Tour-de-Korea 2018
 

Got my flight. $450 round-trip from Bali. Will be taking the FSIR on its maiden tour. Its local trials will commence shortly...
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Stay tuned...

47T x 11-36T giving 26-83GI. Cross your fingers.

Houston...the Eagle has landed.
 

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Hitting the road tomorrow...
 

Leaving Seoul for Busan, about 600km to the southeast along the Han River bike path, tomorrow morning. Meanwhile and in preparation, I've been carbo-loading at the Gwangjang market stalls...

A Bridge over the River Han
 

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i ended up leaving the camp stuff at home. All i am carrying is a dry-bag on the Kanga rack, both of which weigh 3.3kg, and an Ortlieb bag at 1.3kg on the seat post. Total weight of the stuff I am schlepping - 4.6kg. In addition to that i am carrying my phone in my pocket, a light mounted on the handlebar and a small, light lock.

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Escape from Seoul & Day 2 images
 

The Han River trail heading out of Seoul

Day 2
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Is South Korea or Japan better for a week of summer bike touring?

I suppose Korea is a bit more affordable, yet Japan might be more scenic, and perhaps cooler in the summer.

have not been to Japan so cannot comment, but both countries get hot and muggy in summer. I wish I'd come two weeks earlier cuz at noon/early afternoon it gets a bit hot.

Coming from SEAsia and Taiwan, South Korea is not cheap. Food, particularly.

Thanks. So far, so good on the gearing. I downshifted to the last sproket, 36T, only on the last kilometer of the climb to 569m today. The 11T cog has gone largely unused.

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Nakdong River & bike path in the background left
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Looks like a good tour. So how are you liking the FSIR?

More pictures please...

The country's bicycle path system is brilliant, and there are quiet, pretty country roads all over.

The FSIR is great. No problems so far after 500km. I should arrive in Busan day after tomorrow, completing my crossing of the country. If touring is a litmus test of sturdiness and reliability, the FSIR passes so far. And you can get one for under $600 and 10kg. Value, sensible money. I've seen Bromptons, Birdys, Bike Fridays, Dahons and Terns. I am the only person on a FSIR.

Here ya go...

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Nice travel account and photos!

I should move this up my "to go" list.

You should, being relatively close. Seven hour flight to Seoul from Bali, less than that from Sing.

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I can take a boat to Korea, and Japan. (probably with a full size bike as well)

16-24 hours from Shanghai to Korea, and 44-48 for Japan.

I hate flying.

South Korea's Four Rivers Project
 

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South Korea undertook a massive revitalization project of its four main rivers in the first decade of this century. The main objectives were water security and flood control. The project cost about USD17 billion and was completed in 2011. An aspect of the project was to spur 'green growth', and tourism by building bike lanes along the rivers. The result was the Four Rivers Bike Path, a country-wide system of inter-connected bike paths spanning most of the country. You can read about it here.

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That bike path system looks amazing. I checked out your link and found this bit in the Accomodations section... "By the entrance to Mungyeongsaejae, there are many unique accommodation facilities, including the Saejae Smurf Village (a village of pensions made of yellow earth)"

So enquiring minds want to if you stayed with the Smurfs? In any case, an interesting housing choice not available on most bike tours. I think I would have tried "The thematic pension train in Buljeong Station is made out of an abandoned train. It offers a kitchenette and bed, as well as air conditioning, a heating system and television."

i have to disappoint you, bro. No, i gave the Smurfs a pass...i stayed almost exclusively, outside of Seoul, in so-called Love Motels which are everywhere here. $40-50 per night. For the most part they are clean, spacious and very quiet.

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Is that a topeak modula holding that ginormous water bottle in place?

The cage holding a 2L bottle is a Topeak Modula Java. In the ROK, you get 2L or 500mL water bottles. No 1.5L bottles unless it's juice, soda pop, or Pocari.

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I estimate the Seoul-Busan haul is about 20/80% road/bike paths. The road work is to span gaps in the dedicated bike path. The roads range from short stretches of two lane highways to local roads used by farmers.

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It is 633km from Incheon on the northwest coast to Busan. I started in central Seoul, but added distance by making two detours from and then rejoining the main path. I reckon about 700km.

What would I do differently?
1. Come two weeks earlier for it gets a bit hot at noon. May is the month.
2. Packed fewer clothes.
3. Installed a comfier saddle.

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