Day 1: Cycling from Ara West Sea Lock to Yangpyeong Art Museum

Once you have your cycling passport at Jeongseojin, it is time to ride. 🚲 This first-day itinerary begins beside the wide waters of the west coast, follows Seoul's Han River, and continues toward the scenery of the Namhan River. With Ara West Sea Lock as the starting point and Yangpyeong Art Museum as the destination, here are ideas for scenery, breaks, food, and an overnight stop.

The route photographs were taken between West Sea Lock and Yeouido on October 5, 2026. The section beyond Yeouido is planning guidance for continuing to Yangpyeong, including a meal stop and accommodation options. The photo timestamps are not a recommended timetable for the entire journey. Start early if you plan to reach Yangpyeong, and adjust your destination to your fitness and remaining daylight.

👉 Before setting off, see our Jeongseojin guide to the information desk, cycling passport, and Ara Tower attractions (Korean).

Read this article in Korean / 한국어로 읽기

The route at a glance

Download KBJ 1.gpx (GPX route file)

Open the shared route in KakaoMap

Ara West Sea Lock → Ara Hangang Lock → Yeouido → eastern Seoul's Han River paths → Paldang → Neungnae Station and Bukhangang Railway Bridge → Yangpyeong Art Museum

Our suggested restaurant, Yuwol-ui Bori (유월의 보리) in Jayang-dong, is north of the Han River. Depending on which riverbank you ride, the stop involves a bridge crossing or a detour into local streets. Add the restaurant as a waypoint in your map app's cycling directions, checking bicycle access on bridge approaches and following signs on the ground. The route above connects key places; it is not a recorded GPS track or turn-by-turn navigation.

1. Ara West Sea Lock: your first stamp and the start of the ride

After leaving the building where you purchased your cycling passport, head to the starting area. Trees beside the path, waterfront views, and the red certification booth make the beginning of a cross-country ride feel real. Stamp the correct page of your passport and take a photo. Park your bicycle and luggage clear of the path so other riders can reach the booth.

A shaded path leading to the starting area.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

Waterfront scenery and a red certification booth near the west coast.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

The certification booth and a touring bicycle at Ara West Sea Lock.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

The START arch marks the beginning of the ride. Before picking up speed, check your brakes and make sure your luggage is secure. Ride at an easy pace while you warm up. Fill your bottles before departure and keep a small snack in an accessible bag.

Beginning the journey beneath the START arch.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

2. Along the Ara Waterway: follow the signs and enjoy the scenery

Following the water is part of the pleasure of the Ara route. At junctions, look for signs toward Ara Hangang Lock (아라한강갑문). Use the bicycle-route signs and pavement markings alongside your map. Slow down briefly to check your direction where paths divide, especially beneath bridges and near access ramps.

Checking direction signs on the Ara Bicycle Path.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

Bicycle-route directions beneath a bridge.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

A bicycle marking showing the direction of travel.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

Traditional tiled roofs and trees appear beyond the path. You do not need to leave the route for a famous attraction to enjoy a memorable travel moment; sometimes it is enough to ease off the pedals. For photographs, pull into a safe resting area or off-path space instead of stopping in the middle of the cycleway.

Traditional tiled roofs and trees beyond the bicycle path.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

Buildings and green trees beside the Ara Waterway.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

Tiled roofs seen along the route.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

Waterfront benches and tree shade offer inviting places for a short break. Carry water and snacks rather than relying on a particular stall being open. If you need supplies, search for nearby convenience stores or cafés and check how far you will have to leave the bicycle path.

A waterfront bench for a short break.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

The bicycle path stretching between the trees.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

3. Onto the Han River and toward Yeouido

Beyond Ara Hangang Lock, the Seoul section brings open river views and the city skyline into focus. Wind can affect your pace along the waterfront, so settle into a comfortable effort. Look well ahead where walkers, runners, and cyclists share the route.

Wide river views on the way into Seoul.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

A riverside bicycle path beside the railing.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

As you approach Yeouido, the dome of the National Assembly comes into view—a lovely reminder that you have reached central Seoul by bicycle. If you need a certification stamp here, check the booth's location in the official certification-center guide (Korean). Do not assume that arriving anywhere in the park is enough to find the stamping point.

The National Assembly seen from Yeouido.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

The path and sky in the Yeouido section.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

A snack break and a water refill in Yeouido

These photographs show takoyaki cooking on a griddle, the finished snack, and a stall decorated with red lanterns. Sharing something warm while resting your legs is one of the simple pleasures of a cycling trip. The stall is shown as it appeared when photographed; it may not operate permanently in the same spot.

Takoyaki being cooked at the stall.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

A warm snack during a riding break.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

The takoyaki stall as it appeared on the day of the photograph.
© KBJ · October 5, 2026

Look for snacks and drinks around Yeouido Hangang Park. If a stall is closed or the queue is long, consider a park shop or nearby convenience store. Refill your water, restock portable snacks, and check the next destination and rest stop before riding on. Confirm prices and opening status on the day.

4. Lunch idea: a traditional Korean set meal at Yuwol-ui Bori

Make one meal on your Korean cycling journey a hanjeongsik-style table of rice and assorted side dishes. Our suggested lunch stop is Yuwol-ui Bori (유월의 보리). The location supplied by the photographer is 510-5 Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 광진구 자양동 510-5). Keep the Korean name and address handy for map searches.

A Korean set meal is a chance to sample a variety of flavors together. Alternate bites of warm rice with the different side dishes and take time to enjoy the table. The restaurant brand's official website also introduces pot-cooked rice served with side dishes. Check the menu and ordering requirements at the branch you visit.

The restaurant is in Jayang-dong, east of Yeouido, so reaching it requires time away from the riverside path on local streets. Plan your morning departure and breaks if you want to stop for lunch. If it is already late afternoon, there is no need to force your schedule around this meal stop.

Check opening hours, any afternoon break, and bicycle parking before visiting. Indoor bicycle storage has not been confirmed. Lock your bike without blocking the entrance or sidewalk.

A Korean set meal at Yuwol-ui Bori; photographed on a separate visit.
© KBJ · July 25, 2026

The table in the photograph includes rice, soup, grilled fish, and assorted side dishes—a welcoming introduction to a traditional Korean lunch. This photo is from a separate visit on July 25, 2026. Ask about the day's menu and what is included before ordering.

Yuwol-ui Bori official website (Korean)

5. Beyond Paldang: into the Namhan River scenery

After your meal, return to your chosen Han River cycling route and continue toward Paldang. If your itinerary crosses between the north and south banks, check the bridge approaches on your map. Use routes open to bicycles and follow posted detours around construction or closures.

Beyond Paldang, the Namhan River Bicycle Path leads toward Neungnae Station, Bukhangang Railway Bridge, and Yangpyeong. The old railway sections, former station, and riverside scenery described in the official route guide offer a different atmosphere from Seoul. If you would like a break near Neungnae or Yangsu-ri, save nearby cafés or restaurants on your map. Check their opening status and the distance off the route to avoid unnecessary detours.

The route album does not include photographs beyond Yeouido, so this section draws on official cycling-route information. On a long first day, photographs and meals can take more time than expected. If you are likely to reach Yangpyeong too late, consider finishing the day somewhere earlier along the route.

6. Finish at Yangpyeong Art Museum and settle in for the night

Set Yangpyeong Art Museum (양평군립미술관) as the day's destination. If you also want to visit the galleries, check museum hours against your expected arrival. Museum sightseeing and cycling certification are separate activities: use the latest certification-center information to locate the actual stamp booth.

For accommodation, look around Yangpyeong Station on the Gyeongui–Jungang Line in Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do. This is a different station from Yangpyeong on Seoul Subway Line 5. After finishing your ride at the museum, head to your accommodation, put down your bags, and organize dinner and supplies for the next day.

Three motel options around Yangpyeong Station

These three properties appear on the shared Yangpyeong motel map. They are location-based options to consider, not reviews of places we stayed. Names and addresses were checked on Naver Map on October 6, 2026.

Three motel options near Yangpyeong Station. The Korean address card is translated in the table below.
Original information graphic · Names and addresses: Naver Map · Checked October 6, 2026

All addresses below are in Yangpyeong-eup, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do. The Korean text is included so you can copy it into a map app or show it to someone locally.

Property	Address	How to use it in your plans
Samwoo Park Motel (삼우파크모텔)	68 Yanggeun-gangbyeon-gil (양근강변길 68); lot address: 양근리 333-2	A riverside-area option. Set the street address as your destination and check the entrance location.
VIP House (VIP하우스)	56 Yanggeun-gangbyeon-gil (양근강변길 56); lot address: 양근리 328-2	On the same street as Samwoo Park, making the two useful to compare. See the property and room listing.
All In Motel (올인모텔)	10 Yangpyeong-sijang-gil 27beon-gil (양평시장길27번길 10); lot address: 양근리 420-21	Consider this option when arranging dinner and a room around the market streets. Ride slowly and give pedestrians space in the lanes.

Getting there and organizing your evening

From the museum: Set your current position as the start and the motel's exact address as the destination in cycling directions. Check exits from the riverside route and crossings into town.
From the station: Select 양평역 경의중앙선 as your starting point. Walking and cycling directions may differ, so choose the mode you will actually use.
Drop off your luggage first: Confirm bicycle storage and check in. Then look for an open restaurant and convenience store around Yangpyeong Market or the town center for dinner, water, and next-day snacks.
Prepare for tomorrow: Save the route back to the Namhan River Bicycle Path and charge your lights, phone, and power bank.

Room rates and check-in times vary by date and room, so no fixed prices are quoted here. On Korean booking screens, 대실 means a short daytime stay, while 숙박 means an overnight stay. Check your dates and cancellation terms carefully. Distances and travel times from the station depend on the exit and route, so use live directions rather than a blanket estimate.

A useful question to ask before booking: “I am on a cross-country cycling trip with one loaded bicycle. May I bring it into the room, or is there secure indoor storage? Can I check in at about [time]?” Bicycle storage has not been confirmed at any of these three properties.

You can show this Korean message to the accommodation:

국토종주 중이라 짐을 실은 자전거가 한 대 있습니다. 객실 반입이나 잠금 가능한 실내 보관이 가능한가요? ○시쯤 도착해도 체크인할 수 있나요?

Also ask about:

An elevator and any stairs you would need to carry the loaded bike up.
The latest check-in time and how to contact the property if you are delayed.
Space to dry wet clothing and whether laundry is available.
Breakfast options or nearby convenience stores.

Once your bicycle is secure and you have showered, enjoy dinner and organize tomorrow's water and snacks. Back up your photos and ride notes, charge your batteries, and leave time to rest. A good first day leaves you with enough energy to enjoy the next one. 🤗

Where to pause, eat, and restock

Section	Places or supplies to consider	What to check
Ara West Sea Lock	Fill water bottles and pack portable snacks before departure	Direction toward the Han River and cycling passport
Ara Waterway	Rest areas, nearby convenience stores or cafés	Distance off the bicycle path
Yeouido	Park shops, convenience stores, snack stalls	Whether stalls are open that day
Jayang-dong meal detour	Yuwol-ui Bori	Street access, hours, bicycle parking
Neungnae / Yangsu-ri	Cafés or restaurants near the route	Remaining distance and daylight
Yangpyeong	Accommodation around the town center and station	Bicycle storage before booking

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