Welcoming newcomers into Korea’s biker culture
Two peopld ride a BMW motorcycle to a tour. By Kim Tae-jin
Korea’s relationship with two-wheelers has been mostly utilitarian - the ubiquitous couriers bouncing onto Seoul’s sidewalks to deliver food, documents, packages.
But these machines also have great potential for leisure, and more locals are now joining tours for motorcycles with engines of 600 cubic centimeters and up.
Importers like Harley-Davidson are holding events to promote their products to enthusiasts. But often these tours don’t allow bikes from other brands.
BMW Motorrad Korea is taking a different approach, letting any biker take part in the hope that the goodwill will rub off on the brand.
Earlier last month BMW put its plan into action at a biker meet and family tour at the High1 Resort in Gangwon Province. Some 400 bikers showed up at the event, which is now in its fourth year.
Including family members who came with the bikers, the participants totaled around 600.
“This event allows anyone who owns a motorcycle to participate,” said Cho Seong-yeon of BMW Motorrad Korea. “This has become an opportunity to spread motorcycle culture and enjoy the outdoors.”
The community of Harley-Davidson owners, HOG, organizes two regular tours every year; one in the first half and the other in second half. But riders of other bike brands can be few and far between in this tight-knit group.
After the bikers’ initial trek up to the resort, the BMW event was similar to a carnival, with events for the families including a game of baseball and T-shirt printing.
At the meet, BMW provided entertainment for visitors with various stunt performances on the company’s off-road G450X.
By Kim Tae-jin [ojlee82@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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