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Tour Selection (usually one route per year -- feel free to let us know if
there is one of particular interest to you):
- National Cycleway System / Four Rivers
(2013) For a relatively mountainous country, this route is remarkably
flat, most running along beautiful rivers and across scenic coastal plains
and coastlines.
- Explore Eastern Korea (2012) This route has the
most topography (ups and downs), beautiful long stretches of forests,
narrow mountain river canyons, rugged coastlines and grand vistas.
- Central Cultural Heartland (2011) This route
runs most of the length of the country, which means it crosses mountain
passes and has some degree of hilliness every day. It is rich in
cultural content and very scenic.
- Sojourn to the Southern Sea Because this route
neither starts of finishes in Seoul it has the most complicated logistics
and is scheduled least frequently (let us know if this is of particularly
interested to you). It is moderately hilly and very scenic.
 KOREA:
National Cycleway System / Four
Rivers 국립 Cycleway 시스템 / 네강) *
For a relatively mountainous country, this route is remarkably flat,
most running along beautiful rivers and across scenic coastal plains and
coastlines.
Schedule: September-October (see
full schedule and status). The program
usually is scheduled right before or right after the Chusok holiday.
It alternates with the other Korea itineraries.
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and
more): US$1690 (less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included). Average out of pocket expenses per program
$150 plus or minus $50.
Description: Day 1-3: orientation, and exploration of Seoul bustling
streets, plazas, markets, palaces, temples and government buildings. Day 4-9:
Cycling Seoul to Daegu following the Han, Namhan, Yeong and Nakdong River
valleys, passing farmland and through forests, and visiting national
cultural / historic treasures, temples and provincial parks. Day 10-13:
Ride along the Yangsan and Geum Rivers and visit islands in the West Sea.
Day 14-15: Return to our starting point. Korea Tour's
Route Map
Features: Small group, people-to-people bicycle tour. Visit
temples, agricultural communities, and cultural and historic sites to gain
a better understanding the lifestyles, history, culture and economics of the
people of southern Korea. Day-to-day, on a ongoing basis, throughout
the program there will be discussions on history, architecture, culture,
social systems, gender rights and roles, politics, agriculture, music,
language, religion, geology, botany, and ecology.
Start / Finish: Seoul, South Korea
Skill Level: Suitable for fit cyclists with basic skills.
Mileage Daily / Total: 50-100km, 31-62 miles per day / 950km,
600 miles total.
Cycling Conditions: Paved roads and paths, plenty of flat and rolling, with some
long climbs and descents.
Accommodations: Mostly small Korean-style hotels, usually one
temple-stay, no tent camping. Traditionally, Koreans slept with pads and
quilts on heated floors. Note: We try to include an
overnight temple-stay on most programs. Some of the temples we use don't
routinely accept ordinary travelers/tourists. Many people find this a
highlight of the tour, but it is also privilege. While we are guests
we are expected to
participate in some temple life. This includes accommodations in
Korean-style dormitory (segregated by gender), quiet vegetarian meals,
participation in morning prays (3am), and austere, modest, respectful, contemplative
behavior.
Van Support: None, but the local transportation system is
extraordinary and can be used as a back-up.
Meals Included: Two Korean-style meals per day, generally breakfast and
dinner (rice, noodles, soup, stew, beef, pork, chicken, eggs, soybean, bean curd
(tofu/dubu), kimchi, seaweed, shrimp, squid, mackerel, etc.)
Other Activities: Discussions, visits, and walking excursions.
Bike: Sturdy touring bike is recommended.
Bike Rental: not currently available.
 KOREA:
Central Cultural Heartland (한국 문화 중심지) *
This route runs most of the length of the country, which means it
crosses mountain passes and has some degree of hilliness every day.
It is rich in cultural content and very scenic.
Photo Essay: Central Cultural Heartland
[Link to non-Ibike central
Korea bike tour video.
It differs from our program in many ways
(style, content, daily distance, 30% of the route, etc) but the location
shots provide a good view of central Korea.]
Schedule:
September-October (see full schedule and status). The program
usually is scheduled right before or right after the Chusok holiday.
It alternates with the other Korea itineraries.
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and
more): US$1590 (less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included). Average out of pocket expenses per program
$150 plus or minus $50.
Description: Day 1-2: orientation, and exploration of Seoul bustling
streets, plazas, markets, palaces, temples and government buildings. Day 3-11:
Cycling Seoul to Busan following the Han, Namhang, Yeong and Nakdong River
valleys, passing farmland and through forests, and visiting national
cultural / historic treasures, temples and provincial parks. Day 12-14:
Visit islands in the South Sea and Busan.
Korea Tour's Route Map
Features: Small group, people-to-people bicycle tour. Visit
agricultural communities, Buddhist temples and cultural and
historic sites to gain a better understanding the lifestyles, history,
culture and economics of the people of southern Korea. Day-to-day,
on a ongoing basis, throughout the program there will be discussions on
history, architecture, culture, social systems, gender rights and roles,
politics, agriculture, music, language, religion, geology,
botany, and ecology.
Start / Finish: Seoul, South Korea
Skill Level: Suitable for fit cyclists with basic skills.
Mileage Daily / Total: 50-100km, 31-62 miles per day / 800km,
500 miles total.
Cycling Conditions: Paved roads and paths, plenty of flat and rolling, with some
long climbs and descents.
Accommodations: Mostly small Korean-style hotels, usually one
temple-stay, no tent camping. Traditionally, Koreans slept with pads and
quilts on heated floors. Note: We try to include an
overnight temple-stay on most programs. Some of the temples we use don't
routinely accept ordinary travelers/tourists. Many people find this a
highlight of the tour, but it is also privilege. While we are guests
we are expected to
participate in some temple life. This includes accommodations in
Korean-style dormitory (segregated by gender), quiet vegetarian meals,
participation in morning prays (3am), and austere, modest, respectful, contemplative
behavior.
Van Support: None, but the local transportation system is
extraordinary and can be used as a back-up.
Meals Included: Two Korean-style meals per day, generally breakfast and
dinner (rice, noodles, soup, stew, beef, pork, chicken, eggs, soybean, bean curd
(tofu/dubu), kimchi, seaweed, shrimp, squid, mackerel, etc.)
Other Activities: Discussions, visits, and walking excursions.
Bike: Sturdy touring bike is recommended.
Bike Rental: not currently available.
KOREA: Exploring Eastern Korea (동부
한국탐방) *
This route has the most topography (ups and
downs), beautiful long stretches of forests, narrow mountain river
canyons, rugged coastlines and grand vistas.
Photo Essay: Exploring Eastern Korea
Schedule:
September-October (see full schedule and
status). The program usually is scheduled right before or
right after the Chusok holiday. It alternates with the other Korea
itineraries.
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and
more): US$1590 (less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included).
Average out of pocket expenses per program $150 plus or minus $50.
Description: Day 1-3: orientation, and exploration of Seoul bustling
streets, plazas, markets, palaces, temples and government buildings. Day
4-11: Cycle up river valleys, past farmland, through forests, across
mountains and down the east coast visiting, the DMZ, farming communities,
temples, fishing villages and national parks. Day 12-14: Visit many of the
historical jewels of Gyeongju. Korea Tour's Route Map
Features: Small group, people-to-people bicycle tour.
Travel from the former capital of the Choson Dynasty to the former capital
of the Silla Dynasty absorbing the lifestyles, history, and cultural
diversity of the people of eastern Korea. Day-to-day, on an ongoing
basis, there will be discussions on history, architecture, culture, ethnic
diversity, social systems, gender rights and roles, politics, agriculture,
music, language, religion, geology, botany, and ecology.
Start / Finish: Seoul / Gyeongju, South Korea
Skill Level: Suitable for fit cyclists, who aren't intimidated by long
hills.
Mileage Daily / Total: 35-90km, 21-58 miles per day /
800km, 500 miles total.
Cycling Conditions: Paved roads and paths, mix of
relatively flat valleys with long climbs and descents between them.
Accommodations: Mostly small Korean-style hotels, usually one temple-stay, no tent camping.
Traditionally, Koreans slept with pads and quilts on heated floors. Note:
We try to include an overnight temple-stay on most programs. Some of the
temples we use don't routinely accept ordinary travelers/tourists. Many
people find this a highlight of the tour, but it is also privilege.
While we are guests we are expected to
participate in some temple life. This includes accommodations in
Korean-style dormitory (segregated by gender), quiet vegetarian meals,
participation in morning prays (3am), and austere, modest, respectful, contemplative
behavior.
Van Support: None, but the local transportation system is
extraordinary and can be used as a back-up.
Meals Included: Two Korean-style meals per day, generally
breakfast and dinner (rice, noodles, soup, stew, beef, pork, chicken,
eggs, soybean, bean curd
(tofu/dubu), kimchi, seaweed, shrimp, squid, mackerel, etc.)
Other Activities: Discussions, visits, and walking excursions.
Bike: Mountain bike or sturdy-tired touring bike are recommended.
Bike Rental: not currently available.
 KOREA:
Sojourn to the South Sea (남쪽바다여정 *
Because this route
neither starts of finishes in Seoul it has the most complicated logistics
and is scheduled least frequently (let us know if you are particularly
interested in it). It is moderately hilly and very scenic.
Photo Essay:
Sojourn to the South Sea
Schedule: September-October (see
full schedule and status). The
program usually is scheduled right before or right after the Chusok
holiday. It alternates with the other Korea itineraries.
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and
more): US$1590 (less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included).
Average out of pocket expenses per program
$150 plus or minus $50.
Description: Day 1-2: Explore history and culturally rich
Gyeongju. Day 3-5: visit heritage village and immersion
experience at Haiensa Buddhist temple. Day 6-10: By bicycle and ferry we
experience the culture, communities, coast and islands of the South Sea.
Day 11-14: Explore the many facets of Cheju Island.
Korea Tour's Route Map
Features: Small group, people-to-people bicycle tour. Visit
agricultural communities, Buddhist temples and fishing villages
to gain a better understanding the lifestyles, history, culture and
economics of the people of southern Korea. Day-to-day, on a ongoing
basis, throughout the program there will be discussions on
history, architecture, culture, social systems, gender
rights and roles, politics, agriculture, music, language, religion, geology,
botany, and ecology.
Start / Finish: Gyeongju / Cheju Island, South Korea
Skill Level: Suitable for fit cyclists, who aren't intimidated by
hills..
Mileage Daily / Total: 40-100km, 25-62 miles per day / 700km, 440 miles total.
Cycling Conditions: Paved roads and paths, generally flat and rolling, with some
long climbs and descents.
Accommodations: Mostly small Korean-style hotels, usually one
temple-stay, no tent camping. Traditionally, Koreans slept with pads and
quilts on heated floors. Note: We try to
include an overnight temple-stay on most programs. Some of the temples we
use don't routinely accept ordinary travelers/tourists. Many people find
this a highlight of the tour, but it is also privilege. While we are
guests we are expected to
participate in some temple life. This includes accommodations in
Korean-style dormitory (segregated by gender), quiet vegetarian meals,
participation in morning prays (3am), and austere, modest, respectful, contemplative
behavior.
Van Support: None, but the local transportation system is
extraordinary and can be used as a back-up.
Meals Included: Two Korean-style meals per day, generally
breakfast and dinner (rice, noodles, soup, stew, beef, pork, chicken,
eggs, soybean, bean curd
(tofu/dubu), kimchi, seaweed, shrimp, squid, mackerel, etc.)
Other Activities: Discussions, visits, and walking excursions.
Bike: Sturdy touring bike is recommended.
Bike Rental: not currently available.
* Itineraries, fares and dates subject to change. 20% of
the land portion is U.S. tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law for those
registering directly with IBF.
Registration: It is easiest, and saves paper, if you
register online.
Or, you can register by mail by downloading and printing the
Registration Packet
(PDF file). Or, you can begin the registration process by sending your
name, address, phone number, name of the program(s) and a deposit of $300 (of which $100 is a
nonrefundable registration fee) to ibike. Deposit and payment
may be made by check, money order,
credit card or
PayPal. Upon receipt of your this information a the registration packet will
be forwarded to you. It must be
completed, signed and returned before your registration is considered complete. Registrations
submitted less than 60 days prior to departure should include the full fee. Registrations
received less than 30 days prior to departure will be accepted subject to availability and
a late fee of $50. Payments within 30 days of departure must be by cashier's check,
credit card or
electronic transfer. Early registration is encouraged. Due to limits on group size and the
advisability of starting the reading list, registrations at least 90 days prior to the
departure date is suggested.
Full Payment: Due 60 days prior to departure. If payment has not been
received and no special arrangements have been made, we reserve the right to
assume withdrawal and fill the space.
Withdrawals: To receive a refund if withdrawing, submit a letter of
withdrawal in writing to Ibike. Our policy is as follows: (1) A $100
registration fee is forfeited for all withdrawals. (2) A fee of $300 is assessed
for withdrawals within 60-30 days prior to departure. (3) The full price of the
land costs is assessed for withdrawals initiated less than 30 days prior to
departure. Changes in medical circumstances are not considered as exceptions to
our normal refund policy. Insurance coverage for trip cancellation/interruption
is available from several companies. |
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