These notes are listed south to north.

The first few kilometers of the trail north from Busan can be very crowded with walkers. There is a peaceful trail on the west side of the Nakdong River between Eulsuk Island and Highway 104. Then cross the bridge on Highway 104 back to the east side of the River. This will bypass some of the crowding on the main trail.

Note that there isn't much in the way of amenities along the trail between Busan and Namji. Have some food and water with you, and take advantage of open shops and restaurants when you see them. There are little towns here and there, but they're often on the other side of the river and can be hard to get to. Lodging is also scarce. We stayed in minbaks the last two nights before Busan (heading south). If you need a western-style room, you may need to make a detour or two.

The trail has gained a reputation as being great for beginning tourists, so there's this idea that it's flat, straight, wide, and smooth. Much of it is, but not all.

The path to Musimsa Temple is steep switchbacks. I think it should be navigable by trike, and the temple is beautiful. If it doesn't work out for you, there is an alternate route on Road 1034. It'll be pretty obvious on the map.

A little ways north of there, before you reach Dodong Seowon Confucian Academy, there is a concrete section of path that is steep and tricky to negotiate.

Just north of Sanjubo, there is a steep hill with switchbacks. Someone warned us about this, so we crossed the river and took roads on the east side.

Just south of Iho Bridge, there is a series of barriers designed to force riders to walk their bikes on a particularly steep curve. Not fun if you have a heavy bike.

I wonder if it would be possible to get your trikes into the cargo bay of an intercity bus. This would keep you from having to turn around. If you wanted to play it safer, you could take the bus first (not necessarily to Seoul or Incheon, but as far as you would feel comfortable riding for a week). Then if the bus idea fails, you resort to your original plan.

Regarding the tricky spots on the route, I'll have to check my notes. Let me get back with you.

Thanks for the offer but we have had to shorten our time in Korea. We were unable to get a return ferry trip back to Fukuoka in December. Instead we will return Nov. 26. We will go as far as can and turn around . We are very impressed with the Korean cycling infrastructure and we hope to return to Korea and do a trip to Incheon and then the east coast. What spots would be challenging for trikes?

Are you riding the cross-country path to Incheon? If so, I can point out some spots that may be challenging for the trikes, and offer some workarounds.

Thanks Bill. Very interesting to hear about your experience. We too have been recipients of genuine and welcoming hospitality from people we have met in Korea. The simple act of smiling and trying to reach out in their language (clumsily I admit on our part) goes such a long way.

I agree Rich. We felt badly as we somehow neglected to understand what we were getting into.
We have had such good fortune in dealing with people who care and truly want to help us.

Such amazing people you are meeting on this trip! So glad you were able to smuggle your batteries into Korea with you. :)

Back in the early 90s I spent almost 3 weeks just before Christmas doing safety inspections of contractor facilities... The Koreans were the best hosts! The Korean Airlines safety staff even took me out to dinner the night before we left, and the boss then took me to visit his family! Some great memories.

A wicked sense of humour!

Love that too. We saw one with bling…sparkly sunglasses!

We have the same question…

We have the same question…

Hi Karen
The trash washed in with the tide from other countries. I agree tho that it is a jolt to see it.

A mini “Benihana” ! :)

Her headscarf is adorable!