wellness
Seoul Opens 2 Protected Cycling Routes for Families and Beginners
Dedicated lanes in two major parks now let parents ride with children on flat paths away from car traffic.
How we reported this
Seoul city crews completed new protected bike lanes at two Han River parks on July 1, giving families and first-time riders 18 kilometers of car-free pavement with gentle grades and frequent rest stops.
Interest in outdoor cycling has grown sharply this year as residents seek low-cost ways to stay active during longer daylight hours and before the August humidity peaks. City health programs track rising participation in group rides, and local clinics report more families asking about beginner-friendly exercise that avoids crowded indoor gyms.
Two routes families can try this month
Yeouido Hangang Park now features a 7-kilometer loop that starts at the Yeouinaru ferry terminal and runs west past the National Assembly building before circling back through shaded picnic areas. The path stays level and includes separate lanes marked for children under 12. Further east, the Ttukseom Hangang Park section offers a 5-kilometer straight stretch from the Ttukseom subway exit 1 to the Seongsu Bridge, with wide shoulders and water fountains every 800 meters. Both spots connect to the citywide Ddareungi rental system, which added 400 child seats at stations near these parks last month.
Seoul Metropolitan Government data released June 28 showed 62,400 Ddareungi trips taken by riders under 18 in May, up 19 percent from the same month in 2025. Rental fees remain 1,000 won for the first hour at standard stations, with family plans at 3,000 won covering two adult bikes and one child seat for a full day. The same report listed 142 new safety barriers installed along the Yeouido loop and Ttukseom stretch to separate cyclists from nearby walking paths.
Getting started this weekend
Parents can download the Ddareungi app to reserve bikes at the Yeouido or Ttukseom stations before 10 a.m. to avoid midday heat. Helmets are available free at the rental kiosks, and both parks have shaded playgrounds within 200 meters of the bike paths for breaks. Riders who prefer to bring their own bikes can park cars at the free lots at Nodeul Island or the Ttukseom sports complex before entering the lanes.