As we enter the final stretches of autumn, people seeking adventure might like to hop on their bicycles and take advantage of the sunlit, breezy afternoons while they last.
A few months back, the Ministry of the Interior announced its top 100 most-beautiful bicycle trails to explore during the fall. The list is divided into four distinct categories, allowing both beginners and experienced cyclists to enjoy each region’s bike trails. On the list are travel routes filled with sightseeing spots and regional delicacies, courses for couples, friends and family members, with easy-going trails for people of all ages, leisure trails with scenic resting stops, and cross-country trails for experienced cyclists.
The Euamho Lake bicycle path (의암호 자전거길) is in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do Province. A highlight of the path is the Soyanggang River and the Euamho Lake Skywalk, which give cyclists the illusion of riding over water.
The Euamho Lake bicycle path (의암호 자전거길) in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do Province, is the course to pick if you want to enjoy a scenic landscape while visiting tourist spots and tasting some of the region’s delicacies. The trail starts at Chuncheon Station, and follows the route along the Bukhangang River and the Euamho Lake, over the Soyang Skywalk to the Animation Museum, and then back over the Euam Skywalk. The trail, around 30 kilometers in total, takes around two hours to complete. The skywalks are definitely the highlight of the trail, giving cyclists the impression of riding on top of water for some 4 kilometers. Along the trail, you can pop into the Chuncheon Puppet Theater or take a break on the banks of the Soyanggang River, and enjoy some Chuncheon dakgalbi, spicy marinated chicken, and some makguksu, buckwheat noodles.
If you’re planning a leisurely bike trip with your family, friends or significant other, the Yangpyeong Namhangang River trail in Gyeonggi-do Province provides the perfect getaway. The trail follows the old Jungang line train tracks, now over 80 years old, leading cyclists in and out of eight different tunnels. Starting at the Bukhangang River Bridge, the trail connects 33.1 kilometers between Okcheon, Yangpyeong, and the town of Gaegun-myeon. You can check out the Semiwon gardens, the Yangpyeong insect museum, the Yangpyeong art museum, as well as the traditional outdoors markets along the way.
The Yangpyeong Namhangang River bicycle path in Gyeonggi-do Province leads cyclists in and out of eight tunnels along the old Jungang line train tracks, providing a perfect getaway for avid pedallers.
For those in need of a time-out from the hustle and bustle of city life, the Okcheon Hyangsu 100 li trail in Chungcheongbuk-do Province offers picturesque views of the Geumgang River and the surrounding countryside. Popular among seasoned cyclists, the trail begins at the Okcheon-gun county Annam-myeon town hall and takes riders to the Cheongmagyo Bridge, the Hapgeumli village of murals, all the way to the well-known Geumgang rest area.
The Okcheon Hyangsu 100 li trail in Chungcheongbuk-do Province offers picturesque views of the Geumgang River and the surrounding countryside.
Experienced and amateur cyclists alike may take up more challenging trails like the 4.5 kilometer seaside bike trail in Ulju-gun County, Ulsan, that stretches from the Ganjeolgot three-way intersection to Nasa Beach. Cyclists can also enjoy amazing views of the East and South Seas along this route.
There is also the 34.2-kilometer Gongju trail in Chungcheongnam-do Province that gives riders a chance to check out historical artifacts during their trip. The Seokjangli Museum for Paleolithic artifacts is worth a visit, as are the Gongsanseong Fortress (공주공산성) and the tomb of King Muryeong (무령왕릉). Starting at the Gongju Dam, the trail follows the flow of the Geumgang River all the way to the town of Tancheon-myeon.
By Lee Hana
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Ministry of the Interior
hlee10@korea.kr
