Korean Job Discussion Forums

[skrivnut]

Hi there,

I'm considering moving back to Korea next year. Anybody have/bring a bike to Seoul? I know the traffic conditions, but I'm just wondering if anyone has braved them. Are there any bike repair shops?

Thanks

skriv

[tommynomad]

Hey skrivnut,

I brought a bike to Korea a couple of years ago. Ended up riding down the east coast. I didn't ride in Seoul, but when I was there in March for a week, I saw more urban cyclists than I'd ever expected--let's say a couple of dozen who really got in there and were a part of traffic. So it's definitely possible....if you've got the skills.

Now I'm thinking about buying a bike for the next trip....

[skrivnut]

Great news tommy. A cycle trip sounds awesome! Another reason to bring it along! So, the next question is, what's the best way to bring it?

thx

skriv

[rok_the-boat]

Cycling has recently gotten quite popular here. Bikes are pretty cheap too - just buy one here!

[Ody]

[The Great Toad]

[phaedrus]

This is a good website about all sorts of biking in Korea stuff. There is a good section about braving traffic.

http://www.janboonstra.com

[skrivnut]

Wow, thanks for the great website! And to the suggestion of buying a bike in Korea.... I may end up doing just that since my prized bike got stolen not five hours after I posted asking about riding in Korea. It was even locked up at a church!

Since part of the reason I'm coming back is that I'm flat broke (again!), I don't think I'll be buying a new one before I go.

I guess it would be hard to find larger frame bikes (say, 25") there though, wouldn't it?

skriv

[bundaegi]

I bought a bike and used it a lot when I was in Korea way back in 96', almost nobody biked then in Seoul, I looked quite odd, but it was a real good way to get around. If I do come back I'm bringing my Schwin 10speed with the big frame. Korean bikes are inexpensive, you know, single speed deals for about 90 bucks equivalent. That's really cool if biking is catching on now.

[Atkinson]

I'm bringing my bike to SK. I didn't see any responses about bike repair shops. Are ther any? Specifically in Seoul. Are ther any parts that are hard to get that I sould bring?

Are Bob (Yak) Trailers available in SK?

Does Korea have Presta tubes (the ones with the skinny European air valve)? I use 700cc size.

At

[shifty]

Once in Korea, do yrself a favor. Park yr bike inside yr apartment.

Modus operandi of the thieves here is to carry the locked bike out of the apartment block, cart away in the back of a truck and saw the lock at their leisure

[Pyongshin Sangja]

25 inch frames? I doubt they would be stocked. What are you, 6' 10"? I know a few good shops, though, that sell Giant, Cannondale, Specialized. Probably available through special order.

Presta tubes? Yes, common on 700c here, no problem. Pumps, too.

Shippping to Korea? Asiana takes bikes for free but it counts as one piece of baggage, other airlines not sure. $60-100 each way should get your bike on any plane. Ask when booking your flight, this could be a significant price break.

Korean drivers insane? Yes. Watch out for me, too.

[Atkinson]

[Wangja]

There is a bike repair shop about 300m south of Sinyongsan station, west side of the main road to Hangang bridge.

Bikes here cost what you want: the most expensive I have seen was 2.3 million won (about 2000 USD). I now have a 115,000 won special, 18 gears (crummy movement) to replace the 400,000 Fuji I had stolen.

There are more and more cyclists around.

[Atkinson]