7,000 cyclists pedal through heart of the city in 2024 Seoul Bike Festival

Social Affairs

Published: 19 May. 2024, 18:25

7,000 cyclists pedal through heart of the city in 2024 Seoul Bike Festival

Thousands of cyclists depart from Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno District, downtown Seoul, Sunday morning for the 2024 Seoul Bike Festival. The annual festival, in its 16th iteration, was hosted by the JoongAng Ilbo and JTBC, affiliates of the Korea JoongAng Daily, and sponsored by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Woori Bank. The 21-kilometer (13-mile) course began in Gwanghwamun Square, central Seoul, on Sunday morning, followed along the northern banks of the Han River and finished at World Cup Park in Mapo District, western Seoul. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Some 7,000 cyclists took part in the 2024 Seoul Bike Festival on Sunday, pedaling from the downtown area to western Seoul.

The annual festival, in its 16th iteration, was hosted by the JoongAng Ilbo and JTBC, affiliates of the Korea JoongAng Daily, and sponsored by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Woori Bank.

The 21-kilometer (13-mile) course began in Gwanghwamun Square, central Seoul, on Sunday morning, followed along the northern banks of the Han River and finished at World Cup Park in Mapo District, western Seoul.

Participants were divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced groups according to their cycling abilities. Cyclists included Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon.

The non-competitive sports event also included a free riding portion for people who could not show up at the bike parade's starting point. They could opt for shorter courses to reach the finish line at World Cup Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency dispatched about 500 officers to regulate traffic and run the event.

Cyclists cheer as they depart from Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno District, downtown Seoul, Sunday morning for the 2024 Seoul Bike Festival. [JOONGANG ILBO]