Motorcycling Through The Land of Morning Calm
Two friends, four weeks and one epic motorcycle trip around South Korea!
From the futuristic metropolis of Seoul to the volcanic craters of Jeju, university friends Adrian and Ryan will embark on a one-month motorcycle adventure around South Korea. They will camp, scuba dive, hike, fly and explore Korea’s mystical history, diverse culture and natural beauty.
Ryan and Adrian have over a decade of motorcycle experience between them and both will bring essential skills to this month-long trip. Adrian’s personal experience and knowledge of Korean culture is a fantastic foundation. He has spent two years teaching English in Korea, and he developed his own personal guide book of places and contacts. Ryan’s background as a videographer brings the technical know-how and can-do attitude to documenting this adventure. With a series of rugged sport cameras, he will capture every worthy moment behind the lens.
Along the way, Adrian and Ryan will have to overcome bike breakdowns, treacherous mountain passes, chaotic traffic, bustling cities, spontaneity of the elements and of course the guarantee of getting lost. But these obstacles will only add to the adventure and ensure that surprises are always around the next corner.
Adrian and Ryan will depart from Toronto, Canada on March 17 to touchdown at Incheon International Airport the next day. Their first mission will be to rent a pair of Korean 125cc motorcycles, a hassle regarding licensing in Korea, but with the benefit of keeping fuel costs low.
From Seoul, they will set off along the west coast, avoiding major highways which prohibit motorcycles. Their first stop will be to Taean, where Adrian will utilize his pilot’s license by renting out a small Cessna from Expat Flyers Korea.This flight will provide a bird’s eye view of Korea’s scenic landscape on the west coast.From Taean, they will continue south along the west coast and ride across the Saemangeum Sea Wall, the world’s largest.
The guys will then spend the night beach camping at Dong-ho Beach, where they will try to dig for crabs on Korea’s famous west coast tidal flats.
A mountain ride to Gwangju will reunite Adrian with friends and formerstudents from his teaching days in Korea. Adrian and Ryan will experience a day in the life of a Korean student as they visit Adrian’s old school. The next day will be spent exploring Gwangju and the surrounding area, from Damyang’s mystical Bamboo Forest, Gwangju’s Art Street and the Culture Complex. In the evening, the guys will meet up with friends and enjoy local BBQ, before bar-hopping to some of Gwangju’s iconic watering holes. Stops will include: German Bar, Mix Bar, Bubble Bar, Crazy Horse and Speakeasy.Join Adrian and Ryan for a drink when they are in town by checking out their blog or Facebook page for future dates and times.
From Gwangju the guys will ride to Mokpo and catch a ferry to Jeju. On Jeju they will explore the wonders of the island, including the world-renown lava tubes, a day of scuba diving amongst the kelp forests and a hike to South Korea’s highest point, the ancient crater of Mt. Halasan (1,950 meters high).
From Mt. Halasan to Mt. Jirisan, Adrian and Ryan will camp in the heart of Jirisan National Park, exploring its enchanted mountains, bouldered rivers and cherry blossom-lined roads.
After Jirisan, Adrian will revisit his favorite weekend camping destination: Geoje Island. This quaint island offers scenic beach camping and one of the the best ‘hot-pot’ seafood stews.
The next stop is Busan, where Adrian and Ryan will wade their way through the nation’s largest fish market, try live octopus and navigate the narrow stall-lined streets of Nampodong. The two will take a taekwondo lesson from a local master and challenge each other to a duel having learned their new skills. They will also spend a day at Haeundae Beach, embracing city life with locals and singing karaoke into the early morning hours.
Partying in the city will be followed by a peaceful temple stay at Beomoesa Temple, experiencing how Buddhist monks live. Adrian and Ryan will then wind their way through the mountains to a hidden valley, not found in any guidebook. Lined with apple orchards and a picturesque stream, they will hike to a secluded waterfall, eat at a rustic log cabin restaurant and sleep on the heated floors of an authentic Korean guest house.
In Gyeongju Adrian and Ryan will explore the ancient capital of Korea, overflowing with history, temples and giant grass-hilled tombs.
At Seoraksan National Park, they’ll spend a day hiking to the peak of Daecheongbong, then relax in the hot spring spas.
Finally, Adrian and Ryan will find soul in Seoul as they finish with visiting the DMZ and exploring the city. Their plans are to visit the hip Asian style of PSY’s Gangnam district and the Gyeongbok Palace and cobblestone-lined streets of the folk art district. They will walk along the Cheonggyecheon stream as it winds its way through the heart of Seoul and climb to the top of the city’s famous golden Yuk-sam Building, 63 floors high.
On their last full day in Korea, April 17, the trekkers will celebrate Adrian’s birthday and the end of an amazing adventure.
Follow Adrian and Ryan on their blog and Facebook page, as they will be posting weekly webisodes and updates during the trip!
Check out www.twowheeltrekker.com.
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This guest article written by Adrian Tegler.