Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tribal]

So from doing a little searching, it seems as though the ROK has some good mountain biking. If you have a personal favorite, please share.

Also, I'm debating whether to bring my bike over, or buy there and forgo the pain of lugging it over. How are the bikes there? Same models as here? Price? Cheers...

[Crockpot2001]

Here is a ling to the main English speaking MTB groups. There are several associated with this link. Snoop around. The main Seoul group meets every Saturday at various places and is VERY well coordinated and includes beers, Western snacks and dry humor. Most riders are cross country rides with an occasional day at Jisan, a downhill resort.
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/mtbk/

Riding IS very good but nothing like I ever experienced in the US. It takes MANY times to learn the trails since they are pieced together section of singltrack 1-5 km long with some interesting trailheads to say the least.

If you are over 5'11", bring a bike. If you like to ride a more upper end steed, bring a bike. In both cases you will be reamed so severely you'll swear you'd had a boyfriend named Thick-Mick while doing time in San Quentin. Nice MTBs are a way to show status here and they are proud to get ripped off at the shop. Also, there is no such thing as test riding. No rolling until the green is on the other side of the counter. If you like nice bikes, bring one with you.

If you do buy here there are some familiar brands like Trek, Cannondale, Specialized and Giant. For the most part there is a premium on these brands due to import tariffs and prestige. I don�t have prices but I understand they are "more". Merida and titania are local companies but made in Taiwan like most others.

Good luck and I hope we see you soon

[nosmallplans]

FS is also recommended. HT is possible but its rough on the body with all the steps (natural & unnatural), rocks and roots. Going downhill tends to be really rough as the Koreans like to 'build' trails going straight up avoiding having to build switchbacks so a FS is needed for a smoother descent. That does mean the uphill will be significantly shittier - but most of us MTBK guys seem to hike-a-bike anyway.

[kiwiduncan]

It's true that Korea still has very few mtb specific trails but piecing together good routes with bits of fireroad, hiking trail, farm track and so on is all part of the fun.

Try this thread to get an idea of some of the trails in Korea.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=100015&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[esetters21]

Check this site just for reference as to how ridiculously expensive mtbs are in Korea.

http://www.chungcycle.co.kr/default/product_list.php?part_idx=2

[Jeff's Cigarettes]

Yeah, I wonder why that's so. All that extra cash going into the proprietors pockets or is there an import tax?

Anyways, there are some pretty nice trails here around Everland.

[JungMin]

I haven't been out towards Everland, but I have heard many people say there are nice trails out that way. I have pieced together a nice 1.5~2 hour loop here in Suji. Big workout with lots of steep uphills, but tons of rolling singletrack and steep downhills. 100% ridable. None of this hike-a-bike crap. We'll, if your fat and out of shape like me, then ya....gotta hike it.

[runthegauntlet]

[esetters21]

[Tribal]