Overview
Route Overview
If you ride this route, you will pass through Korea's deep mountains area and reach the shores of the Pacific Ocean(East coast of Korea). The highest level is 1,330m from sea level.
This route consists of a forest road that crosses the dense subtropical forest while ascending and descending along the mountain range that forms the backbone of the Korean Peninsula, and a paved road in the countryside where vehicles are rare, or small roads that pass through villages and farmland. Forest roads are sometimes steep (15% and more), but overall they are in good condition, most of which are managed by the local Forest Service.
Since there are many branch in the forest road, you need to be careful to find the right route, and it is recommended to refer to the GPS track log as much as possible. Most roads lead to villages at the foot of the mountain, so they don't pose a serious problem, but you need a adequate food and water. You can even build your own route along the many nearby forest roads that connect to this route to intentionally enjoy longer rides.
At the bottom of the mountain, you can meet a water stream to cool off your body from the heat. You will pass many villages along the way. Even short conversations with local residents you meet by chance are part of the joy of riding. You may also be able to get water or anything else you need.
<Overall difficulty>
Applying the difficulty rating criteria defined in Rogan Watts' article on Bikepacking.com, the difficulty level of Epic 500 is 'Very Strenuous', and Epic 300 is 'Strenuous'.
The calculation method is the elevation gain per 1KM of riding distance, which is expressed as a number divided by the elevation gain (meters) divided by the riding distance (KM).
Water and food can be obtained easily on the route, and the road surface is in good condition except for the collapse of forest roads due to landslides caused by the rainy season or typhoons in summer. A drivetrain for MTB is recommended because of the steep sections that are sometimes passed, but gravel bikes with rigid forks are also available.
<Impossible period - winter (snow)>
During winter (January to March), it is impossible to ride due to the accumulation of snow. Snow from the pavement is cleared immediately, but in the deep mountains, snow accumulates for a meter or two and remains until spring.
<Wildfire control period>
This area is prone to wildfires. Therefore, administrative agency prohibit entring into all forest roads during the spring (2.1~5.15) and autumn (11.1~12.15) high risk seasons. During this period, the entrance to the forest road is controlled by a rangers.
<Camping>
Commercial campgrounds are easy to find around paved roads. Use Google Maps.
Wild camping is possible on most public lands, except on private lands and in specially prohibited areas. In particular, you can find good wild camp sites near river valleys or mountaintops with great views. However, this does not always mean that it is legally permissible. Set up your tent after dark in the evening and leave before daylight.
<Water>
Most of the running water in the forest area is clean enough to drink directly. However, it is recommended to carry a water purifier just in case. You can buy bottled water at the grocery store.
<Possible season, Optimal season>
You can ride for about 5 months from May 16th to October 31st.
The rainy season is from the end of June to the middle of July every year in this area, and it is very hot from the middle of July to the end of August. Therefore, the best times for riding are mid-May to June and September to October.
For more detail, please refer https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/south-korea/seoul
<Buy a Food>
The route passes about 10 medium-sized villages with large grocery stores, so you only need to carry a day or two's worth of food. Food procurement conditions in Korea are very good.
One of best reliable grocery store is 'Hanaro-Mart'(하나로마트). It exist in most mid-size villages. There are ATM also. Most restaurants and grocery stores accept credit cards.
'Hanaro-Mart'(하나로마트)
<The threat of animals>
The most dangerous animal on the route is the wild boar.
However, it is very rare to meet a wild boar while riding, and the boar will run away in most cases if you meet. Once you encounter a wild boar, do not turn your back and run away, but take a calm look and slowly step backwards and hide behind rocks or trees.