Getting to Gwangju:
Incheon Airport (Seoul)---> Gwangju
The Bus
The best way to get from Incheon Airport to Gwangju is the Express Limousine Bus Service. The buses will allow you to place your bicycle box/case in the lower, storage compartment of the bus. The buses are very comfortable and accommodating to cyclists. After collecting your baggage, go out exit #9 of the first floor. You will see ticket kiosks located just outside, near the exits. Buses leave every 30 minutes from 6:20 ~ 23:00. Don't worry, signs are both in Korean and English.
Transport time: 3hr 50min
Cost: 32,300 KRW
Incheon Airport 1st floor, exit 9
The Train
The KORAIL train policy towards bicycles is often not very welcoming and you may get turned away at the train station. So, for that reason, the buses in Korea are a much better option.
The Bus
The best way to get from Incheon Airport to Gwangju is the Express Limousine Bus Service. The buses will allow you to place your bicycle box/case in the lower, storage compartment of the bus. The buses are very comfortable and accommodating to cyclists. After collecting your baggage, go out exit #9 of the first floor. You will see ticket kiosks located just outside, near the exits. Buses leave every 30 minutes from 6:20 ~ 23:00. Don't worry, signs are both in Korean and English.
Transport time: 3hr 50min
Cost: 32,300 KRW
Incheon Airport 1st floor, exit 9
The Train
The KORAIL train policy towards bicycles is often not very welcoming and you may get turned away at the train station. So, for that reason, the buses in Korea are a much better option.
Where to stay:
Korea has a lot of clean and inexpensive sleeping options for both your stay and your time on the bike. The motel owners are usually very friendly and don't mind if you keep your bicycle in the room. If you have any problems with bringing the bike in the room, just tell them it's an expensive bike and that usually does the trick.
Motels are typically around 40,000KRW for 1 person. The price can go up to 60,000KRW for 2 people with 2 beds. With Korean motels you can expect a clean room, with a mini-fridge, a computer, gigantic flat screen TV, a big bathtub and sometimes free popcorn and coffee. These are a good choice while travelling around the country for weekend brevets.
Yeogwans (여관) are cheaper and more basic than Korean motels. They are usually about 30,000KRW for 1 person. These are more common in the countryside. A lot of yeogwans have mats for sleeping rather than beds. These are mostly empty rooms with a hot shower. You won't get any extras with these, but they are fine if you just need to take a couple hour rest and hot shower during the GR1200.
Jimjilbang(짐질방) are big saunas that you can sleep in. If you want to travel around Korea for cheap and experience some culture, than the jimjilbangs are a good choice. You should expect to pay 10,000 KRW for the night. You can usually convince the owner to keep your bicycle somewhere safe inside, but you may have to be a little persistent. When you enter, they will give you a t-shirt and shorts. You are supposed to wear them after you take a shower. You can then relax in a big heated room and take a rest.
What to eat:
Korea has a very well developed cuisine. So, while you're over here, why not give some Dolsot Bibimbap (mixed rice and vegetables in a hot stone pot) a try. Here are a few examples of some good go-to foods while riding brevets.
Naengmyeon-noodles served in an icy, cold broth. This is the ultimate rehydration meal after a hot day in the saddle.
Dolsot Bibimbap- rice with vegetables served in a hot stone bowl. The idea is to mix everything together with your spoon and eat. If you're looking for a balanced, nutritious meal, this is a good one.
Jaeyook Bokum- spicy pork served with a side of rice and some lettuce to make wraps with. If you like your spice, this is a favorite with a lot of foreigners.
Kimbap- this is a quick meal/snack that you can find everywhere in Korea. There are many different varieties including: Chamchi (tuna), Donkas (fried pork), and Dokgalbi (sort of a hamburger meat) kimbap.
This list could really go on forever. Korea has a lot of tasty food for you to try along the way. Go for it!
This list could really go on forever. Korea has a lot of tasty food for you to try along the way. Go for it!
Bakeries have become increasingly popular in the last decade. You will have little trouble finding a baguette or croissant in most Korean towns.