Our tour sets off this morning on idyllic and historic Jeju Island. Popular with Korean’s on holiday yet relatively free of foreign tourists and with well marked cycling routes, Jeju is an ideal place to experience Korea like a local.

Guests on our pre-tour extension in Seoul will be flying in to Jeju this morning, while others are free to arrange their own travel plans to the island. We’ll assemble at a seaside hotel on the edge of central Jeju city. After a short briefing it's time to transfer away from town to the starting point. A proper bike fitting and we'll be off on the first of three days along Jeju's well-maintained coastal route, cycling with white sand beaches to starboard. Winding through the rocky headlands our destination is Seogwipo, an artistic enclave and peaceful seaside town.

The coastal road today offers a bounty of natural wonders including Oedolgae Rock, Jeongbang Waterfall and Soesokkak Estuary, a picturesque landscape of deep blue ocean, lava rocks and thick pine forests. In the afternoon we cycle the narrow causeway to Seongsam Ilchulbong, also known as ‘Sunrise Peak’,  a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Jeju Island’s most famous geological formations. Nearby the last generation of Korean mermaids, the famous Haenyo grandmothers, free dive the deep waters in search of mollusks and seafood for local markets and restaurants.

Sunrise views don’t get any more beautiful than from the volcanic peak of Seongsan Ilchulbong. Returning to our hotel for breakfast our ride this morning takes us through coastal wetlands teeming with wildlife. A slight inland diversion allows time to explore the spectacular lava tubes at Manjanggul Caves, hardened and hollow volcanic tunnels among the largest in the world.

By mid afternoon we’re nearing the completion of our circumnavigation passing through rural coastal settlements, a stark contrast to thoroughly modern Jeju City just ahead. This evening we’ll walk to the ever-bustling Dongman Fish Market where you can select a restaurant for dinner on your own.

It’s a short flight this morning to Gwangju, a gateway to the Jeolla provinces where the essence of traditional Korea resonates even today. Local cuisine here, the envy of the nation, and the landscape for cycling, spectacular. We’ll transfer away from town and join the bike route north towards Damyang, past undulating green fields and thick strands of bamboo forest. Locals here are considered the friendliest in the country and a stroll through the town tonight for dinner should help confirm this accolade.

We are off the bikes today with an option to relax at the hotel, or join us to explore Samjinae Village, Korea’s first participating town in the “Slow city” movement. Behind centuries old stone walls, this small traditional community welcomes visitors to study and practice traditional crafts and cooking as we’ll join a demonstration for lunch. The afternoon and evening are free. Damyang city is famous for noodles and our guide can direct you to an entire alley of noodle shops. Slurp away.

Back in the saddle today cycling towards Gurye, a picturesque ride along the Seomjingang river path. An extremely rural trail, we pass luscious farmlands and quaint villages, rice farms and fruit orchards crossing centuries old stone bridges as we skirt below the Jirisan National Park.

Gurye boasts several beautiful Buddhist temples and is known throughout Korea for its large fresh market, an entire section devoted to herbal remedies and potions. After a week of cycling you may become a devotee!

We're off early to cycle through Korea’s tea country towards the city of Hadong. The first green tea trees were planted in this region and some of the original trees are still here today. We will finish at lunch time, grab a final photo with our bikes then transfer to Busan where we re-enter the modern, bustling Korea.

Lonely Planet called Busan “one of Asia’s great unheralded cities.” Set between mountains and the sea, it’s a must-visit city on any Korean itinerary. A fun night and farewell dinner awaits.

It’s difficult to do Busan justice in a half day but we’ll do our best to introduce you to this fascinating city. From the seaside temple of Hegond Yonggungsa, to the mountainside cultural quarter of Gamcheon and finally the world-famous Jagalchi Fish Market, it will be easy to see why Busan’s has become one of Asia’s most intriguing cities. The tour ends at noon with both rail and airport transfers available.

We highly recommend extra nights in Busan or Seoul, or both! By train it’s under 3 hours from south to north. Our travel team can assist you with planning your extended stay.