Yeongsan River Bike Trail : Day 1

Introduction: The 133km Yeongsan River Adventure

The Yeongsan River Bike Path is a stunning 133km route stretching from Damyang to Mokpo. It is part of South Korea’s famous “4 Rivers” cycling network.

The Full Route:

Damyang Dam → Metasequoia Road → Damyang Bamboo Forest → Seungchonbo Weir → Juksanbo Weir → Neureoji Observatory → Yeongsan River Estuary Bank

Except for the steep incline near the Neureoji Observatory, the path is mostly flat and beginner-friendly. While some elite riders finish the whole course in a day, I decided to split it into two days to truly enjoy the “healing” scenery of the Jeolla province.

Getting Started: From Seoul to Damyang

To begin the journey, I took the first express bus from Seoul Central City (Honam Line) to Damyang at 8:10 AM. The trip took about 3.5 hours, and I arrived around noon.

For my pre-ride fuel, I stopped at a local restaurant near the terminal for a bowl of Ppyeodagu-haejang-guk (Pork Spine Hangover Soup). It was hearty, flavorful, and provided the perfect energy boost for the miles ahead.

The Battle with the Rain

As I finished my coffee after lunch, the rain began to pour. Fortunately, I had checked the forecast and came prepared with a raincoat, waterproof shoe covers, and a bag cover.

The rain was heavy and the wind was fierce, which drained my stamina much faster than expected. However, I kept my spirits high—riding in the rain is all part of the “adventure” and creates memories that last a lifetime.

💡 Pro-Tip for Rainy Rides: While my lightweight hiking poncho was easy to carry, it acted like a sail in the wind, making me look like the Michelin Man and increasing wind resistance. If you’re serious about speed, a fitted Gore-Tex jacket is much better than a loose raincoat. However, the shoe covers were a complete success—keeping your feet dry is the key to comfort!

Day 1 Finish Line: Seungchonbo Weir

The first day ended at Seungchonbo Weir. Since there aren’t many accommodations directly at the certification center, I had to ride a bit further along a local highway. It was slightly intimidating with cars passing in the dark, but a delicious reward was waiting for me.

Dinner: The Famous Songhyeon Bulgogi (Est. 1982)

After a quick shower, I headed to Songhyeon Bulgogi, a legendary local spot.

• The Menu: They specialize in a single dish—Pork Bulgogi.
• The Experience: They serve the meat one plate at a time as it’s grilled, ensuring every bite is hot and smoky.

The meat had a perfect charcoal aroma and a subtle sweetness. Whether eaten plain or wrapped in a fresh lettuce leaf, it was the perfect way to end a grueling first day.