Exploring the Hidden Gems of Buyeo: A Biking Adventure
Hello, I am a rider capturing the world on two wheels! Today, I rode along the Geumgang Bicycle Path in Buyeo, Chungcheongnam-do.
While I was lost in the beautiful scenery, I unexpectedly encountered a 'navigation mission' that almost left my thighs in agony. Let me share this amusing yet challenging episode with you.
The stars of today's adventure are the Baekje Dam and the hidden gem, Cheonjeongdae, nearby.
If you think, like I did, "It has a similar name, so it must be nearby!" you might find yourself lost on the scorching asphalt of Buyeo.
Buyeo has quite a long interval between bus services.
So, if you visit on foot, you might find yourself in a bit of a predicament.
I had always driven here before, but today was my first time exploring on foot, and I found the waiting quite challenging.
Then, lo and behold, I spotted an electric bike in front of the Busosanseong Fortress!
The app is called Buyeo Sing Sing.
You can use the public bike for up to 2 hours for free. Things that are unimaginable in Seoul are possible here in Buyeo!
The path to Cheonjeongdae has a well-maintained bike lane, making the ride quite comfortable.
And don't underestimate the electric bike; it can go surprisingly fast!
Now, let me tell you about my navigation mishap.
The Geumgang Bicycle Path in Buyeo is known among riders as the 'Silk Road.'
The surface is incredibly smooth and well-maintained, giving you the exhilarating sensation of gliding on ice while riding a road bike.
With the expansive view of the Baekma River beside me, riding in silence with only the sound of my breath and the chain moving felt amazing! Was I too captivated by this feeling?
I casually glanced at the signposts and thought, "If I keep going straight, I’ll reach the Baekje Dam!" and pedaled on.
However, things started to feel off. It should have been a flat riverside path, but suddenly the incline became steep.
Wait... was there an uphill on the way to the Baekje Dam?
Even the electric bike struggled, and as I pushed hard with my thighs, I lifted my head to find a tranquil pavilion and a steep cliff greeting me instead of the massive modern dam.
Yes, I had ended up about 2 km away from the Baekje Dam at Cheonjeongdae.
This is a common mistake for first-time riders like me.
Since 'Baekje' is in the name and it didn’t seem far on the map, one wrong turn can lead you to unexpected places.
To reach the Baekje Dam, I should have gone further downstream, but I got carried away by the smooth bike path and ended up climbing the cliff upstream.
Arriving there, sweating profusely, I was about to ask, "Is this the Baekje Dam certification center?" when I saw only the pavilion, and I felt so deflated.
After a brief moment of enjoying the scenery at Cheonjeongdae, I regained my focus.
I had to go back to get my stamp at the Baekje Dam.
I sped down the smooth bike path downstream.
When the massive wing-shaped silhouette of the Baekje Dam came into view, I felt a sense of relief akin to finding a treasure chest after a long adventure.
It was larger than I expected, and even from a distance, the sound of the water was immense, filling me with a sense of grandeur that words can't describe.
This is where you can get your bike riding certification.
Upon entering, I found the certification stamp.
It’s closed on Mondays and operates from 09:00 to 18:00, excluding lunchtime, from Tuesday to Sunday.
When I arrived, there were not only bicycle riders but also a good number of motorcycle riders.
Though there are no cafes or popular eateries nearby, fortunately, there was a convenience store where I could grab a quick drink or snack.
After wandering around earlier, I was so thirsty that I bought some water.
The view from the observatory was even more stunning, and the cherry blossoms were still blooming, making the scenery even more picturesque.
After all the ups and downs, I realized at the Baekje Dam that the joy of biking lies not in completing the route as planned, but in the unexpected sights encountered along the way.
Today, I set out to find the Baekje Dam and ended up discovering the history of Baekje, and then returned to conquer my destination. My legs are twice as shaky as usual, but I have twice as many rich stories to tell.
So why not try riding wherever your feet take you instead of just focusing on the signposts? It’s okay to get lost. The bicycle paths in Buyeo are ready to offer you the best views no matter where you go!
Source :https://blog.naver.com/sinmunman/224255857828
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