If you've been thinking about doing the 국토종주 — Korea's coast-to-coast bike route — this video is the best starting point I've seen in a while.

YouTuber "젠가" recently completed the full ride from Incheon to Busan and documented every day of it. Not a highlight reel. The whole thing — the hills, the fatigue, the wrong turns, and the moments that make it worth it.

The Route

Incheon Ara Waterway → Han River (Seoul) → Yangpyeong → Yeoju → Chungju → Mungyeong Saejae Pass → Andong → Sangju → Gumi → Daegu → Changnyeong → Busan Nakdong Estuary

He added the Andong Dam segment on top of the official 633km course, bringing the total to over 700km across 5 nights and 6 days.

What Makes This One Different

Most 국토종주 vlogs focus on the scenery. This one does too — but it also shows you the real parts. The infamous Ihwaryeong climb on day 3. An 18-degree mountain road in the middle of nowhere on day 4. Riding into a headwind for the entire final stretch into Busan.

And scattered throughout: interviews with foreign riders doing the exact same route. Californians, Australians, a few others. All of them saying the same thing — the trail is safe, the facilities are solid, and it's easier to navigate than they expected.

That tracks with what we hear from our customers who've done it.

Practically Speaking

The certification centers (인증센터) are spaced well enough that you always have a clear next goal. Bike-friendly accommodation exists along the route if you book ahead. The flat Nakdong River sections in the south are genuinely enjoyable — until the wind isn't cooperating.

Gear matters more than most people think. Not because the route is extreme, but because 700km compounds every small fit issue into something you'll feel on day 4.

Watch It Here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo-b6_BrBTw

Planning Your Own Ride?

We've been covering the 국토종주 in detail on this blog — gear, route segments, what to expect at each stage, and what most guides leave out. Seven posts so far:

1. The Cross-Country Route : Korea's Ultimate Cycling Adventure [Cross-Country Series #1]
2. Planning Your Ride: Days, Budget & Gear [Cross-Country Series #2]
3. The Bike Passport: Korea's Stamp Rally System - [Cross-Country Series #3]
4. Stage-by-Stage Breakdown - [Cross-Country Series #4]
5. Where to Sleep & Eat Along the Way [Cross-Country Series #5]
6. Navigation & Apps [Cross-Country Series #6]
7. What I Wish I Knew Before My First Cross- [Country Cross-Country Series #7 Final]

If you want to talk through a setup before you go, come by the shop. We've helped a lot of riders prep for this one.