Ride the Expressway: The Seoul Bike Parade

The Seoul Bike Parade (Seoul Bicycle Festival) has officially marked its 5th anniversary, running annually from 2021 through 2025. It is a rare, exhilarating opportunity to ride on Gangbyeonbuk-ro, a major urban expressway usually strictly reserved for motor vehicles.

The Evolution of the Parade

While the inaugural 2021 event took place along the Han River’s southern bike paths, the route became more established starting in 2022. The event’s popularity has skyrocketed; last year, we saw a record-breaking 7,000 participants taking over the streets.

Note: With 7,000 riders divided into Groups A, B, and C, be prepared for a bit of a wait at the starting line—but the atmosphere is electric!

2021 Event Photo

Event Formats: Free Riding vs. Parade

The event typically offers two ways to participate:

1. Free Riding: A flexible 10km ride where you verify your distance independently.
2. The Parade: The main event—a collective 21km mass-start ride through the heart of the city and onto the highway.

2022 Event Photo

Room for Growth

Personally, I feel the 21km distance is a bit short, and since the route has remained similar for a few years, I’d love to see more variety in the future. While I understand that closing major roads requires immense coordination and public cooperation, diversifying the course would help the Seoul Bike Parade grow into a truly world-class international cycling festival.

2023 Event Photo

2024 Event Photo

2025 Event Photo

How to Join in 2026

One downside is that registration is incredibly competitive. Even with 7,000 spots, it usually sells out almost instantly once the portal opens.

For 2026, registration is expected to begin around April. If you’re in Seoul or planning a visit, I highly recommend setting an alarm for this. Riding through the city without the noise of cars is a surreal and refreshing experience.

https://seoulbikefest.com

Stay safe and enjoy the ride, wherever you are!