I started the final day with a hearty meal at Hwagae Market. I had Jaecheop-guk (clear marsh clam soup) and Olgaengi-jeon (marsh snail pancake). At first glance, the soup looked like it only had chives floating on top, but a single scoop revealed a treasure trove of tiny clams at the bottom. The pancake was also packed with savory marsh snails. It was the perfect fuel for the ride ahead.
“Did you know?”
Korean food Jaecheop-guk
The Treasure of Seomjin River: Jaecheop (Marsh Clams)
When you cycle along the Seomjin River, you’ll likely see the word “Jaecheop” (재첩) on many restaurant signs. Here is everything you need to know about these tiny but mighty clams:1. What are Jaecheop?
- Scientific Name: Corbicula fluminea (often called Asian Clams or Marsh Clams).
- These are tiny, fingernail-sized freshwater clams that thrive in the clean, brackish waters (where the river meets the sea) of the Seomjin River.
2. Why are they special?
- Purity: They only live in Grade 1 clean water with a sandy bottom. The Seomjin River is one of the few places in Korea where they are still harvested in abundance.
- Harvesting: Locals often harvest them by hand using a traditional tool called a geurae (a large rake with a net), wading into the river at low tide.
3. Nutritional Benefits
They are packed with Taurine and Amino acids, which help with liver detoxification and recovery from fatigue—perfect for weary cyclists!
In Korea, Jaecheop-guk is famous as a “hangover cure” soup.
Today’s route was approximately 45km, stretching from Hwagae Market to the final checkpoint: Baialdo Waterfront Park Certification Center. Timing was crucial because I had to catch a bus back to Seoul from the Gwangyang Bus Terminal. But of course, I couldn’t resist a quick stop at a local cafe!
The Seomjin River bike path occasionally merges with local roads, but car traffic is light and manageable. The route is dotted with beautifully landscaped parks, and I was particularly impressed by how clean and well-maintained the public restrooms were—a true lifesaver when I had a sudden stomach ache during the ride!
Although it was a cloudy day, the reflection of the clouds on the river’s surface added a poetic touch to the scenery. The views throughout the ride were consistently breathtaking.
I finished the tour around noon and reached the bus terminal just in time. After a quick Chinese lunch, I boarded the bus, but the journey back to Seoul was grueling. Since it was the last day of a long holiday, the traffic was heavy. A trip that should have ended at 9 PM took three extra hours, landing me in Seoul past midnight.
With the subways already closed and my body feeling stiff from the long bus ride, we decided to finish the journey with a midnight ride back home.
The Han River bike path was empty, yet brightly lit by streetlights. It was the perfect, quiet end to our Seomjin River adventure. This is definitely a trail I want to revisit someday.