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10,000 riders to join Seoul's 2025 Bike Festival on Saturday

Published: 09 May. 2025, 10:04 Updated: 10 May. 2025, 17:19

Thousands of cyclists depart from Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno District, central Seoul, on May 19, 2024, for the 2024 Seoul Bike Festival. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Seoul will transform some of its busiest streets — including parts of Gwanghwamun and the traffic-heavy Gangbyeon Expressway — into a cyclist’s haven on Saturday for the 2025 Seoul Bike Festival.

Now in its 17th year, the event is co-hosted by the JoongAng Ilbo and JTBC with support from the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Organizers expect 10,000 riders to join the ride through the city center and along the Han River.

Cyclists are divided into skill levels, with advanced riders cruising at over 25 kilometers (16 miles) per hour, intermediate riders at over 20 kilometers per hour, and beginners at under 20 kilometers per hour.

The ride begins at 8 a.m. at Gwanghwamun Plaza and passes major city landmarks including Sungnyemun Gate, Seoul Station and Yongsan Station before reaching the northern end of Hangang Bridge. From there, cyclists merge onto Gangbyeonbuk-ro — a 10-kilometer stretch of the 21-kilometer course that will be closed to motor vehicles under the direction of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.

The expressway, typically packed with traffic, becomes the festival’s scenic highlight, offering panoramic views of the Han River and the Seoul skyline against a backdrop of flowing bicycle traffic.

The route ends at World Cup Park in Sangam-dong, western Seoul. Cyclists finish on a gentle 400-meter (437-yard) uphill section near the northern end of the Gayang Bridge. Upon arrival, participants can collect snacks and refreshments by presenting their ID tags.

This year’s festival again permits “free riding,” allowing cyclists to join from any point along the route rather than starting at Gwanghwamun.

Cyclists depart from Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno District, central Seoul, on May 19, 2024 for the 2024 Seoul Bike Festival. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Festivities at World Cup Park begin at 9:30 a.m., with a quiz event and a performance by Latin percussion group Rapercussion. A raffle will follow, with prizes including cycling computers, sports sunglasses and tire replacement coupons.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Rep. Kwak Sang-eon, and Jongno District Mayor Chung Moon-hun are expected to attend.

Organizers highlighted the event’s intergenerational appeal, noting that the oldest participant is 80-year-old Choi Jang-ho and the youngest is 12-year-old Yoon Je-yoon.

Riders can take their bicycles home via Seoul Subway Line 6 at World Cup Stadium or Mapo-gu Office Stations. Those choosing to ride back can use bike paths along Bulgwangcheon, or Bulgwang Stream, and Hongje Stream, both of which which connect to the Han River.

For more information, contact the Seoul Bike Festival Office at 02-2031-1924 or visit the event’s website.

Translated from the JoongAng Ilbo using generative AI and edited by Korea JoongAng Daily staff.
BY LEE SOO-KI [[email protected]]