Hangang
Bicycle Path
The Hangang Bicycle Path (한강 자전거길; map) follows the Han (한강; Hangang; map) and South Han (남한강; Namhangang; map) Rivers. It is the second stage of the Cross-Country Route.
Beginning on Seoul’s western boundary, where the Ara Bike Path ends, the course cruises through the capital on both the north and south banks of the Han River. It offers some of the best perspectives of Korea’s premier city.
The Hangang Bike Path then slides onto the South Han River, gliding past picturesque river islands, unique weirs, and royal tombs. It concludes in Chungu City (충주시; map), the center of the Korean peninsula.
Seoul City
(서울시)
11 hours
Chungju City
(충주시)
- Time 11 hours (2 to 3 days)
- Length 192 km (119 miles)
- Elevation 209 m | 2 m (686 ft | 7 ft)
- Difficulty 🚲🚲🚲
- Certifications Hangang (Seoul), Namhangang, Four Rivers, Cross-Country, Grand Slam
Ride the south side of the Hangang Bicycle Path in Seoul.
Explore the north side of the Hangang Bike path in Seoul.
Sail through converted railroad tunnels and by hulking water gates.
Pass river islands and arrive at the toes of the Sobaek Mountains.
Learn the history and geography of Korea’s most important river.
Learn the top highlights along the Hangang Bicycle Path, from tunnels to bug buildings.
Learn how to take a subway, bus, train, or airplane to the Hangang Bicycle Path.
Bike Path Overview
The Hangang Bicycle Path starts at the left limit of Seoul, where the Ara Bicycle Path stops. The route slides through Seoul, into Gyeonggi Province (경기도), and ends at Chungju Dam (충주댐).
Three Rivers, Three Bike Paths
The Hangang Bike Path follows the Han River. As we will learn below, for most of its course, the Han flows as two separate rivers: the Bukhangang (북한강) and the Namhangang (남한강).
Let’s take apart their names.
- “Buk” (북) means “north”
- “Nam” (남) means “south”
- “Gang” (강) means “river”
So Buk + Han + Gang (북 + 한 + 강) translates to “North Han River.”
And Nam + Han + Gang (남 + 한 + 강) translates to “South Han River.”
These two waterways converge east of Seoul to create the Han River (Han + Gang; 한 + 강). It stretches for 138 kilometers through Seoul and western Gyeonggi Province before spilling into the Yellow Sea.
Three Han Bicycle Paths
A certification bike path follows each river, taking its name from the waterway it follows.
- Hangang (Seoul) Bicycle Path (한강자전거길 (서울))
- Namhangang Bicycle Path (남한강전거길)
- Bukhangang Bicycle Path (북한강전거길)
Hangang (Seoul) Bicycle Path
The Hangang (Seoul) Bicycle Path follows the unified Han River as it flows through Seoul. It begins on the capital’s western border, then ends in Hanam City (하남).
It is part of the Cross-Country Route and connects with the Ara Bike Path in the west and Namhangang Bike Path in the east.
Namhangang Bicycle Path
The Namhangang Bicycle Path picks up where the Hangang (Seoul) Bike Path leaves off. It crosses Yangpyeong Dumulmeori (양평 두물머리), where the North and South Han Rivers converge, then continues along the South Han River, carrying riders through Gyeonggi Province and into Chungju City.
The Namhangang Bicycle Path follows the Cross-Country Route and connects with the Saejae Bicycle Path.
Bukhangang Bicycle Path
The Bukhangang Bicycle Path follows the North Han River (Bukhangang). It starts in Chuncheon City (춘천시) and ends seventy kilometers later at Yangpyeong Dumulmeori (양평 두물머리), where the North and South Han Rivers converge.
Bukhangang Bicycle Path is not a part of the Cross-Country Route. It connects only with the Namhangang Bike Path at its southern end.
The Unified Hangang Bicycle Path
Let’s simplify. In most contexts, I’ll clump the Hangang (Seoul) Bicycle Path and Namhangang Bicycle Path into one, referring to them as the Hangang Bicycle Path. Both connect and follow the Cross-Country Route.
The Bukhangang Bicycle Path isn’t a part of the Hangang Bike Path. Though unique and verdant, the path is a one-off, seventy-kilometer detour.
Lost in Translation
Korean words often get lost in translation. Some translators convert every Hangul (Korean) utterance into English. For example:
All those consonant-dense bike path names are just a case of overzealous transcription.
- Hangang Bike Path — “Han River Bike Path”
- Nakdonggang Bike Path — “Nakdong River Bike Path”
- Yeongsangang Bike Path — “Yeongsan River Bike Path”
Unless it’s an official title, I’ll translate every Korean word into English. No phoneticizing.
The Course
The Hangang Bike Path — Hangang (Seoul) and Namhangang — runs 192 kilometers. It starts from the Ara Hangang Lock Certification Center on the western border of Seoul and ends at the Chungju Dam Certification Center in Chungju City.
The cycling journey passes through the heart of Seoul, then travels below the tree-smattered hillsides along South Han River.
Hangang (Seoul) Bike Path
The Hangang (Seoul) Bike Path flows along both the North and South Sides of Han River in the middle of Korea’s capital. Each side offers over 50 kilometers of bike path, passing back-to-back riverside parks.
On the Cross-Country Route and just finished the Ara Bike Path? Start at the Hangang Bike Path at Ara Hangang Lock Certification Center on the South Side, cycle to Haengju Bridge, then pick a side.
Bike Seoul’s North Side
Interested in the north side? It follows an almost flat course for 55.7 kilometers, crossing four Hangang Parks along the Han River.
Along the way, pass under the historic heart of Korea’s old capital, a battleship, art, and World Cup parks.
Bike Seoul’s South Side
The South Side bike path meanders for a breezy 53.6 kilometers, passing through seven Hangang Parks on the south banks of the Han River.
Representing the main Cross-Country Route, you only need to grab the South Side’s two certification center stamps to complete the Hangang and Cross-Country Certifications. If you travel along the North Side, cross over and grab the Yeouido stamp.
Namhangang Bike Path
The Namhangang Bike Path starts at Paldang Bridge, where the Hangang (Seoul) Bike Path ends. It travels 132 kilometers through Gyeonggi and North Chungcheong Province, concluding at the Chungju Dam Certification Center.
Along the way, it rides on a converted railway, passes three metal-molded weirs, and picturesque river islands.
Bike Seoul to Yeoju
The route from Seoul to Yeoju travels over a decommissioned railroad bridge, by repurposed train station, and through eight old rail tunnels. It also crosses two of three South Han weirs, whose designs reflect the local culture.
In Yeoju City, find the tomb of King Sejong, Korea’s most revered ancient leader.
Bike Yeoju to Chungju
The route from Yeoju to Chungju sinks deeper into the countryside. Climb a few inland hills after passing the last Han River Weir. Then sail by bird sanctuaries, river islands, until you reach Chungju, the center of the Korean Peninsula.
From downtown Chungju, you have a choice:
- Take a 12 kilometer detour to Chungju Dam and grab the last Hangang Bike Path stamp.
- Or skip the detour. Continue from Tangeumdae Park onto the Saejae Bike Path and along the Cross-Country Route.
Elevation
The Hangang Bike Path doesn’t feature the fearful mountains of the Saejae Bike Path or spiky surprises of the East Coast Route. But you will find a handful of humorless hills.
Let’s map out the most notable.
Amsa & Mieumnaru Passes
Near the end of the Hangang Bike Path in Seoul rise a pair of passes, each straddling the same section of the Han on either.
The Mieumnaru Pass occupies the river’s North Side. Beginning at 12 meters above sea level, it rises to a 54 meter peak, the steepest incline in Seoul (directions).
- Total Climb: a 42-meter ascent over 605 meters with a 6.9% average incline.
Amsa Pass sits on the South Side. The climb starts at 11 meters and shoots to a 51-meter top (directions), a little less biting than the Mieumnaru Pass.
- Total Climb: 40 meters uphill across 875 meters for a 4.6% average incline.
Throngs of cyclists with differing skill levels and risk tolerances cram onto these narrow bike paths. This creates a dangerous combo. Keep your safety senses keen.
The South Han Passes
Like Seoul’s bike path, the South Han River runs flat. However, a few riverside mountains force the route inland and up steep accents.
Just past downtown Yangpyeong, before Gaegun Leports Park, Gaegun Mountain (개군산) intrudes on bike path, forcing riders off the river and 109 meters up Humigae Pass (후미개고개; directions).
- Total climb: a 75-meter rise over 980 meters with a 7.7% average incline.
A little beyond Gangcheon Island, a trio of mountains shoves the bike path away from the waterway and up a 122-meter crest known as Changnam Pass (창남이고개).
Total climb: 52 meters up across 1.3 kilometers with a 4% average incline.
Bike Path Types
Worried about riding on roads beset by careening cars? Don’t fear. Over 90% of the Hangang Bike Path traverses bike-only lanes. Countryside, however, the route hops onto bucolic roads for short stretches.
Let’s inspect.
The Seoul City Paths
Much like the Ara Bicycle Path, “leisure” best describes Seoul’s bike paths. No vehicle roads. No shared pedestrian walkways. Just an uninterrupted cycling path that tracks the Han River’s flat course.
Don’t minimize your safety protocols. Perilous people await.
In the sunny months, Seoul’s parks swell with families, waddling young ones, canoodling couples, and shaved cyclists approaching highway speeds.
When in popular areas like Yeouido and Ttukseom, expect awareness-disabled park goers step into bike lanes. Predict cyclists checking their phones mid-pedal. And, kids? Not even the next century’s supercomputers could calculate their feral movements.
The Namhangang Paths
Most of the route along the Namhangang (South Han River) follows protected bike lanes. However, the farther outside of Seoul, the more you’ll encounter country roads.
Farmers & Fishers
Think building a recreational bike path in the sparsely populated countryside is a waste of tax dollars? Well, local governments agree.
A good portion of the Namhangang Bike Path follows bike-only roads. However, municipalities often co opt the path to allow farmers and locals access to farm fields and the river.
Don’t show surprise when you find yourself:
- playing chicken with a chugging tractor.
- swerving around mud clumps dropped from fist-wide treads.
- dodging a fisherman’s SUV sneaking closer to his favored fishing spot.
Country Roads
As we explored while learning about elevation, waterside mountains force the Namhangang Bike Path onto vehicle-dwelling pavement.
Here are four of the Namhangang’s longest country-lane stretches:
- 2.8 kilometers before Gaegun Leports Park (directions).
- 5.1 kilometers after Gangcheon Island (directions).
- 11 kilometers before and after Binae Island (directions).
- 4.1 kilometers near downtown Chungju (directions).
While each of these detours holds an incline or two, the rural roads keep a low-anxiety lifestyle. Little traffic. Minimal bother.
Certification
There are ten certification centers on the Hangang Bicycle Path.
Collect all stamps and receive the Hangang (Seoul) and Namhangang Bike Path certifications. You need both to complete the Cross-Country, Four Rivers, and Grand Slam certifications.
You don’t need the Bukhangang Bicycle Path’s certification stamps to receive the Cross-Country certification.
Certification Centers
Below, find a complete list of certification centers along the Hangang and Namhangang Bike Paths.
- Yeouido (여의도 인증센터; map)
- Ttukseom Observatory Complex (뚝섬전망콤플렉스 인증센터; map)
- Gwangnaru Bicycle Park (광나루자전거공원 인증센터; map)
- Neungnae Station (능내역 인증센터; map)
- Yangpyeong-gun Art Museum (양평군립미술관 인증센터; map)
- Ipo-bo (이포보 인증센터; map)
- Yeoju-bo (여주보 인증센터; map)
- Gangcheon-bo (강천보 인증센터; map)
- Binaeseom (비내섬 인증센터; map)
- Chungju Dam (충주댐 인증센터; map)
Missed Checkpoints
In Seoul, the Ttukseom Observatory Complex and Gwangnaru Bicycle Park Certification Centers lie across the river from one another. Grab one and the other automatically counts towards the Hangang and Cross-Country certifications.
The Chungju Dam Certification Center (충주댐) technically ends the Hangang Bike Path. But it the sits ten kilometers (20 km return) from the Cross-Country route.
Just trying to get the Cross-Country certification? Skip it. Want the Grand Slam or Hangang certifications? Saddle up for a detour. You’ll need it.
An Extra Stamp
Under the Bukhanggang Railroad Bridge in Namyangju City, you’ll find the Balgeun Gwangjang Certification Center. This red booth is the first on the Bukhangang Bicycle Path. It’s not a stamp for either the Hangang Path.
The Han River
- Length — 494 km (307 mi)
- Basin Area — 35,770 km² (22,226 mi²)
- Origin — Mount Taebaek (태백산), Gangwon Province
- Termination — Yellow Sea (West Sea; 황해)
For most of its length, the Han River (한강) flows as North and South waterways, both starting from the eastern flanks of the peninsula. Near Seoul, they converge and forge a wide path through the center of the capital.
The Han is only the fourth longest on the peninsula (2nd in South Korea). But this ancient waterway represents history and power for North and South Koreans.
Geography
The Han River spends 375 kilometers of its total 513-kilometer length as two rivers:
- The Bukhangang (North Han River; 북한강) and,
- The Namhangang (South Han River; 남한강).
Because the South Han River is a sliver longer, Koreans site its source atop Mount Taebaek (태백산) in the Gangwon Province as the true start of the Han River.
At Yangpyeong Dumulmeori on the eastern edge of Seoul, the two rivers combine and flow 138 kilometers through the mega-city and Gyeonggi Province until it spills into the Yellow (West) Sea (황해) along the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone).
History
It was once believed that whoever controlled the Han controlled the peninsula. Why?
- Like the Nile, the river produced and sustained fertile soil and bountiful farmland.
- Its 320 kilometers (200 miles) of navigable waterway connected Korea’s heartland with the Yellow Sea and trade with China and Japan.
- The Han River rests in the center of the peninsula, making it an ancient highway that moved product, troops, and tax collectors.
Highlights
The Hangang Bike Path not only covers Seoul, Korea’s most highlighted plagued cities, it extends down the South Han River, past architecturally spiced weirs, river islands, and marshy parks.
While the below list picks out a few notable sights, many more landmarks and natural wonders populate the path.
Let’s take the Hangang Bike Path tour.
Yeouido, or Yeoui Island, is an 8.4 square kilometer (3.2 sq mi) patch of land on the southern banks of the Han River in Seoul. Known as “Seoul’s Manhattan” and “Korean Wall Street,” this island from humble beginnings now holds Korea’s main congressional building and dozens of gleaming skyscrapers.
The River Parks of Seoul
- Gangseo Hangang Park
- Yanghwa Hangang Park
- Yeouido Hangang Park
- Banpo Hangang Park
- Jamwon Hangang Park
- Jamsil Hangang Park
- Gwangnaru Hangang Park
From an insect inspired exhibition space to a Grand Fountain Bridge, each riverside park holds unique curiosities and attractions.
And because the Han River passes through the middle of Seoul, the bike paths slither near the capital’s major landmarks.
Banpo Grand Fountain Bridge (반포대교), which leaps the Han River in the middle of Seoul, wields two special features.
First, as its name suggests, it’s a fountain bridge that sucks 190 tons of water a minute and shoots it through 308 jets.
Second, it’s the only double-decker bridge in Seoul.
Some Sevit (세빛섬), which means “three islands of light,” comprises three artificial islands moored to the south banks of the Han River in the heart of Seoul. A popular filming location, at night, LEDs splash color onto these metal and glass structures.
Sporting a 70,000 seat stadium and a handful of other venues, the Jamsil Sports Complex once held the 1986 Asian and 1988 Summer Olympics. Now many of the facilities host Korean professional sports teams, including football (soccer), baseball, and basketball.
Seoul Battleship Park (서울함 공원), first opened in 2017, is a naval museum in Mangwon Hangang Park. Including a main museum building, it boasts three vessels decommissioned from the Korean Navy.
Moth larvae inspired the form and color of the J-Bug Cultural Complex, which clings to the banks of the Han River in Ttukseom Hangang Park. Its three floors present an observatory, performance space, and exhibition and video halls.
Views of the Namhangang
Outside of Korea’s capital, the bike path hops onto the Namhangang, or South Han River Bicycle Path, and sails into the middle of Korea.
Local tourist boards compiled a list of Eight Scenic Views along this portion of the Hangang Bike Path. They reflect the natural and people-made sights along the South Han River.
- 1st View — Yangpyeong Dumulmeori (양평 두물머리)
- 2nd View — The silver grass near the town of Yangpyeong (양평 억새림)
- 3rd View — Ipo Weir (이포보)
- 4th View — Yeoju Weir (여주보)
- 5th View — Gangcheon Weir (강천보)
- 6th View — Gangcheon Island (강천섬)
- 7th View — Neungam-ri Island in Chungju (충주 능암리섬)
- 8th View — Tangeumdae Park (탄금대)
The tan and rust tinged trusses of the Bukhangang Railroad Bridge sit just east of Seoul. Once carrying Gyeongui-Jungang Line’s old tracks, the bridge now whisks cyclists and strollers across the waters near the intersection of the North and South Han Rivers.
Yangpyeong Dumulmeori (양평두물머리) marks the spot where the North and South Han Rivers meet. At the bottom tip of a river island, find a panoramic view of waterways’ convergence.
The Hangang Bike Path in Yangpyeong Country flows through eight decommissioned railway tunnels, once used by the Gyeongui-Jungang Line. Measuring between 115 and 280 meters, art colored lights adorn the first and last tunnels.
Ipo Weir, or Ipo–bo, is the first Four Rivers Restoration Project watergate on the South Han River and Cross-Country Route. Its unique design includes seven orbs plopped atop, depicting the eggs on an egret.
Yeoju Weir, or Yeoju–bo, is the second Four Rivers Project weir. Its design reflects the legacy of King Sejong the Great, Korea’s most important ruler. His tomb rests two kilometers down-path on the edge of downtown Yeoju City.
Gangcheon Weir (강천보), the last on the South Han River, sits just south of downtown Yeoju. Its three swooped, skeletal struts on its top deck resemble the mast of an ancient Hwangpo sailboat, which once sailed rice from Yeoju’s bountiful fields downriver to Seoul.
Gangcheon, Binae, & Neungam Village Islands
Near the bottom of the Hangang Bike Path lie three notable islands in the South Han River: Gangcheon, Binae, and Neungam Village Islands. This trio hosts eco-tourist staples like walking trails, silver-haired grass, and migratory bird sanctuaries.
Jungangtap Park
The Kingdom of Silla, the first kingdom to unify Korea, built Jungangtap, or Central Tower, at the site of Jungangtap Park in the 500s. The seven-story stone tower marks the exact center of Silla’s and the Korean peninsula’s territory.
How To Get There
The first section of the Hangang Bike Path lives in Seoul. Though sprawling, the metro mecca’s top-tier transportation networks make this cycling route the easiest to access in Korea.
You have four options to transport you and your bike onto the bike path.
Subways
It’s the weekend or national holiday. You’re in Seoul. What’s the best way to the bike paths? Subway.
Commuter Trains
Ten commuter trains integrate into the Seoul Subway System and pass into the capital’s satellite cities. Like subways, most allow full-size bikes aboard on weekends and holidays.
The Gyeongchun and Gyeongui–Jungang Lines scoot along the Namhangang and Bukhangang Bike Paths outside Seoul.
Intercity Buses
Subways and trains are best for getting around Seoul on the weekends. Intercity buses, however, let riders access southern parts of the Hangang Bike Path (a.k.a. Namhangang).
Year-round, they travel to every city and county along the South Han River. Just buy a ticket, nestle your bike in the intercity bus’s underbelly, and hop aboard.
Airplanes
Flying into Korea with your bike?
Incheon International Airport (인천국제공항), the country’s primary gateway, lives on Yeongjong Island in the Yellow Sea, about fifty kilometers from Seoul.
Districts on the Han
Below find a complete list of cities, counties, and provinces on the Han River. You can also find links the bike path breakdowns.
Seoul Special City (서울특별시; Seoul-si) is the gravitational center of Korea. Like London is to the U.K., Paris is to France, everything flows to and from the megacity. It:
- is the capital of South Korea.
- claims the headquarters of most Korean corporations.
- houses the biggest K-Pop labels.
- boasts the most awe-inspiring cultural relics.
Gyeonggi Province (경기도) is the most populous province in Korea. Why? The name says it all, translating to “the area around the capital.” But the province not only surrounds Seoul City (서울특별시; Seoul-si), the largest city. It also cuddles up to Incheon (인천시), Korea’s third largest metropolis.
Hanam City (하남시; Hanam-si) is satellite cities of Seoul (서울특별시; Seoul-si). First established in 1989, the city closely ties itself to the capital, borrowing many resources, including a subway (Line 5; 5호선) and commuter train (Gyeongui–Jungang Line; 경의·중앙선).
Yangpyeong County (양평군) sits on the South Han River (남한강; Namhangang) near the middle-north of South Korea. Its borders touch the bottom of Hanam City (하남시) in the north and the top of Yeoju City (여주시) in the south.
Yeoju City (여주시) lies on the southeastern edge of of Gyeonggi Province (경기도; Gyeonggi-do). South Korea recognizes Yeoju for two things.
- Its farmlands were some of the first to cultivate rice on the Korean peninsula.
- And the city birthed and holds the tombs for some of Korea’s most important leaders.
North Chungcheong Province (충청북도) sits in the center of South Korea. It is the only landlocked province in the country.
The province’s name comes from its two historically important cities, Chungju (충주시) and Cheongju (청주시). Chungju + Cheongju = ChungCheong.
Chungju City (충주시; Chungju-si) sits near the middle of South Korea in North Chungcheong Province (충청북도; Chungcheongbuk-do).
Just east of the city, you’ll find Chungju Lake. This body of water transforms the Donggang River (동강강) into the South Han River (남한강; Namhangang). This makes Chungju City the first or last stop on the Hangang Bicycle Path.
