From the neon-lit streets of Seoul to the picturesque coastline city of Busan, my 633km (393 mile) cycling journey along the Four Rivers route was set to traverse the heart of South Korea, unravelling an ever-changing tapestry of autumnal landscapes along the way. I’ve lived in the East-Asian nation for seven years and my life has primarily revolved around the capital’s sleepless, bustling energy. However, I’ve always been curious to explore further to more secluded and remote areas, where life contrasts starkly with what I’ve known in a megacity of 10 million people. The Four Rivers route gave me the perfect opportunity to do just that.
This route offers a unique journey, stretching southbound from Incheon, near Seoul, in the north-west, to Busan, South Korea’s second city which sits on the south-eastern coast. Meandering along four major rivers — the Han, Nakdong, Geum, and Yeongsan — the path primarily unfolds along serene, dedicated cycling trails that skirt picturesque riverbanks, only occasionally merging with quiet rural roads. Navigating is mostly straightforward, thanks to blue signs pointing the way, yet some signs were painfully elusive so it’s best to use navigation apps such as Komoot to help keep you moving.Passport’ that you can pick up at the start of the journey. Once complete, you can send this passport to the route organisers, who’ll return it with a medal.
