Ibike Korea People-to-People Program

Schedule: September-October  (see full schedule and status).  The program usually is scheduled right before or right after the Chusok holiday.  It alternates with the other Korea itineraries.

Note: Chusok is a national holiday, somewhat comparable to USA Thanksgiving. It is the biggest travel holiday in Korea and it impacts bus and expressway travel for the entire week surrounding it!

Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more): US$1990 (less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included). Average out of pocket expenses per program $150 plus or minus $50.

Description: Day 1-2: Explore history and culturally rich Busan.  Day 3-5: Cross the southern mainland and islands. Day 6-10: By bicycle and ferry we experience the culture, communities, coast and islands of the South shore and immersion experience at Buddhist temple.  Day 11-14: Explore the many facets of Cheju Island. Korea Tour's Route Map (approximate)

Features: Small group, people-to-people bicycle tour.  Visit agricultural communities, Buddhist temples and fishing villages to gain a better understanding the lifestyles, history, culture and economics of the people of southern Korea.  Day-to-day, on a ongoing basis, throughout the program there will be discussions on history, architecture, culture, social systems, gender rights and roles, politics, agriculture, music, language, religion, geology, botany, and ecology.

Start / Finish: Busan to Jeju Island, South Korea

Skill Level: Suitable for fit cyclists with some touring and urban cycling experience, who aren't intimidated by hills.

Mileage Daily: low 50km-31mi, high 100km-62 miles. Total mileage: 500km, 310 miles.

Cycling Conditions: Paved roads and paths, generally flat and rolling, with some long climbs and descents.

Accommodations: Mostly small Korean-style hotels, usually one temple-stay, no tent camping. Traditionally, Koreans slept with pads and quilts on heated floors.  We try to include an overnight temple-stay on most programs. Some of the temples we use don't routinely accept ordinary travelers/tourists. Many people find this a highlight of the tour, but it is also privilege.  While we are guests we are expected to participate in some temple life.  This includes accommodations in Korean-style dormitory (segregated by gender), wearing simple temple cloths (provided), quiet vegetarian meals, participation in morning prays (4am), and  maintaining austere, modest, respectful, contemplative behavior.

Van Support: None, but the local transportation system is extraordinary and can be used as a back-up.

Meals Included: Two Korean-style meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner (rice, noodles, soup, stew, beef, pork, chicken, eggs, soybean, bean curd (tofu/dubu), kimchi, seaweed, shrimp, squid, mackerel, etc.)

Other Activities: Discussions, visits, and walking excursions.

Bike: Sturdy touring bike is recommended.

Bike Rental: It is hard to find suitable rental bikes.

* Itineraries, fares and dates are subject to change.  20% of the land portion is U.S. tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, for those registering directly with IBF.

Registration: It is easiest, and saves paper, if you register online. Or, you can register by mail by downloading and printing the Registration Packet (PDF file). Or, you can begin the registration process by sending your name, address, phone number, name of the program(s) and a deposit of $300 (of which $300 is a non­refundable registration fee) to Ibike. Deposit and payment may be made by check, money order, credit card or PayPal. Upon receipt of your this information a the registration packet will be forwarded to you.  It must be completed, signed and returned before your registration is considered complete. Registrations submitted less than 60 days prior to departure should include the full fee. Registrations received less than 30 days prior to departure will be accepted subject to availability and a late fee of $50. Payments within 30 days of departure must be by cashier's check, credit card or electronic transfer. Early registration is encouraged. Due to limits on group size and the advisability of starting the reading list, registrations at least 90 days prior to the departure date is suggested.

Full Payment: Due 60 days prior to departure. If payment has not been received and no special arrangements have been made, we reserve the right to assume withdrawal and fill the space.