KOREA BIKE JOURNEY · DAY 4 · NAKDONG RIVER
Day 4 follows the Nakdong River from Gumi Weir through Chilgok, Gangjeong–Goryeong and Dalseong weirs to Hapcheon–Changnyeong Weir. Alongside the river views, two decisions matter most: where to refill your water and where to stop for the night. With fewer places to stay between towns, it helps to decide early whether to ride farther today or leave more distance for tomorrow.
Today's route at a glance
Gumi Weir Certification Center → Chilgok Weir Certification Center → Gangjeong–Goryeong Weir Certification Center → Dalseong Weir Certification Center → Hapcheon–Changnyeong Weir Certification Center
The distance calculated from the supplied GPX coordinates is approximately 111.6 km; your recorded riding distance may differ. Both this GPX and the route map end at Hapcheon–Changnyeong Weir. If you plan to stay in Namji-eup, allow roughly another 40 km beyond that point.
If you stayed in central Gumi the previous night, your total distance depends on where you rejoin the riverside route. The 111.6 km figure starts at Gumi Weir, not at your hotel.
Download the Day 4 GPXGumi → Hapcheon–Changnyeong route map
The basic route of about 112 km plus roughly 40 km to Namji comes to about 152 km. This is a planning estimate: detours and the approach to your accommodation will change it. Consider whether your fitness and departure time leave enough room for a day of around 150 km.
Following the weirs toward Dalseong
Collect your passport stamps at Chilgok and Gangjeong–Goryeong along the way. Even a flat-looking riverside path can be tiring in a sustained headwind. A steady pace and regular breaks make the long day easier than pushing hard at the start.
At Dalseong Weir, check your remaining water, snacks and energy. This is a useful point to decide whether to stop in Hyeonpung or continue toward Namji. Leave time for meals and climbs, even if there is still plenty of daylight.
Daramjae, Musimsa, Bakjin Pass and Yeongaji Pass
Each climb calls for a different choice. Use the available alternatives where they suit you, and save energy for the hills you need to cross.
- Daramjae: Dodong Seowon Tunnel now offers a way through the hill instead of over it. Switch on your front and rear lights before entering and follow the signs on site.
- Musimsa: A bypass is available. If you want to save energy, check the alternative route on your map before reaching the junction.
- Bakjin Pass: There is no bypass on this itinerary, so prepare to cross the pass. Stock up beforehand; taking breaks or walking your bike on the harder sections is fine.
- Yeongaji Pass: KBJ recommends following the cycling route over the pass rather than making a separate detour. Take it slowly according to your remaining energy.
Using a tunnel or bypass may change your route and distance from the supplied GPX. Follow current closures and signs on site.
Musimsa bypass: follow the photos in order
To take the Musimsa bypass, look for the downhill branch on the right. Photos 0–4 show the sequence from the junction to the road. Maps 5 and 6 compare the route without the bypass and the bypass option.
Use the pictured signs and arrows to understand the direction. Watch for traffic on the road and follow current signs and closures. These maps compare routes; they do not establish the bypass distance, gradient or an exact match with the supplied GPX.
Stock up whenever you find a shop
Convenience stores and restaurants can be far apart along this section of river. When you pass a convenience store, refill your water and buy food before you need it. Running low while waiting for the next shop makes the climbs much harder.
- Fill your bottles and carry extra water according to the weather and distance to the next stop.
- Pack easy snacks such as bread, bananas or energy bars.
- When you reach a village with somewhere open to eat, make time for a proper meal.
- If continuing to Namji, check your phone and front-light batteries as well.
These photographs show meal stops along the journey. The restaurant names and locations have not been confirmed, so they are not linked to a specific recommendation.
Hapcheon–Changnyeong Weir: the end of the basic route
The supplied GPX ends here, but Namji-eup is still roughly 40 km farther if that is your overnight destination. Treat the onward ride as a separate stage rather than assuming the day is almost over once you have collected your stamp.
Save a separate cycling route to your accommodation in Namji before setting off. If daylight or energy is running short, check closer accommodation and adjust your plans instead of pushing on regardless.
Onward to Namji: refuel before Bakjin Pass
Bakjin Pass is also known for graffiti left by riders. Fill up on water and snacks before the climb. Take photographs as memories, and avoid adding new graffiti.
Supply stop: GS25 Hapcheon Cheongdeok (GS25 합천청덕점)
2894 Uihap-daero, Cheongdeok-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
경남 합천군 청덕면 의합대로 2894
This is a possible stop before Bakjin Pass for water, ready-to-eat snacks and a rest. Check that it is open on your travel date.
View GS25 Hapcheon Cheongdeok on the map ↗
There are also some restaurants and places to stay in the surrounding area. Stopping here instead of continuing to Namji leaves more distance for the next day. Check room and meal availability first.
Allow extra time for the rolling hills and viewpoints above the river. Rest or walk your bike if you need to. On descents, reduce your speed and watch for bends and changes in the road surface.
A rider's night: stop in Hyeonpung or continue to Namji?
Where you sleep changes the next day's distance. Hyeonpung makes today shorter; Namji asks more of you today but reduces the final day's workload.
| Overnight stop | Today's choice | Next day's plan |
|---|---|---|
| Hyeonpung-eup | Finish after Dalseong Weir, before reaching Hapcheon–Changnyeong Weir | A long day of roughly 175 km |
| Namji-eup | Continue about 40 km beyond Hapcheon–Changnyeong; around 150 km from Gumi Weir | A shorter day of roughly 99 km |
These are planning estimates, dependent on the overnight location and final route. The Hyeonpung option is approximately 145 km plus 30 km left from stopping earlier, or about 175 km. Recheck both this and the Namji estimate of 99 km once the next day's GPX and accommodation are fixed.
KBJ's choice: Namji-eup
If you are comfortable with long distances and can leave early, KBJ recommends option 2: staying in Namji. Roughly 110 km to Hapcheon–Changnyeong plus another 40 km to Namji makes a day of around 150 km and eases the final stage. If you are already tired or lack time for the climbs, stopping in Hyeonpung is the better fit.
Choosing accommodation with Naver Map
First choose Hyeonpung or Namji as your overnight area, then search Naver Map using the area name and “숙박” (accommodation). Compare locations, recent reviews and prices for your travel date.
If the map only shows places around your current location, include “현풍읍 숙박” or “남지읍 숙박” in the search. Check your map settings with Arrival guide, Part 1 — Naver Map settings ↗ .
Three accommodation options in Hyeonpung-eup
These involve leaving the riverside route after Dalseong Weir. They are not immediately beside Hapcheon–Changnyeong Weir: check both the ride into town and the return to the route the next morning.
Elegance Motel (엘레강스모텔)
An option to compare when heading into Hyeonpung-dong-ro.
대구 달성군 현풍읍 현풍동로 196
Hongsi Motel (홍시모텔)
Worth checking when looking for dinner and a room around Hyeonpung-jungang-ro.
대구 달성군 현풍읍 현풍중앙로26길 10
Cello Motel (첼로모텔)
On Hyeonpung-jungang-ro; compare the approach to the entrance.
대구 달성군 현풍읍 현풍중앙로 122-1
Find more accommodation on Naver Map or KakaoMap by searching for “대구 달성군 현풍읍 숙박”.
Three accommodation options in Namji-eup
Once in Namji, drop off your bags and arrange dinner and supplies for breakfast nearby. These three properties are all on Namji-jungang 1-gil, making it easy to compare locations and room availability in the same area. Korean names and addresses below can be copied into a map app.
Heights Hotel (하이츠호텔)
Check that the check-in arrangements suit your arrival time.
경남 창녕군 남지읍 남지중앙1길 47-9
M Motel (M모텔)
Compare room conditions and the final price with other properties on the same street.
경남 창녕군 남지읍 남지중앙1길 59-5
Loveholic (러브홀릭)
Another option to consider when choosing a room in Namji-eup.
경남 창녕군 남지읍 남지중앙1길 59-6
Find more accommodation on Naver Map or KakaoMap by searching for “경남 창녕군 남지읍 숙박”.
These location-based suggestions are not sponsored or paid advertisements. They do not guarantee room quality or bicycle storage.
Ask before booking
“I am travelling with a loaded bicycle. Can I bring it into the room, or is there secure indoor storage? Are there stairs? Can I check in at my expected arrival time?”
Bicycle storage at these properties has not been confirmed. Book an overnight stay (숙박), not a short daytime stay (대실), and check the final price and cancellation terms for your dates.
Once you arrive
- Secure your bike and sort out wet clothing and luggage.
- Have dinner and buy food and water for the next morning.
- Charge your phone and lights, and save the route back to the cycle path.
A lighter start the next morning
Finishing in Namji reduces the distance left for the final day. Buy supplies the evening before rather than spending the morning searching for an open shop, and set off once there is enough daylight.
Day 4 is about balancing today's energy with tomorrow's distance. Stock up when you see a shop and decide early whether Namji is within reach. A well-chosen overnight stop can make the final day much more manageable.
Photos © KBJ · Distance calculated from KBJ 4.gpx coordinates · Place information: KakaoMap and Naver Map links above. Accommodation details checked on October 16, 2026. Map results, opening status and accommodation conditions may change.
댓글 쓰기