Explore Seoul on a Seoul Bike

(Source: Internet)

Roam the City Like a Local

Explore Seoul on a Seoul Bike

The Seoul Metropolitan Government launched a public bike-sharing service in 2015 called Seoul Bikes (“Ddareungi” in Korean). It was designed to be a self-operating rental service that could be used conveniently by anyone. Today in Seoul, there are over 150 rental stations centered in five areas of the city (Yeouido, Sangam, Sinchon, the 4 Great Gates area, and Seongsu). Currently there are 2,000 Seoul Bikes available to users, with plans to expand the project in the coming years. Seoul Bikes are a great way to travel distances that are a bit too far to walk, but a bit to close to bother with public transportation or a taxi. The bikes are eco-friendly, user friendly, and low-cost. Take a bike out for a spin and see a new side of Seoul.

How to Rent a Seoul Bike

1. Go to the official website for Seoul Bikes: Seoul Bikes

2. Register and create an account.

3. A 4-digit code will be generated; remember the code as you’ll need it to for bike rentals.

4. Register your T-money or M-Pass card using the 16-digit card number on the back*.

5. Purchase a rental voucher on the website. You can purchase your voucher in advance of your arrival in Korea as it's possible to purchase rental vouchers while abroad.

6. Head to a Seoul Bike rental station! Use the terminal attached to the bike to start the rental process. Touch your pre-registered T-money or M-Pass card to the terminal and input your 4-digit code.

*T-Money: T-money is a transit card that can be used to ride the Seoul bus and subway systems. Only T-money cards that function nationwide (i.e. all T-money cards purchased after 2015) can be used to rent a Seoul Bike.

*M-Pass: M-Pass is a transportation card exclusively for foreigners in Korea.

Seoul Bike Usage Notice

· Riders must be over 15 years or older to use the Seoul Bike Rental System.

· The Seoul Bike Rental System is open for use 24 hours a day.

· The one day pass costs 1,000 won and the 7 day pass costs 3,000.

· Though bikes can be used throughout the rental period, they must be returned to the rental station (any Seoul Bike rental station) every 60 minutes. Returns that are late incur additional fees of 1,000 won per 30 minutes past the base 60 minute rental period. Rentals that are not returned within four hours of the original rental time will be considered stolen and reported to the police.

· A deposit of 50,000 won is required to rent a Seoul Bike. Deposits are refundable. Once your rental period is over, the deposit will be posted to your card within 24 hours. (Please note that your credit card company may take longer than 24 hours to refund the money to your account.) If the bike is not returned within 24 hours after the rental period has ended, the deposit is automatically forefeit.

(Source: Internet)

The Traditional and Modern: Central Seoul and the Four Great Gates

Head to the heart of Seoul to see the city's historical attractions as well as the modern sights of Seoul from a Seoul Bike. The grand palaces of Seoul as well as the four great gates (once the only way to enter or exit Seoul) are all in proximity to each other. There's no better way to explore Seoul's history than a tour through this area. For more modern attractions, visit one of Seoul's art museums. Seoul's museums offer both amazing art and fun activities for visitors to take part in. In the Four Great Gates area, there are Seoul Bike rental stations located every 500 meters, so sightseeing and bicycling in this area is both fun and convenient. Rent a bike, and park it at the rental station while you sightsee at each attraction. Here's an itinerary you may want to use on your bike trip: Changdeokgung Palace-National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul-Gyeongbokgung Palace-Sejong Center for the Performing Arts-Jeongdong-gil-Sungnyemun Gate (Namdaemun).

(Source: Internet)

Enjoy Cultural Attractions for Free on Culture Day

Every last Wednesday of the month is Culture Day in Seoul. Museums and palaces throughout Seoul offer free entry to all visitors on Culture Day. Changgyeonggung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine are just some of the historical and cultural sites that can be visited for free. The National Folk Museum, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul, and other museums also have extended closing hours (closing at 9 p.m.) in adddition to offering free entry. If your visit to Seoul coincides with Culture Day, make your way to a palace or museum.

　　

(Source: Internet)

Urban Recreation: Yeouido and the Han River

Seoul’s financial center, Yeouido is home to landmark buildings like 63 Square, LG Twin Towers and other skyscrapers. Situated between these skyscrapers is Yeouido Park. The park’s bicycling and walking paths are well-designed and marked, so the park is an ideal place to bicycle. A soothing and green refuge in downtown Seoul, the park is used by many

Seoulites looking to take some time to relax and enjoy some leisure time. Take your Seoul Bike for a spin here! If you decide to explore the area on foot as well as by bike, make sure you secure your bike before you wander away to explore the park's themed areas and foot paths. The Yeouido Hangang Park is also nearby, just 9 minutes away by bike. The Yeouido Hangang Park is very spacious and has lots of fun to offer to people of all ages. Go for a bike ride and get great views of the Han River, Mount Namsan, skyscrapers, and downtown Seoul. On a hot summer’s day, a visit to Yeouido is hard to beat. Go for a swim at one of the Han River’s outdoor swimming pools, then head to 63 Square to check out the aquarium, restaurants, and do some duty free shopping.
 

Eat Like a Seoulite

After a day of bicycling around Seoul, one of the Hangang Park’s many expanses of grass is the perfect place for a rest. While you're resting, if you're in the mood for a snack, why not eat like a Seoulite and head to a convenience store? Convenience stores in Korea now offer snacks as well as more substantial fare like lunch box sets, instant noodles, and much more. Don't forget to choose a drink to go along with your food. Convenience stores are equipped with hot water dispensers and microwaves so that patrons can prepare their store-bough meals in store. Prepare your food and eat at the store, or take everything outside to enjoy a picnic in the warm summer weather.

　　

(Source: Internet)

Ecologically Green Urban Parks: Sangam-dong

The World Cup Stadium is located in Sangam-dong, and nearby visitors will find the World Cup Park. The World Cup Park is actually a group of several smaller parks, Pyeonghwa Park, Haneul Park, Noeul Park, and Nanjicheon Park. The parks are popular with Seoulites and tourists, and they are also important sites of ecological recovery. The entire area was once a landfill, but years ago the city recovered the landfill in order to transform it into the green oasis it is today. Pyeonghwa Park in particular is beloved for its spacious walking paths. This well-maintained park is full of tree-lined walkways and dirt riding paths. Pyeonghwa Park connects to Haneul Park. To the left of Haneul Park’s entrance is a path that takes bicyclists to the highest point in the park. Because the path runs uphill, it may be a bit difficult for beginners, and it may be best to dismount and walk their bikes uphill. Once you reach the top, you’ll find that the area flattens out and is perfect for a bit of riding. There is a great view of the park and the path leading down the other side is lined with huge metasequoia trees. The area is so beautiful it’s nearly impossible to take a bad photo, so don’t forget to take a shot before you leave!

(Source: Internet)

(Source: Internet)

Korea’s First Broadcasting Theme Park! MBC World Broadcasting Theme Park

Sangam-dong doesn’t just have ecologically green parks, it’s also home to most of Korea’s major broadcasting companies. Korea’s first broadcasting theme park, MBC World can also be found in Sangam-dong. MBC World Theme Park is one of Korea’s finest hallyu tourist attractions. Visit and attend a hologram K-pop concert with top hallyu stars like Psy, 2NE1, and BigBang! There are a variety of other VR (virtual reality) experiences to partake in. Visitors can also see sets and costumes from some of Korea’s most popular dramas and TV shows. Don't forget to spend time at the mega-popular MBC World photozone.

  267 Seongam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul   +82-2-789-3705

10:00~18:00 (Closed on Lunar New Year and Chuseok)

*There are 11 tours per day, each tour runs about 90 min.

*Last entry is 2 hours before closing, at 16:00

*Admission Fee: Adult 18,000 won / Youth 13,000 won / Child 9,000 won