Korea Cross-Country Cycling Trip Day 4

On Day 4, we pushed ourselves to the limit, riding 180 km from Sangju Sangpoong Bridge to Hapcheon Changnyeong Bo—the longest and most challenging day of our entire trip.

As we stayed in the guesthouse, we were welcomed with a warm Kimbap and soup breakfast by the old lady at 7 am in the morning. Since it was a guesthouse, we also met three other uncles who were on a different bike trip around Korea as well. We exchanged stories over breakfast, sharing our routes, challenges, and tips, before setting off in different directions — their cheerful encouragement giving us an extra boost for the long day ahead.

The scenery today was more stunning than ever, as you can see in the photos below.

A modern barn with solar panels overlooks a lush green field.

A Close-up Photo

Quiet country road flanked by lush green fields and tranquil rice paddies.

Tranquil rice paddies stretch under a cloudy sky.

Expansive rice paddies reflect a tranquil, overcast sky.

Quiet rural road flanked by rice fields and stacks of hay bales under a cloudy sky.

Lush greenery and yellow wildflowers frame a peaceful lakeside view with distant hills.

A serene bike path lined with vibrant yellow flowers and lush greenery.

Peaceful rural landscape with rice paddies and blooming wildflowers.

Country road by lush fields and serene sky.

Bike path lined with vibrant yellow flowers and green trees.

We now entered the Gyeongsangbuk-do province.

A serene view of a grassy landscape with a bridge stretching across the horizon.

An old restaurant building, framed by distant mountains and a cloudy sky in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea.

Bicycle resting on a quiet bridge under a clear sky.

Lush greenery surrounds a small bridge over a serene stream, with distant mountains adding to the tranquil scene.

As we biked for hours, we started seeing taller buildings. (The cross-country bike path passes Gumi city and Miryang city).

Gumi City – Located in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gumi is South Korea’s leading electronics and IT manufacturing hub, home to major factories for companies like Samsung and LG. It’s also known as the birthplace of former president Park Chung-hee and has the scenic Geumosan Mountain as a popular hiking destination.

Miryang City – Situated in Gyeongsangnam-do, Miryang is a small city surrounded by mountains and rivers, famous for its natural beauty and historical sites. It’s widely recognized from the award-winning film Secret Sunshine (2007), which was set and filmed there. Miryang is also known as a "movie city," where countless films have been shot due to its picturesque landscapes and traditional Korean atmosphere.

Gumi City

People Enjoying Mini Golf

A Close-up for Mini Golf Players

I realized that there are numerous mini golf courses along the river in the entire Korea, often located in parks or riverside rest areas. They are a popular leisure activity for locals, providing a quick and affordable way to have fun while enjoying the outdoors. Many are brightly painted with simple obstacles, making them easy for all ages to play.

The bridge that connects Gumi City and Miryang City #2

My third favorite picture of the trip

Serene river flowing beneath a cloud-streaked sky.

Sunset over a tranquil riverside highway.

Serene morning bike ride along the river with mountain views.

Back to rural Korea!!!

Creating moments that matter.

A solitary bicycle leans against the whispering path, embraced by nature's gentle greens and the promise of endless horizons.

Sunset over a serene lake with distant mountains.

My second favorite photo of the trip

Quick dinner before we headed to Hapcheon Changnyeongbo Certification Center.

My favorite photo of the trip

Photo Commentary: This photo captures a serene sunset scene along a gently curving road flanked by grassy hills. The sky is painted in soft pink and purple hues, fading into pale blue as the sun sets behind scattered clouds. Yellow wildflowers line the roadside, and a single car approaches in the distance, adding a quiet, peaceful sense of motion to the tranquil landscape.

WOW!!!

More Stunning Photos!!! Vibrant wildflowers bloom along a serene countryside at dusk.

After biking for 180 km on day 4, we finally arrived at the motel near the Hapcheon Changnyeongbo Certification Center.

Because I liked the motel so much, I'll help them advertise here in this blog.

Jeokgyo-jang Motel is a small, budget-friendly accommodation typically used by cyclists and travelers passing through the area. It offers basic amenities such as clean rooms, air conditioning, and hot showers, making it a practical stopover for a night’s rest. Its location near the cycling route makes it convenient for those on long-distance rides, and it often caters to guests looking for simple, no-frills lodging after a long day of travel. The old man and the lady are super nice, and they provide free laundry as well, perfect for cyclists who are tired from cycling the entire day.

This marks the end of our fourth day on the Korea Cross-country cycling trip, and I hope you all enjoy it as much as we did. Stay tuned for our next blog!