Notes from Korea 1998: An Account by Mike Blackwell

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Introduction

These are my notes on our 1998 ride in Korea. Except for the last few days, when my computer was broken, they were typed each night. [post ride remarks are inserted with square brackets]. I’ve tried to limit the notes to matters of fact, but I hope that they convey my enjoyment of the ride and of the country. This was our first trip to Korea, except for a short business trip that I made 20 years ago.

Peter Richards and I have been riding together for about 5 years, chiefly in Asia. In our opinion, Korea is a superb place to ride. We give it high marks in all the important categories: terrain, scenery, weather, road quality, traffic, food, accommodation, and friendly folks.

Costs are in rounded US$ at 1300 Won per dollar. Distances are estimated, not measured. Transliteration of some place names from Hangul are by me, and may not be correct.


SUMMARY OF THE RIDE

DATE END AT DIST (km) VIA ACCOM
16 Oct Depart Portland - - hotel
17 Seoul - - hotel
18 Seoul - - hotel
19 Kapyong 85 Hanam, Nungnae yogwan
20 Kapyong 93 Chungchon yogwan
21 Kojin 85 Inje yogwan
22 Sokcho 85 Taejin, Myongpa, Kansong yogwan
23 Naksan 35 Soraksan Park minbak
24 Hyonri 60 Yangyang yogwan
25 Sangwon-sa 74 Misan, Rte 446 camp
26 Chongson 65 Woljong-sa, Chimbu yogwan
27 Taebaek 68 Sabuk, Kohan yogwan
28 Chukpyon 105 Wondok yogwan
29 Yongdok 50 Uljin, Pyonghae yogwan
30 Kyongju 75 day rides near Kyongju hotel
31 Kyongju 55 day ride to Yangdok, etc. hotel
1 Nov Kyongju 40 day ride to Pulguk-sa hotel
2 Taegu 75 Tochon-ri, Kyongsan yogwan
3 Kaya-san 50 Koryong, Yaro yogwan
4 Kimchon 80 Suryun, Kachu yogwan
5 Songni-san 50 Nansun, Mano yogwan
6 Hwayang-dong 50 park roads minbak
7 Seoul 30 Ride to Chongju, bus to Seoul hotel
8 Seoul - - hotel
9 Seoul - - hotel
10 depart for Portland - - -


ABOUT US:

Mike: Retired geologist and civil engineer from Juneau, Alaska. In Korea I rode my Bike Friday NWT. I’ve toured in about 30 countries, chiefly in East Asia, North America, Europe, Central Asia, and the Russian Far East. My other interests include sea kayaking and the music of Gustav Mahler.

Peter: Retired physicist from Salem, Oregon. I've toured several Asian countries, mostly China, on my Softride, and when home do the hillclimb race up Mt. Washington, NH. In winter I cross-country ski, and whenever possible listen to Gilbert and Sullivan. For more info on the route that we took, contact either of us:

Mike Blackwell: jmblac2@ibm.net
Peter Richards: peterrichards@home.com


POSTSCRIPT

If you are interested in taking a ride in Korea, begin at Bicycling in Korea. This site has a great deal of correct info that will aid your planning.


or: start here with the account