Seoul to Seoul (Re-mastered)

Noel Mugavin · Mar 22, 2024

Off to have another crack at the South Korea cross-country bike path, which I failed at last June/July. Giving myself a bit more leeway time wise, and being a bit more familiar with the traps involved with following the right bike path, I'm backing myself in.
Planning to add in the 70km spur of the Nakdonggang Path that leads to Andong, which isn't required to complete the Cross-Country Path, but is if you want to achieve the 4 Rivers and Grand Slam of the South Korea bike network. If all goes right, will also be able to ride the Bukhangang Path, a 77km trek just out of Seoul that ends in Chuncheon. Will then finish with a couple of days back in Seoul.
Leave Good Friday on the Qantas Red Eye Perth-Sydney, then Sydney - Seoul. Return Friday the 12th, Cathay to Hong Kong, Qantas Hong Kong - Melbourne - Perth. Thankfully all up the front of the bus.
Added bonus is I think I'll be riding amongst the cherry blossoms.

Noel Mugavin · Mar 30, 2024

Left Perth an hour late but made up time to be in Sydney only half an hour behind scheduled time. Soon as the seatbelt sign went off, I was out to it, and woke up about 5 minutes before start of descent was announced.
Scheduled to depart Sydney at 11.40, delayed 2 hours due to plane arriving late from previous flight. Eventually boarded 2.20 ish, unable to take off as engineers were fixing a small issue. Now at 3.39, back in the lounge, waiting for a replacement plane to be towed over. Told aim is to take off at 4.30.

Black Duck · Mar 30, 2024

Hope it all goes smoothly from here on out.

Noel Mugavin · Mar 31, 2024

Arrived just after 2 in the morning, all pretty smooth to get out of the airport and a nearby hotel. About to head back to the airport then train to Seoul and pick up my bike.

Noel Mugavin · Apr 4, 2024

5 days of riding, it’s been hot, cold, windy, sunny, cloudy and rainy. More cherry blossoms as I head south. My favourite shot so far.

Noel Mugavin · Apr 17, 2024

After a delayed flight and a late arrival, I was able to get about 5 hours sleep in at a Best Western close to the airport.

Took the hotel shuttle bus back to the airport and my first bibimbap of the trip.

Then to the airport rail, not the express as I had to get off in the Mapo area to pick up my bike.
15 minute walk to the bike shop, then a 10 minute wait for the owner to arrive to open up and get me my bike, and me to pay the balance of my bill.
Friendly young bloke, very patient while I set everything up and I was soon on my way.

Noel Mugavin · Apr 17, 2024

I only had a 20km or so ride to my hotel in the Jamsil district. This was one of the toughest 20k’s of the whole trip, it being Sunday afternoon and the path going through a continuous river park. It was a real life game of frogger, anything from toddlers learning how to ride, to Olympic hopefuls pumping at over 35kmh. Add in loose soccer balls kicked on to the path, absent minded wanderers, it certainly kept my senses alert.
After about an hour and a half of cautious riding eventually made it to the Delight Hotel Jamsil, Asked for somewhere to store my bike, told in front of the building would be fine.

I had brought some cheap little Koala clasps to give to whoever, as last visit so many Koreans went out of their way to help me, and thought something little might be Nic ex as a thank you. Had given one to the bike shop owner, and received a message from him about how much he liked it and how appreciative he was. Also said he posted a photo of it on instagram. Sent me a picture of where he put it in his workshop.

Guess I was on a winner

Noel Mugavin · Thursday at 8:40 PM

I was staying a 5 minute walk from Lotte Tower, and being a sucker for an elevated view of a city, away I went.
First a quick stroll along Seokchon Lake, and a first sighting of cherry blossoms.

I didn’t last very long amongst the crowds and ducked off a side path into Lotte Tower, where I quickly found the entrance to the tower viewing deck.
Entry roughly 30 000 won, or 40 dollars, and there was no wait to get in the lift and to the viewing deck.
To the viewing deck where you’re corralled into a video viewing area. Not what I wanted, however in a spectacular surprise, the screen lifts after about 15 seconds and leaves you with this view.