Imagine coasting along the riverside path, watching people play croquet or exercise in the parks along the stream. The sun is brilliant in a blue sky dotted with high, white clouds. The wind in your face and across your skin feels cool and pleasant. Wait—there, standing majestically in the stream hunting fish, is a gigantic white crane. You pull over to take out your phone and snap some photos. You notice a family of ducks closer to the shore, so you watch those and take a photo of them. Suddenly, the crane lifts off into the air, and gracefully climbs high above. After taking a drink of cold water, you continue your journey.

Ernest Hemingway reportedly once said that the best way to see a country was to tour it by bicycle. If so, Hemingway might have enjoyed living in contemporary Korea, which is relatively bike-friendly. Jeonju, especially, is a great area for cycling.

Most major roads have bike paths which follow the sidewalks, meaning one can navigate to most locations in Jeonju easily and safely via bike. Bike racks, often sheltered against the weather, are common, so once you get to your destination you can lock up your bike easily. It’s important to do so; one quirk about living in Korea is that your bike will get stolen if you don’t lock it up. This may seem like common sense, but you can leave your laptop unattended in Starbucks all afternoon and no one will touch it; however, if you leave your bike unlocked and unattended it’s liable to be gone in no time. Maybe this says something about the convenience and popularity of cycling as a mode of transportation in Korea.

Extensive bike paths follow Jeonju’s riverbanks; you can easily ride for miles in either direction. If you take a river ride, you’ll likely see all kinds of people out enjoying nature, especially if the weather is good and it’s a weekend or holiday. Make sure to take care and remain respectful of pedestrians and fellow cyclists using the paths. If you feel “the need for speed” don’t worry—ride far enough and before long you’ll be at the edge of the city, where you can take in the scenic countryside—and the traffic is light enough you can really wind out your bike. Out here, make sure you aren’t in the way, though; here the serious cyclists run at top speed, fully kitted out in riding gear, traveling in groups of three or four.

Back in the city, as mentioned earlier, there are many bike paths. I’ve found that many errands, such as a quick trip to the shops or down to the post office, for example, are actually faster by bike than by car. You can find shortcuts and avoid traffic jams. In addition, you’re using a method of transportation which is good for your body and good for the environment.

Many bike shops are located conveniently in Jeonju, with a wide range of options. Currently I ride a mid-range Giant purchased from a local dealer in Hyoja-dong, but you can look around and find something that works for you. Any style of bike for any budget can easily be found in Jeonju. Happy riding!