
Jeju Fantasy
Bicycle Path
Explore dormant volcanoes and active beaches.
The Jeju Fantasy Bicycle Path (제주환상 자전거길; map) follows coastal roads around Jeju Island (제주도; Jeju-do; map), which sits 80 kilometers south of the Korean peninsula.
Known as Korea’s island getaway, the cycling course around Jeju features endless geological sights, including seaside caves, waterfalls, beaches, and volcanic cones.
Jeju City
(제주시)
15.5 hours
Jeju City
(제주시)

- Time 15.5 hours (2 to 3 days)
- Length 234 km (145 miles)
- Elevation 165 m | 0 m (541 ft | 0 ft)
- Difficulty 🚲🚲🚲🚲
- Certifications Jeju Fantasy, Grand Slam
From the island’s big city, cycle by beaches, offshore islands, and volcanic cones.
Ride along the bottom of Jeju Island and discover secluded beaches and groves.
Circle back to the big city and discover the island’s famed sleeping volcano.
Discover the top highlights along the Jeju Fantasy Bicycle Path.
Find out how to take an airplane, ferry, or bus to and around the Jeju Fantasy Bicycle Path.
Learn the history and geography of Jeju Island.
Bike Path Overview
The Nakdonggang Bike Path follows the Nakdong River (낙동강; Nakdonggang; map). Unlike the Ara, Hangang, and Saejae, it doesn’t begin where the previous bike path ends.
The cycling route starts 70 kilometers east of the Cross-Country Route in Andong City (안동시; map). It then travels west to Sangju City (상주시; map), where it meets the Saejae Bike Path.
The route continues south through Daegu City (대구시; map) and North and South Gyeongsan Provinces. It ends in Busan City (부산시; map), where the Nakdong River spills into the Korea Strait.
Most of the bike path tracks the Nakdong River’s gentle downward slope. However, two obstacles make the Nakdonggang challenging.
- It measures 389 kilometers, the longest certification route. That’s 147 km more than the Gangwon Bike Path, the second longest.
- The route features a handful of steep riverside mountain passes.
Let’s check the course, then look closer at the bike path’s hills and paths.
The Course
The Nakdonggang Bike Path has:
- Two starting points.
- One finish line.
- And several parallel paths on opposite sides of the river.
Let’s break it down.
Are you riding the Cross-Country Route? Do you don’t want the Nakdonggang Bike Path Certification? Just want the Cross-Country certification?
- Start the Nakdonggang Bike Path at Sangju Sangpung Bridge Certification Center, the final stamp booth on the Saejae Bike Path. Continue south to the Nakdonggang Estuary Bank, the last certification center in Busan City (directions).
Do you want to conquer the entire Nakdong River and get the Nakdonggang and Cross-Country certifications?
- Start at the Andong Dam Certification Center in Andong City. It sits 70 kilometers upriver from the end of the Saejae Bike Path. Cycle west until you meet the Cross-Country Route. Then continue to Busan (directions).
Let’s skim Nakdonggang Bike Path’s five sections.
Andong to Sangju

Start upriver in Andong City (안동시; map), a depository of Korea’s old culture. Follow the Nakdong River west. Riding on a mix of bike paths and country roads, pass historic villages, academies, and pavilions.
End at Sangpung Bridge (상풍교; map) in Sangju City, where you’ll rejoin the Cross-Country Route.
Sangju to Gumi

The route from Sangju City (상주시; map) to Gumi City (구미시; map) runs south along the Nakdong River. The path passes major highlights, including weirs, natural wonders, and a bike museum.
End in downtown Gumi City, an advanced manufacturing hub.
Gumi to Daegu

Daegu to Changnyeong

Off into the countryside.
The fourth leg of the Nakdonggang Bike Path presents the largest challenge. Amongst its high, winding ridgelines above the Nakdong, pass weirs and climb three mountain passes. From on top one summit, view a treasured Confucion academy.
Changnyeong to Busan

This last leg of the Nakdonggang Bike Path skips hills. Its vistas sweep along the wide Nakdong River as it meanders through waterside parks.
In Busan (부산시; map), Korea’s second largest city, the river spills into the Korea Strait, marking the end of the Cross-Country Route.

Municipalities
The Nakdonggang Bicycle Path crosses two provinces, two metropolitan cities, and 14 cities and counties. Check out these short profiles of each.
- North Gyeongsang Province (경상북도; map) is one half of the old Gyeongsang Province. Its most famous city is Gyeongju. Known as Korea’s open-air museum, it was the capital of the peninsula under the Silla Dynasty (57 BCE ~ 935 CE). It claims countless ancient relics and museums. The largest province by area, the conservative region birthed several famous leaders and scholars, like Yi Hwang (이황; on the ₩1,000 bill).
- Andong City (안동시; map) is the capital and largest city in North Gyeongsang Province. Loaded with heritage, the city features a hanok village, and hosts a traditional Korean mask dance museum and performances.
- Yecheon County (예천군; map) has sat at the foot of the Sobaek Mountains for over a thousand years. A farming community famous for sesame oil, mulberry leaf tea, and apples, the county lost two-thirds of its population since the 60s.
- Sangju City (상주시 (map) was once a key settlement and transit hub during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE ~ 668 CE). The city became a bicycle mecca in the early 1900s. Today, each Sangju household owns about two bikes, the highest rate in Korea. The city’s agriculture industry produces rice, persimmons, and silk.
- Gumi City (구미시; map) holds some of Korea’s most advanced manufacturing and R&D facilities. Both Samsung and LG run factories in the city. The sprawling Geumo Mountain Provincial Park, with winding hiking trails, waterfalls, temples, and a cable car, nudges against downtown Gumi.
- Chilgok County (칠곡군; map) holds battle scars from different centuries. War scorched the area during the Imjin Wars (1592 ~ 1598) and the Korean War (1950 ~ 1953), where it sat on the Pusan Perimeter. The county resurrected and memorialized a bridge destroyed during the latter conflict.
- Daegu Metropolitan City (대구광역시; map) is Korea’s fourth largest city. At one time, it was North Gyeongsang Province’s capital. It still serves as an economic engine for the region. Daegu’s industries include high-tech manufacturing, textiles and fashion, and nationally famed apples.
- Dalseong County (달성군; map) is a district within Daegu. Cut in two by the metro city’s downtown, the county accounts for half Daegu’s total area. Many of Dalseong’s residents own pocket-sized farms or serve in the military.
- Goryeong County (고령군; map) was the seat of one of the ancient Gaya Confederacy’s six city-states. Today, it’s one of Korea’s least populated counties. Local farmers grow strawberries and watermelons.
- South Gyeongsang Province (경상남도; map) forms the lower half of the old Gyeongsang Province. It once contained the now self-governing Busan and Ulsan Metropolitan Cities, which extract and refine much of Korea’s oil. Today, the province’s cities and plentiful islands fish, farm, and build ships along the nation’s southeast coast.
- Hapcheon County (합천군; map) has a mountainous west that slopes downwards to eastern streams. Its Gaya Mountain National Park keeps Haeinsa Temple, one of Korea’s Three Jewels Temples.
- Uiryeong County (의령군; map) is one of the nation’s least populated, holding less than 30,000 people. However, it birthed two famous Koreans, including Gwak Jae-u, who fought Japan during the Imjin Wars, and Lee Byung-chul, founder of Samsung.
- Changnyeong County (창녕군; map) was an ancient city-state of the Gaya Confederacy. Its flat, arable land led to its early development. The county’s Upo Wetlands are the nation’s largest inland marsh.
- Haman County (함안군; map) was a Gaya Confederacy city-state. Mountains dominate its south. Fertile fields claim its northern regions near the Nakdong River. The county relies on its agriculture, producing famed watermelons, for which they hold an annual festival.
- Changwon City (창원시; map) is the Korea’s ninth largest city and the capital of South Gyeongsang Province. A “planned city” with plentiful parks, and separate manufacturing and residential areas, Changwon’s income comes from an industrial complex that focuses on heavy machines.
- Miryang City (밀양시; map), because of its location along the Nakdong River, served as an important stop along the Great Yeongnam Road during the Joseon Dynasty (1392 ~ 1897). Today, the high-speed KTX train, which runs from Seoul to Busan, also stops in the city.
- Yangsan City (양산시; map) wedges between the second and seventh largest cities in Korea: Busan in the south and Ulsan in the north. Because it’s a satellite city, Yangsan is growing fast with high-rise apartment buildings.
- Busan Metropolitan City (부산광역시; map) is Korea’s second largest city. It lies on the southeastern tip of the peninsula. The city hosted the nation’s first international port in 1876. During the Korean War, because it was only one of two cities not captured, Busan became South Korea’s capital. Today, the city hosts many international conferences and events, like the annual Busan International Film Festival.
Elevation
The Nakdonggang Bike Path crawls along the Nakdong River’s gentle slope. But the cycling route presents a challenging collection of hills. Let’s explore the biggest ones.
Andong City Hills
Climb a pair of back-to-back hills west of downtown Andong City (안동시; map).
The first hill leaps from the banks of the Nakdong River and climbs to a 160-meter peak (directions).
- Total Climb: a 74-meter ascent over 1.4 kilometers with a 5.3% average incline.
Three kilometers after the first climb, the route rides up a riverside mountain to a 141-meter top (directions).
- Total Climb: a 52-meter ascent over 843 meters with a 6.2% average incline.
Gyeongcheondae Terrace Hill
On the west banks of the Nakdong, just before Gyeongcheondae Terrace, the bike path navigates razor-sharp switchbacks to a 119-meter summit (directions).
- Total Climb: a 65-meter ascent over 495 meters with a 13.1% average incline.
You can avoid the hill by crossing to the east side of the Nakdong near Sangju Sangpung Certification Center. However, this route holds a 40-meter hill (directions).
Daramjae Pass
The bike path splinters into two routes near Dodong Seowon Confucian Academy (도동서원; map).
- Follow a tunnel through the hillside and avoid a mountain pass (directions).
- Use the “official route” and climb Daramjae Pass (다람재; map) below Jindeung Mountain (진등산; map).
While challenging, climb the Daramjae Pass and find an unbeatable 124-meter high view of the 400-year-old Confucian academy and its surroundings from a pavilion (directions; road view).
Total Climb: a 105-meter climb over 854 meters with a 12.3% average incline.
Musimsa Temple Hill
Want to catch a splendid view of the river from a colorful temple? Hop off the “official route” and tackle a hill that features Musimsa Temple (무심사; map).
The course winds up a rugged bike path to a 135-meter summit (directions).
- Total Climb: 105 meters over 2 kilometers with a 5.5% average incline.
Bakjin Pass
Bakjin Pass (박진고개; map) sneaks under Jandeung Mountain (잔등산; map) in Uiryeong County. The Nakdonggang Bike Path’s steepest climb, it threads switchbacks to a 173-meter peak (directions).
- Total Climb: 157 meters over 1.6 kilometers with a 9.8% average incline.
Stop at the viewing deck, grab a certification stamp, and glance out at the winding waterway (road view).
Yeongaji & Angaesil Passes
Soon after the Bakjin Pass, the route crosses back-to-back mountain passes: Yeongaji (영아지고개; map) and Angaesil (안개실고개; map).
Just outside Namji Town, climb to a 163-meter ridge under Docho Mountain (도초산; map; directions).
- Total Climb: 149 meters over 1.6 kilometers with a 9.3% average incline.
The path along Yeongaji and Angaesil Passes consists of rugged cycling/hiking paths with pine needles scattered about (road view).
Bike Path Types
Korea’s longest certification path, the Nakdonggang Bike Path follows every type of pavement: bike-only paths, farmer access roads, country roads, hiking paths.
Let’s break down the pavement conditions section by section.
Andong to Sangju
The first third of the Andong to Sangju segment switches between bike lanes, farmer roads, and rural streets (directions). The most perilous stretch crosses the entrance to the Andong Hahoe Folk Village (directions; road view).
Near the end of the route, the path follows a series of farm roads. Though devoid of traffic, rough patches and dirt clumps often clutter the roadway (directions; road view).
Sangju to Gumi
Most of the Sangju to Gumi section rides on bicycle-only paths. However, when passing hilly sections, it hops onto narrow, rural roads.
- For 5.6 kilometers, near Gyeongcheondae, follow switchback turns over a hill (road view). Flow onto a road with bike lanes (directions; road view).
- On the edge of Sangju City, two segments pass hills (here and here) and ride along a rural roadway (road view).
Gumi to Daegu
About 95% of the Gumi to Daegu course follows cycling paths in riverside parks (road view). However, for 2.2 kilometers near the city of Daegu, you’ll cycle a narrow walking path up a hillside (directions; road view).
Daegu to Changnyeong
The Daegu to Changnyeong segment presents the most challenges, holding major hills and stretches along a high-speed roadway and rural roads.
- Cross a bridge into Hyeonpung Town (현풍읍; map) and navigate city roads until you rejoin the bike path (directions).
- If you climb the Daramjae Pass (map), travel up a two-lane road without protected bike lanes (directions; road view).
- Travel farm roads near Hapcheon Changnyeong Weir (directions; road view).
- The climb up Bakjin Pass is unavoidable and uses a road with a rough, narrow bike lane (directions; road view).
- Yeongaji and Angaesil Passes use a rugged, concrete hiking path strewn with pine needles (directions; road view).
Changnyeong to Busan
Changnyeong to Busan, the last section on the Nakdonggang Bike Path, treads on protected bike paths, with a few exceptions.
- Just over Namji Bridge, follow a rural roadway (road view) mixed with paths in riverside park to Changnyeong Haman-bo Weir (directions).
- Between Changnyeong Haman-bo Weir and Bonpo Bridge (map), the route switches between winding roadways and bike-only paths (road view; directions).
- The route travels a cliff-side road (road view) near Sinnakdong Steel Bridge (directions).
Certification
There are eleven certification centers on the Nakdonggang Bicycle Path.
Collect all stamps and receive the Nakdonggang Bike Path certification, which counts towards the Cross-Country, Four Rivers, and Grand Slam certifications.

Certification Centers
Here is a complete list of certification centers along the Nakdonggang Bike Path.
- Andong Dam (안동댐 인증센터; map)
- Sangju-bo (상주보 인증센터; map)
- Nakdan-bo (낙단보 인증센터; map)
- Gumi-bo (구미보 인증센터; map)
- Chilgok-bo (칠곡보 인증센터; map)
- Gangjeong Goryeong-bo (강정고령보 인증센터; map)
- Dalseong-bo (달성보 인증센터; map)
- Hapcheon Changnyeong-bo (합천창녕보 인증센터; map)
- Changnyeong Haman-bo (창녕함안보 인증센터; map)
- Yangsan Water Culture Hall (양산물문화관 인증센터; map)
- Nakdonggang Estuary Bank (낙동강하구둑 인증센터; map)
Missed Certification Centers
Trying to complete the Cross-Country Certification? You don’t need the Andong Dam Certification Center stamp. It lies in Andong City (안동시; map), 70.2 kilometers away from the Cross-Country Route (directions).
However, grab the Andong Dam stamp to complete the Nakdonggang, Four Rivers, and Grand Slam certifications.

Municipalities
The Jeju Fantasy Bike Path circles Jeju Special Province and its two cities. Read these quick breakdowns of each municipality.
- Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (제주특별자치도) governs the entirety of Jeju Island, which rests 293 kilometers off the southwest coast of the peninsula. Known as Korea’s Hawaii, the island grew up alongside, but culturally different from mainland Korea, with unique folklore and art. A matriarchal society ruled by freediving women, Jeju often resisted interference from the peninsula’s rule and fought back against Japanese colonization. Today, other than fishing and limited farming, the island makes money through tourism. The dormant volcanoes of Seongsan Ilchulbong and Halla Mountain (South Korea’s tallest) and endless beaches attract mainland Koreans and visitors from nearby nations.
- Jeju City (제주시) occupies the top half of Jeju Island. Known as the administrative side, or “the people north of Halla Mountain,” since ancient times, when Jeju’s three fathers crawled from three enshrined holes, the city held the island’s rulers and most of its people. Jeju’s only airport and biggest port form the main points of entry onto the island. Though Seogwipo possesses more tourism wonders, Jeju City encompasses its own basket of treasures, including beaches, museums, and offshore isles.
- Seogwipo City (서귀포시) claims the bottom part of Jeju Island. Less populated than Jeju City, the district is one of Korea’s most developed tourist destinations. Filled with hotels, resorts, and terra firma glory, Seogwipo boasts a lake-topped peak, pristine beaches, a troop of waterfalls, sculpted offshore islands, and Jeju’s most iconic dormant cone volcano. The city also holds the Jeju World Cup Stadium, where Jeju’s professional football (soccer) club plays.
Certification
There are ten certification centers on the Jeju Fantasy Bike Path.
Collect all stamps and receive the Jeju Fantasy Bike Path certification. The stamps also count towards the Grand Slam certification.

Certification Centers
Here is a complete list of certification centers along the Jeju Fantasy Bike Path.
- Yong Du Am (용두암 인증센터; map)
- Darak Shelter (다락쉼터 인증센터; map)
- Haegeoreum Park (해거름마을공원 인증센터; map)
- Songaksan (송악산 인증센터; map)
- Beophwan Badang (법환바당 인증센터; map)
- Soesokkak (쇠소깍 인증센터; map)
- Pyoseon Beach (표선해변 인증센터; map)
- Seongsan Ilchulbong (성산일출봉 인증센터; map)
- Gimnyeong Seongsegi Beach (김녕성세기해변 인증센터; map)
- Hamdeok Seoubong Beach (함덕서우봉해변 인증센터; map)
Highlights
The Nakdong Bicycle Path is Korea’s longest certification path. It features natural wonders, ancient and modern highlights, and eight weirs.
Let’s explore the Nakdonggang Bike Path’s notable highlights.
- 1. Yong Du Am Rock
- 2. Samseonghyeol Archaeological Site
- 3. Hyeopjae Beach & Geumneung Beach
- 4. Hallim Park
- 5. Geumneung Rock Park
- 6. Suwol Peak
- 7. Songak Mountain
- 8. Yongmeori Coast
- 9. Sanbang Mountain
- 10. Jungmun Tourist Complex
- 11. Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliffs
- 12. Beophwan Badang Coast
- 13. Oedolgae Rock
- 14. Cheonjiyeon Falls
- 15. Jeongbang Falls
- 16. Soesokkak Estuary
- 17. Pyoseon Beach
- 18. Seopjikoji Coast
- 19. Seongsan Ilchulbong
- 20. Manjang Cave
- 21. Gimnyeong Seongsegi Beach
- 22. Hamdeok Seoubong Beach
Yong Du Am Rock stands as one of Jeju Island’s iconic landmarks. Situated on the northeastern coast near Jeju International Airport, it’s a convenient stop for visitors beginning or concluding their Jeju journey. The rock formation’s name translates to “Dragon Head Rock,” inspired by its striking resemblance to a dragon rising from the sea.
Samseonghyeol Archaeological Site, located in Jeju City, is a significant historical and cultural landmark tied to the origin myths of Jeju Island.
Known as the “Three Clans’ Holes,” this site is where, according to legend, three demigods emerged from the earth to become the founders of Jeju’s ancient kingdom of Tamna. Designated as Historic Site No. 134 in 1964, it is a key destination for those interested in Jeju’s mythology, history, and cultural heritage.
Nestled along Jeju’s picturesque western coastline in Hallim Town, Hyeopjae Beach and Geumneung Beach form a captivating seaside duo. These neighboring beaches are known for their pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views of Biyang Island.
Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere of Hyeopjae or the serene charm of Geumneung, both offering unique experiences just a short walk apart.
Nestled on the western coast of Jeju Island near Hyeopjae Beach, Hallim Park is a sprawling botanical and cultural park that blends natural beauty with local heritage.
Established in 1971 on barren coastal land, the park has grown into a lush, 100,000-square-meter destination featuring nine themed zones. Visitors can explore subtropical gardens, ancient lava caves, a traditional folk village, and more, all against the backdrop of stunning coastal scenery.
Jeju Island
Jeju Island (제주도; map) is the largest island in South Korea and a prominent destination for travelers drawn to its unique volcanic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and ecological significance. Officially known as Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, the island covers an area of 1,833 square kilometers, with Hallasan Mountain at its center, rising 1,947 meters above sea level. The island’s distinct geographical features include over 360 volcanic cones, known locally as oreums, and a coastline marked by lava formations and sandy beaches.
Referred to as Tamna Kingdom (탐라) in ancient records, Jeju Island was an independent kingdom before its incorporation into the Korean Peninsula’s governance in 1404. Today, Jeju is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, recognized for its geological and ecological importance.
Geography
Jeju Island sits in the southernmost part of Korea, approximately 450 kilometers from Seoul, separated from the mainland by the Jeju Strait (제주해협; map). Here’s a brief rundown of its geology:
- Its elliptical shape stretches 73 kilometers from east to west and 31 kilometers from north to south.
- The coastline spans 253 kilometers, encompassing rocky shores, lava cliffs, and a few sandy beaches.
- Hallasan Mountain occupies its middle. A dormant shield volcano and the highest peak in South Korea, its slopes give rise to diverse ecosystems, ranging from subtropical lowlands to alpine environments.
Jeju’s geological formation began millions of years ago through volcanic activity. The island’s rich history includes its time as the independent Tamna Kingdom, which engaged in trade with China and Japan. During the Joseon Dynasty, Jeju became a place of exile for political dissidents, further shaping its unique culture and traditions.
How To Get There
Ninety-plus percent of folks fly to Jeju, making Jeju International Airport, Korea’s second busiest, the primary entry point.
And because the island lacks subways, trains, and frequent bus service, most visitors rent a car and motor around.
What about folks with bicycles? First, let’s learn to bring a bike to Jeju. Then, let’s figure out buses.
(Remember, if you’re flying or sailing to Jeju from South Korea, it’s a domestic journey. No immigration or customs. However, you must present identification to board. And if you’re a foreigner, they won’t accept your library card. Passports or ARCs only.)
Airplanes
Planes are the fastest and most popular way onto Jeju Island. In fact, the flight path between Gimpo International Airport in Seoul and Jeju is the busiest in the world.
All airlines traveling to the island accept bicycles as checked baggage. And because many mainland cyclists venture to Jeju, workers handle thousands of flying bikers a year.
Ferries
Don’t like flying? Take a boat.
Ferries depart from mainland Korea to Jeju Island from several ports along Korea’s coasts, including Mokpo, Busan, Incheon, and more.
Why so many ferries? I thought airplanes were the most popular transportation to Jeju.
True. The flights average an hour from Seoul to Jeju. Most ferries average four hours from the bottom coast of Korea, and over 13 hours from Incheon.
As mentioned earlier, many visitors scoot around the island in a car because Jeju lacks trains and speedy bus service.
While the majority rent, others prefer to take their own. And you can’t bring a car on a passenger jet. So almost all ferries bound for Jeju include a lower deck for cars, motorbikes, and bicycles.
Buses
Jeju island offers only one form of public transportation: buses.
On the mainland, there’s a clear distinction between bus types. City buses accept transportation cards and stop at regular old bus stops. Intercity and express buses require tickets, depart from terminals, and land in another city or part of the country.
Jeju runs their buses a little differently.