Seoul Cycling Routes Safe for Families and Beginners Add Protected Lanes

Seoul opened 12 kilometers of new protected cycling lanes on July 1 along the Han River in Yeouido and Banpo districts, with barriers separating bike traffic from pedestrians and vehicles.

City officials expanded these routes after Seoul's 2025 mobility survey recorded a 19 percent increase in family cycling trips compared with the prior year, driven by residents seeking low-cost outdoor activity near home during longer daylight hours.

Routes Through Yeouido and Banpo Parks

The new segments begin at the Yeouido Hangang Park entrance near the National Assembly building and run east to the Ttukseom bridge crossing, passing rental stations operated by the Ddareungi bike-share program. A parallel stretch in Banpo Hangang Park starts at the Banpo Bridge underpass and extends south toward the Seorae Village neighborhood, where lanes widen to 2.5 meters and include rest areas with water fountains. Both routes stay within park boundaries and avoid major roads, with speed limits set at 15 kilometers per hour.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government's Green Transport Division maintains these paths and posts daily condition updates through its public app, including closures for maintenance scheduled every Tuesday morning.

Usage Data and Access Details

Seoul's 2025 mobility report counted 4.8 million family bike trips on Han River paths last year, with average trip lengths of 8 kilometers. Ddareungi rentals cost 1,000 won for the first hour and 500 won for each additional 30 minutes, with family discounts available for groups of three or more through the city's resident card system. Helmets are provided free at 14 staffed stations between Yeouido and Banpo.

Parents new to the routes can download the Ddareungi app to reserve bikes in advance and select the family filter that highlights only flat, shaded segments. Riders should start before 10 a.m. to avoid peak heat and carry water from the fountains installed at 2-kilometer intervals.