I like to ride my turquoise bicycle in Seoul!

Do you like my new turquoise bicycle?

Yesterday, I went bicycle shopping with a friend and bought my new turquoise bicycle from a local shop. It’s a hybrid (I didn’t know what that was before, but I do now). Isn’t it a beautiful turquoise and white coloured bike? I have seven gears, a bell, lights (with three different flashing sequences), a basket, and a lock!  

I had been thinking about getting a new bicycle, but I live on the third floor and there’s no lift (elevator) in my building in Seoul. The man who sold it to me was really friendly and helpful and I really wanted this turquoise bicycle, so I figured I would tackle the logistics of the stairs one way or another.

My friend was going to get a bike, too. She wanted the same one, we even joked about having couple-bikes. Sadly, the shop only had this turquoise bike, so couple-bikes wasn’t to be.

Where am I going to store my bike?

I found that pushing my bike up the three flights of stairs was trickier than anticipated. I figured there must be an easier way. So I searched the internet, where I came across this informative blog post by Sarah Wilson. I learnt seven gears make my bike heavier, perhaps I didn’t really need so many.

Last night, I practised picking it up and putting it down several times. Today, I carried it down the stairs on my shoulder. The handlebars were a little wayward at first, thankfully I mastered the suggested shoulder technique without suffering any facial bruising.

Cycling to School in South Korea

Later, I went for a dummy cycle ride to school and then along the river by my house. I wanted to see how long it would take me to get to school (how much time I would save). I cycled slowly, navigating my way around pedestrians, cars, motorcycles in a ‘zen’ like fashion. However, it only really saved me about eight minutes.

Whilst I was cycling towards the railway crossing, a woman cycling at speed overtook me. As she did this, she noticed a pedestrian ahead. He was in her direct path. She frantically rang her bell. Unfortunately, he side-stepped in the wrong direction, she floored both of them! As she clambered to her feet, she began shouting at the young man in Korean. Personally I felt she was going to fast, if he’d turned to look she’d still have hit him. He didn’t really have time to see her coming or move out of her way. This nasty little collision made me take the roads, and pavements more tentatively. The commute to school in the mornings will be even busier than a Sunday evening, with many more obstacles to navigate. Consequently, I think I might continue to walk to/from school.

The cycle path along the river is safer, more scenic, and fun. Along the river, it’s generally pretty flat. Cyclists there tend to observe the path markings, etiquette and rules a lot better than Korean motorists and motorcyclists (red light, what red light? pavement? you get the idea).

In Japan, I found that cycling in the humidity is actually quite pleasant, the movement creates a cooling breeze. So, I plan to cycle down to the Han river, and along there during the evenings and at weekends. Also, the next bike party, I’m ready! Earlier today my friend messaged to tell me that she’s now bought a bike, too. So, we can go on bike rides together. Cute^^

Update: Later I discovered that there were covered bike racks by Hoegi Train Station and I began storing my bike there. I used my bike lock, not because I thought someone might try to steal it. It was more likely someone might accidentally think it was their bike if they’d been drinking too much soju.

When I became more confident, I also rode my bike to school every day along the cycle path whilst listening to music through my headphones.