers, it is one of the longest continuous cycle routes in the world and is famous for its impressive infrastructure. We cruised through beautiful countryside, small towns, and along amazing bikes-only bridges as we rode the length of the country.
In addition to cycling, we had a great time exploring the metropolises of Seoul, Daegu, and Busan. There was so much amazing food to try and endless bustling markets and neighborhoods to take in.
Instagram: / rollingexistence
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Bicycle gear list below. We're running a mix of traditional panniers and bikepacking bags.
- 2020 Surly Ogres
- 36h Rohloff Speedhubs
- 36h Son 28 Dynamo hubs
- Ryde Andra 40 rims
- Marathon GT365 29x2.0 tires
- Avid BB7 brakes, 200mm front, 160mm rear
- Sinewave Cycles Beacon headlight/USB charger
- Ergon SMC Core (Andrew) Terry Butterfly Century (Jenny) saddles
- Rogue Panda custom frame bags
- Ortlieb Back Rollers Plus rear panniers
- Bedrock Bags Hermosa front panniers
- Tubus Cargo rear rack (Andrew), Tubus Logo Classic (Jenny)
- Planet Bike AL fenders
Camera Gear:
- Fuji X-T4
- Fujinon 16-80 mm f/4- Fujinon 23 mm f/2 prime
- GoPro Hero 8 Black w/Media Mod + DIY windscreen
- Rode VideoMic Pro
- Mavic Mini 1 drone
Music Credits:
Casiio x Sleepermane - Cascades
- Provided by Lofi Records
- Watch: • Casiio x Sleepermane -...
- Download/Stream: fanlink.to/Underneath
Casiio x Sleepermane - Prisms
- Provided by Lofi Records
- Watch: • Casiio x Sleepermane -...
- Download/Stream: fanlink.to/Underneath
Yasumu - Pancakes
- Provided by Lofi Records
- Download/Stream: fanlink.to/UntilForever
Yasumu - Discovering
- Provided by Lofi Records
- Watch: • Yasumu - Discovering
- Download/Stream: fanlink.to/UntilForever
Yasumu - Thermal Baths
- Provided by Lofi Records
- Watch: • Yasumu - Thermal Baths
- Download/Stream: fanlink.to/UntilForever
Yasumu - Balcony Breakfasts
- Provided by Lofi Records
- Watch: • Yasumu - Balcony Break...
- Download/Stream: fanlink.to/UntilForever
Yasumu - Late Night Talks
- Provided by Lofi Records
- Watch: • Yasumu - Late Night Talks
- Download/Stream: fanlink.to/UntilForever
Casiio x Sleepermane - Wishing Well
- Provided by Lofi Records
- Watch: • Casiio x Sleepermane -...
- Download/Stream: fanlink.to/Underneath

[@user-so5xw1vz2f]

I have completed every bike path in Korea. Of course I'm Korean. I have ridden the Han River bike path shown in the video hundreds of times. The Nakdong River bike path is also very familiar. It may have been very difficult, but I think you would have fully enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the pleasure of riding. After watching this video, I will give you some tips for those who want to ride in Korea. The bicycle path shown in the video is the bicycle path that connects Seoul to Busan. However, there are many other bike paths in Korea. Among them, the Seomjin River bike path has the best scenery. Recommended for 2 days and 1 night. I also recommend the Jeju Island fantastic bike path along the sea road. Since you have to go by plane or ship, plan for 3 days and 2 nights. Bicycle rental is available on Jeju Island. When you arrive at the airport, the bike shop will pick you up. Then, you can leave your unnecessary luggage at the shop, rent a bicycle, go on a bicycle trip for a few days, and then return the bicycle. The bike path in East Coast/Gyeongsangbuk-do is hilly. It's better to plan for 2 nights and 3 days or 3 nights and 4 days because it gives you more time. If you don't like hilly roads, you can just ride the northern section from Goseong to Gangneung for 2 days and 1 night. When traveling by bike in Korea, you can keep your luggage to a minimum. All you need to do is pack a few changes of clothes. All you need is a credit card and all accommodations and meals are covered. Hotels along the bike path are of several levels. Among the hotels, love hotels are low-cost hotels and are not preferred by Korean travelers. If possible, we recommend a hotel that appears to have been recently built. Rooms usually accommodate two people. You can choose between a double bed or two single beds. You can get a clean room for around 70,000 to 100,000 won in Korean currency on weekdays, not weekends. Prices are more expensive on weekends. It consists of a room and a bathroom with toilet. Breakfast is usually not provided. I recommend purchasing simple food for breakfast at a convenience store near the hotel the evening before. There are many restaurants along the bike path. Of course, there are many coffee and brunch places. There are also many convenience stores. Convenience stores sell everything you need for travel, including food, water, and beverages, including toiletries, batteries, and rain gear. If an emergency occurs during your trip and you injure yourself, dial 119 and ask for help. The fire department and rescue team will help you right away. There is no cost. They will take you by ambulance to the nearest hospital. Don't worry about security. There is very little chance that a crime will occur. It is safe enough for women to travel alone by bicycle. Of course, it is safe enough to eat at a restaurant or go for a walk alone at night. Among the bicycle paths, many cyclists travel on sections that pass through downtown areas of Seoul, Daegu, and Busan. Among these are some elderly people. Older people are a generation that is not familiar with bicycle safety rules. Therefore, ride safely and slowly in urban areas where many people ride bicycles. If you have the chance, try cycling in Korea. It will be a good experience.

[@lukerobson6280]

대단하시네요 ㅎㅎ 추석때 3일안에 아라빛섬에서 부산북쪽까지만 타봤는데 내년 섬진강, 제주도 코스도 타보려고 했어요 ㅎ 제주는 하루만에 타는게 가능하세요?

[@ruthoneill5699]

Thank you so much for the helpful information.

[@pinoyeh]

South Korea is one the places where I would like to try a multi-day bike ride because of their cycling infrastructure.

[@RollingExistence]

It's definitely a fantastic place to try out bike touring!

[@tiho-nge60r-rttj]

완벽하지 않기는 합니다만, 우리나라가 워낙 영토가 좁고 인구밀도가 높다 보니까 자전거 도로나 시설, 인프라 같은 것들은 세계적으로 꽤 잘 갖추어져 있다고 생각합니다.

[@skitakaujou]

@@RollingExistence If you compare other country like the USA how is it.

[@travellerworld8966]

Much safer (definitely) and most of roads are paved. Avoid summer season, cause it's very hot and humid.@@skitakaujou

[@gibmeleclercplz6025]

If you come here, choose the right season. It is very hot in summer and rainy season is severe, winter is very cold and there are some roads that do not melt snow, and air pollution from China makes it hard to breathe. Autumn and spring would be appropriate.

[@elin2732]

한국에 다녀가신것을 환영합니다. 2021년도에 서울에서 부산까지 다여왔던 길을 외국인의 시선으로 다시보니 새롭고 아름답습니다.

[@rahibullahnordin1134]

Been following you two, where are you guys now, can't pint point , you're here, you're there,all the same, it's been an amazing ride, safe journey you two

[@waniikor]

Korea has well-established bike lanes all over the country. Many foreigners ride bicycles here. Follow the blue line. The road with the blue line is a bicycle path.

[@maidbloke]

What fantastic cycling infrastructure! And not many cyclists using it! Great video.

[@ygyoon70]

That's because it's not the best season to ride in Korea. Most people take that route between April to October. (Just FYI :-))

[@kdh4jc]

Country Road in the middle of the country road of Korea. What a classic moment.

[@andrewkang5962]

So cool~! Love that moment. Kodak moment!

[@janetkim6216]

Im very happy to see you guys in my home country, Korea! I've been waiting so long for you to upload clips from Korea. Im proud to see you all enjoy your ridings in Korea. Good luck!!!

[@RollingExistence]

So glad you enjoyed it! We had a wonderful time in Korea and hope to return someday! 😊

[@bikechingu]

Great video! Bring back memories of my ride to Busan couple years ago. I rode the East Coast Bicycle path last April and watching your video motivated me to edit it. Ride safe guys!

[@RollingExistence]

Awesome! We've heard the coastal route is really nice, hope you had a great ride!

[@travellerworld8966]

22:31 Those Korean ladies said, "Wow, she is cool !" I agree with them. You, guys are cool and adventurous. I hope you had a good time in here in Korea. Cheers.

[@droneinsky3446]

This is a great video. This bicycle crossing is a difficult course for even Koreans to attempt. I applaud and encourage your challenging mindset. Subscribe. go for it!!!🍀🍀🍀

[@rabh6746]

What an incredible place, the 4 rivers trail is just amazing👍Some of the scenery was just spectacular guys👌Good to see Marcus joining you, keep those boys in check Jenny😉Loved every minute of this video guys, looking forward to Japan👍

[@RollingExistence]

It was a super impressive trail in a wonderful country! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@Charlie-cm5up]

The plant they were foraging is called 'Ssuk(쑥)', mugwort in english. This plant is used in many ways in Korea. The major ingredient of traditional Korean soup called 'Ssuk-guk', rice cake called 'Ssuk-tteok'. Also used in medical way after drying them. Every spring season in Korea, mostly, the old people pick this plant on mountains or next to road. Safe riding!

[@perry1055]

Wow, it's just a wow... You guys are the real travelers and bike riders... Kudos to you all... I'm a person who enjoy bike riding almost everyday about 25~30km a day, and also a Korean... You guys did a very tough cranking through Korea... It surely is a tough challenging trail even though you guys have experience of long distance bike riding... Yeah, and I'm glad that all of you are survived in Korea without any accident... Thanks for sharing good views of landscapes and the ways of my homeland on bicycle wheels... Kudos again, and take care wherever you go...

[@lostthenfound]

Amazing video guys! It was so great to see your perspective riding through Korea! It's really interesting that even after everywhere you guys have been around the world, you had quite a positive opinion about the cycling infrastructure here (I've always thought it was impressive too but I have nowhere to compare it to). Wish we could have met up, but hope to see you guys some day somewhere in the world! Happy cycling and take care of yourselves!

[@RollingExistence]

Thank you so much! Korean cycling infrastructure is really next level, we were very impressed! Hope to cross paths with you guys some day, take care and hope you're both doing well!

[@gonsug1801]

Wow!!! It's awesome! 한국인 저도 못 보았던 우리나라 자전거길 잘 밨습니다. 벚꽃 길과 개나리 길이 너무 환상적이었습니다. 오늘도 세 분은 어디선가 자전거 라이딩을 하고 있을 것 같네요.~^^

[@j.k.6148]

One of the best video the past two years. Good to see another rider. Had no idea that South Korea had such bike paths. Thank you Jenny, Andrew , and Marcus. Eagerly awaiting the Japan ride!

[@RollingExistence]

Thank you, so glad that you enjoyed it!! 😊

[@kebabgrobble6628]

Country road take me home 😂 love it

[@cyberdosi]

Thank you for the video.

[@TheJoePavlik]

Thanks again for sharing your adventures.

[@clickbaitnumberone1403]

simply great

[@bicycletourtimelapse6489]

Great Video.

[@NangNangEE]

WoW!!! ❤❤❤

[@user-nf4wb4wo2l]

thank you for great video. I hope you enjoy south korea ❤

[@user-ct2ig7ku7p]

며칠 전 알라스카 자전거 여행기를 봤었는데, 한국엘 오셨었군요. 반갑습니다. 즐겁고 좋은 추억만을 가지고 가셨길 바랍니다.

[@amuroanakin3246]

amazing Travel !

[@philljo4]

I like your new videos formats 👌🏻

[@MrJx4000]

Wow, two minutes into this video and I already liked it. What a different and interesting place to tour on a bike.

[@haho4wk3sunb1uqz]

You are awesome.

[@garcurran5079]

Fantastic video, brings back memories from 2018 cycling trip, the monks invited me in for a meal @ Musimo temple, the high spot you rode is like that all up and down the east coast of Korea, agree about the infrastructure, it is amazing, safe travels!

[@Loves2smoodge]

You guys are definitely the kind of people I'd love to cycle around the world with.

[@MyCyclingRoute]

Amazed.

[@sigieric]

what a beautiful place nice bike paths safe ride @Rolling Existence

[@ThePeanutWillEscape]

Did this route a few months ago. Highly recommend it. Seeing this awesome video brought back memories.

[@dearjunolee]

Amazing trip and nice view. I haven't tried yet even I live in Korea. You guys great 👍

[@user-gy6dv4tq7j]

It's great to see the path we went through more than 10 years ago again. The video is also very good. I'll have to watch other videos. ^^ I hope you finish the rest of your trip safely.

[@sangheumkim170]

good video!!! good bike trip~~~

[@thecyclist9929]

amazing guys

[@blenderjang6085]

nice trip!~

[@GamjaField]

Hope you guys had a great time in Korea. Safe travels 🤞

[@FindMoney9988]

Amazing bike tour and video in a beautiful country. I also rode that wonderful trail in 2018. Ride safe!

[@queenkapiolani-rb8hk]

Jenny is such a graceful rider ; you go girl !

[@georgepark423]

Great work out man!

[@dronrider]

I enjoyed seeing the great bike tours in Korea.

[@studio_corgi]

Nice!! Korea🙌🙌

[@user-ud5ee2bp8i]

Good Morning ☀️Awesome video of Korea cycling 🚵🏼‍♂️🚴🏼🚵🏻🚵🏼‍♂️👍 Thanks for sharing💖 Best Wishes 💖🤩

[@user-lu9ff9uh9x]

말은 안통해도 영상 끝까지 보게 만드네요 👍👍👍

[@davidthornbury9853]

Great stuff. Was waiting for you to post this one. Your coverage of this trail is the best one on u tube . We hope to do this ride in the future.

[@RollingExistence]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it 😊 It's such an awesome route!

[@uicheolkim5141]

welcome to korea!

[@antonionascimento5319]

lindo vídeo e boa sorte

[@wontaelee1504]

Korea Thank you for visiting. I am enjoying the adventure-like trip of the two of them. The beauty of a woman who always smiles It leaves an impression.

[@daniel-jk5iv]

너무 멋진 비디오 감사합니다 투어링을 옆에서 같이하는 느낌이 들어서 너무 좋네요

[@DonaldKim33]

구경 잘 하고 갑니다. ^^ good luck to you^^

[@OrthoModTx2r]

I'm sure you probably already figured it out, but most or all the bike path through Daegu is part of the sidewalks, although some are incredibly narrow. Lived there for a year, some of the best bike riding around.

[@seabird1170]

Thank you for taking beautiful videos of my country South Korea.

[@trainalpinism]

I enjoyed watching your video while reminiscing about the road I passed.

[@darrenrussell8980]

Nice Bladerunner quote! Amazing cycle paths and infrastructure there

[@RollingExistence]

Haha glad someone caught it!

[@blainedubosejr]

YALLS VIDEO SKILLS ARE GETTTING SOOO GOOD!

[@RollingExistence]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@user-sv4yz7ok4i]

Thank you. 감사합니다.

[@tylerk24]

I sure hope you keep doing videos for your whole bicycle tour! I really enjoy watching these!

[@RollingExistence]

There's definitely many more episodes to come! Glad you enjoy them!

[@tylerk24]

@@RollingExistence sweet, I can’t wait!

[@Mang-chee]

Great video. 😊 I was doing my solo ride about the same time as you guys last year in March. It rained so much on my way to Namji.

[@user-jg8pe8vx4n]

welcome to korea! The Four Rivers Bicycle Path is the pride of Korea.

[@user-ki1sc2uc8r]

반갑습니다.^^ 멋져요. 한국 찾아줘서 고마워요.

[@user-kc1rl3qb9f]

어라? 내가 달리는 길이 보이네... 반갑네요. 그리고 또 놀러오세요~

[@jp-ws2ec]

What a healing video you guys made!!! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the Korean bike path which is traffic light free. The love motel episode was hilarious hahaha:) Good luck and have a safe ride wherever you go.

[@user-gb3qb7of8z]

매일 다니는 길을 공유해서 반갑군요.

[@user-kf1je2ti5f]

9:43 That place is border of Yeoju and Wonju, Which is my favorite spots to see the sunset. I hope you spent a great time in Korea. :)

[@RollingExistence]

That's awesome, I bet there are some beautiful sunsets! We had such a wonderful time in Korea 😊

[@fugazi1479]

Doooood I saw you three riding on the bridge [5:40] early this year when it was still chilly for outdoor cycling--that is my neighborhood, and my wife and I ride that bridge almost every day all year! Also @10:25 Jenny's reaction to the "fermented soy bean stew" is priceless =]

[@RollingExistence]

No way, that is awesome!! It's so cool to hear from people that have spotted us on the road. And she looked skeptical about the stew at first but it was delicious! 😅

[@ejvsu300]

고생 하셨습니다

[@1004-LANDPIA]

굳!❤❤❤❤

[@steen119]

멋지네요

[@kkwalker]

Need to do this with my cycling buddies! Pretty coo there is a full dedicated trail from Seoul to Busan.

[@khoiLam-nu4lj]

Tôi là người Việt Nam ,tôi đã dỏi theo cuộc hành trình của các bạn khi các bạn đi qua Việt Nam .Tôi ngưỡng mộ và khâm phục các bạn. Chúc các bạn luôn may mắn và vui vẽ trên mọi nẽo đường .

[@user-nq5my1xy3b]

조선시대 마차도 못다닐 징검다리 길을 생각하면 가슴이 뭉클해 와. 그리고 나 어릴 땐(50년 전) 차 다닐 수 있도록 넓힌 도로는 신작로라고 해서 대부분 흙먼지 풀풀 날리던 비포장 도로였는데...

[@UbermanNullist]

0:59 adorable!!! 😍😍😍

[@travisjang5882]

You went to Korea ^^ Four Major Rivers Road mountainous area I hope it's a good memory Drive safely and travel ^^

[@chatnoir709]

what a great v-log !!! I've learned the beauty of my own contry Korea from you. thank you so much~

[@user-km1tk6wk3c]

Wow, By Chance, I saw your KZbin in the past time. At that time, I saw you guys taking a bicycle tour overseas (not in Korea). Today you guys Came to Korea. i hope that you guys have many good memory in Korea

[@beautifullife4100]

You guys and all cyclists around the world are welcome here anytime🎉 Hope I have chances to travel around beautiful places around the world.

[@SARS-coV2-is-fake]

반갑네요.

[@travel945]

you guys very happy~

[@GT1GT1GT1]

Welcome to S.Korea

[@cmerry]

Welcome to Korea bro! 😀

[@RollingExistence]

Thank you!! 😊

[@flesche62]

Great done! Rooting for your worldwide riding tour. By the way, it's not easy to ride in somewhat cold weather like early spring, but you did a great tour. I haven't been able to ride the Four Rivers Bicycle Path yet, so I only have plans to do it soon, but I don't have the courage to put it into practice.

[@MrTandtrollet]

DId this when they were brand new like 9 years ago, super disorganised. Never ended up getting my reward either ;) haha

[@duraath]

guys you should turn back when he sang country road, such a dope moment!

[@Banwoldonggaeguri]

I saw you in a video of a Korean KZbinr who was on a bicycle tour in Japan. I heard that you traveled by bicycle in Korea and came to Japan. Searched and subscribed to you. I've been waiting for a video of traveling in Korea by bicycle. You look very happy, so I'm happy too. Have a good rest of your trip...

[@RollingExistence]

We had a fantastic time in Korea! Thank you for watching and glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@user-bp2bj4nx3z]

@@RollingExistence I also subscribed after watching that video clip~ good luck with your trip!!🚲🚲

[@ungzzang]

좋은 시간이 됐기를

[@goldikova1]

I love how composed you both come across. I'm touring Croatia next week heading to Italy probably or an airport north. Any tips with touring in really hot weather. Good luck 👍

[@PEDALSnPROJECTS]

I've watched car camping there . Korea seems like such a cool clean place 😊

[@trekj4344]

l'm had been twice riding inchon to busan. you are achieve the diffcult riding because have many pannier. Very weel saw your 4 rive riding.

[@lightcalm68]

Wow, You did amazing tour. Welcome to Korea and thank you for your visiting. I hope you had nice trip. April or May and October will be better, if you have an another time. I guess that the parsley you mentioned was shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris). We Korean are enjoying it that grows only in Spring seaon. Smell and taste are so good if add to kinds of Korean traditional soups.

[@burnyshin]

Great!!! I will follow your way before getting too old.. I am in S. Korea! Thanks for your great video!

[@user-xt8dp4wj7q]

Oh it's a long epic. I enjoyed this road this year alone. Looks good team riding , I hope I have chance to travel again together like you guiys. Always be safe.

[@TheHIBIJOU]

나는 당신을 모르지만 같은 길을 여행했군요. 즐겁고 멋진 여행 계속 하시길..

[@yhkim9176]

I'm Korean, I enjoyed this video. because it was a place I usually traveled to. Unfortunately, The bridge at 15:39 collapsed during last summer's horrible floods.

[@youngsikjun6274]

❤❤❤

[@p0d0cyte]

Love it. Safe travels. Can’t wait for the Japanese video.

[@RollingExistence]

Thank you! We're looking forward to editing the Japan footage too 🙌

[@aptman74]

welcome to the sourth Korea (한국에 오신 것을 환영합니다.)

[@liebefur1]

Recommend an Autumn riding in Korea with crystal clear weather and in October with autumn color season. :)

[@keumpeter]

Thank you for the video. How easy was it to find lodging as you traveled, did you use any app/maps to guide your route? thanks..can you list of places you stopped? (cities?) Awesome and looking forward to seeing your Japanese video too. Safe travel, planning to do the trip this coming fall 2023 :) super exciting even more after watching yours!!

[@RollingExistence]

It was fairly easy to find lodging as we went. Apart from Seoul and Busan we didn't book anything very far in advance. We used a combination of Google maps and Naver (one of the Korean mapping apps) to look for hotels. For navigation during the day we used OSMand with the cycling route overlay turned on, which includes the 4 Rivers Trail. The trail is very well signposted so navigation was a breeze!