[Trip Guide] Trip to South Korea
 

Welcome to GlobeRiders-K (GRK), dear riders from the world.

My name is Jun Kim, who is in charge of international communication for GRK.

I know that you may have never heard about GlobeRiders-K.
In fact, we are the largest motorcycle community in Korea specializing in the world travel on motorcycle.
Perhaps, you can consider us as the local Korean version of HorizonsUnlimited + Advrider.

Korea has numerous interesting destinations that would be acclaimed by all types of motorcycle riders.
However, many courses are still not well known to the world due to a language barrier and peculiar traffic regulations.
(For instance, there are confusing and tricky restrictions such as motorcycle cannot use highways and certain roads
exclusively available for automobiles.)

GlobeRiders-K members are more than willing to help foreign riders planning a trip in (or to) Korea.
Moreover, we have many experienced riders with well-organized social networks in all parts of Korea.

Please feel comfortable contacting us. Indeed, we are just bunch of riders sharing passion for travel.
No matter what sort of bike you are riding, from small urban scooter to adventure vehemoth,
we believe that all riders dreaming the world tour on two wheels are brothers.

Starting with providing transport information, I am glad to help your motorcycle trip.
When you contact me with general information, please consider following questions for better assistance;

1. When do you plan to enter Korea? via where?
2. What do you want to do in Korea? Please tell me briefly about your main objectives or just things to do.
3. How long will you stay and travel in Korea?
4. Which country do you want to go after Korea? (Next destination)
5. What sort of transportation do you want? Ship or Airplane?
Do you have specific reasons prefer one to the other?
6. How is your budget?
(Low, Medium, High or any simple comment would be sufficient.
We can recommend you places from nice camaping sites, affordable guest house to decent hotels.)
7. How is your current status of travel? Do you need any mechanical maintenance/medical attention?
8. What kind of motorcycle are you riding?
9. Don't forget to give me your contact information

Here are my contact information. Please feel free to contact me anytime.

Name: Jun
Mobile: +82-10-5126 -9566
E-mail: jun19@hotmail.com
Visit us : http://www.globeriders.co.kr
Click "English" menu for more information

Meet locals, experience traditional cultures, be a part of rider community, and build your true travel experience.
Godspeed, and hope to meet you in Korea.

S Korea
 

Hello I Ta Se,
Welcome to the HUBB!
Finally you have showed up. We have to move this post to North Asia, since Korea falls under that thread.

I Ta Se has been great in the past ,, meeting and guiding HUBBers getting off at Dong Hae, largely due to Light House Keeper (등대지기) I hope you continue to provide same friendly support. As I know many Korean riders,,, who had Bushman and Martin in UK give him shirts off their backs ,, Tipi and Chai ,, who had unheard of hospitality in UK as well ,,, and many others including Lighthouse Keeper, who had Russians take care of him for several weeks and my self, who had abundance of generousity shown to me. Hope indeed ,, I Ta Se ,, can meet HUBBers and assist them, especially in times of need, half as much as we Korean riders received over there.
Good luck and welcome again !
:thumbup1:

Hello seouljoe
 

I have moved the thread to Northern Asia!

For HUBBers' information, I-Ta-Se is Korean name of GRK.
So, you can call us both I-Ta-Se (Korean) and Globe Riders - K (GRK).

I know seouljoe has been a HUBBer for years and he is also a member
of GRK. He has been a great rider for GRK community.

Thank you for your comment and we will do our best to keep
relationship based on genuine trust and fun.

Shipping your motorcycle in South Korea
 

Depending on your travel destination and schedule your budget might vary.
I recommend you to get quotes from both international companies and domestic companies for the best deal.

Basically if you travel from Russia or Japan via ship, you would be able to travel with your motorcycle.

Finding international companies might start from searching information from Google.com
Example) How to ship a motorcycle from (your place) to South Korea Depending on your travel destination and schedule your budget might vary.
I recommend you to get quotes from both international companies and domestic companies for the best deal.

Basically if you travel from Russia or Japan via ship, you would be able to travel with your motorcycle.

Finding international companies might start from searching information from Google.com
Example) How to ship a motorcycle from (your place) to South Korea / Shipping a motorcycle to Korea
You should be able to find numerous overseas transporters.

Incase of domestic companies, it is more difficult to find in Google.
For your convenience, I list following selected companies.
I do not specifically recommend any specific company, but all of following companies have fair reputation and experience.
Most of them have the English webpage with Multi-lingual service representative.
The best way to reach them would be firstly requesting them an e-mail quote and call.

1) Hyundai Shipping
Website http://www.cyhds.com/eng/index.html

2) Hanjin Shipping
Website HANJIN SHIPPING : Main

3) GANA Shipping
Website http://www.24gana.com/content/
They seem to not have English website, so I put down additional information
Tel +82-2-737-1838 (Sales Rep)
E-mail: 24gana@hanmail.net

In addition, I would like to introduce the company named EUKOR.

4) EUKOR
Website http://www.eukor.com/index.jsp
EUKOR is not a domestic company but this company has various shipping routes.
(Check service routes at http://www.eukor.com/homepage/eukor/routes_overview.jsp)

Please compare quotes from several transporters to get the best rate and schedule.
Depending on packing options, single crate, volume container, or individual roll-in on roll-off would be possible.

Every year, there are many motorcycle enthusiasts coming from Russia and Japan via ships,
and from Canada, Europe and USA via airfreight. Usually the best season for motorcycle riding would be
between April and June / August and November in Korea. Monsoon seasons are typically between late June to July.
Once you're in Korea, we can help you planning routes, arranging a meeting and setting up your GPS.

Also, If you ride BMW, I can introduce authorized BMW Korean dealer that can help pre-checkup and securing crating.
(I happen to be a GS rider, that’s all.)

For additional information about GlobeRiders-K, please contact me.

Name: Jun
Mobile: +82-10-5126 -9566
E-mail: jun19@hotmail.com
Visit us : http://www.globeriders.co.kr
Click "English" menu for more information

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...a-glk-logo.jpg
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...h-contents.jpg

Traveling between Japan and Korea with your motorcycle
 

There is a ferry connects Osaka and Busan, the second biggest seaport of Korea.
Two maritime routes (A&B) are currently available for you and your motorcycle.
Depending on your location, please determine which route works better for you to save time and avoid unwanted
highway travel. (Highway fee of Japan is notorious.) For exact expense estimation, contact a company.

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A. Shimonoseki <-> Busan (Round-trip also available)

1) Shimonoseki -> Busan
Taking “Kampuferry”
English Website: KAMPUFERRY
Reservation: http://www.kampuferry.co.jp/passenge...servation.html
Phone: 083-224-3000 (Shimonoseki Office) / Business Hour: 9:00~18:00
E-mail: ryokaku@kampuferry.co.kr

In the website, you can check time schedule, Fares, Charges, Booking / boarding procedures and pick-up location.
All the information including pictures of rooms is available on website.

2) Busan -> Shimonoseki (Round-trip also available)

Taking “Pukwanferry”
Website: http://www.pukwan.co.kr
Phone: 051-464-2700 (Reservation only)
There is no English website, but Google Translator seems to work okay.
Note: On Google translator, 2nd Class room appears as 2 lantern.

In fact, two companies are related, thus, they share the same ferries and work in the same manner.
Both companies also have Japanese website.

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B. Osaka <-> Busan

Taking “PanStar Cruise” (Round-trip available)
Website: http://www.panstar.co.kr/main/main.php

(The company has adobe-flash based web-site, Google Translator does not work.)
The best way to contact would be calling following numbers.

Busan:
(Passenger terminal) 1577-9996
(Cargo terminal) 1577-9666
Osaka: 81-6-6614-2516
Currently, Osaka-Busan Round-trip fare with your motorcycle starts from 700,000 Yen.

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Generally in Korea, for 30-day mandatory motorcycle insurance, estimated fee would be between USD 30 and 130,
depend on coverage and conditions. Please ask a ferry company for details.
A ferry company can handle necessary insurance and a customs clearance business for you. (Recommended)
Or you can take care by yourself at the destination. Usually people in ferry companies are familiar with procedures.
Also, please do not forget to confirm your reservation prior to departure.

I hope this can help figuring out your travel plan.
If you have specific questions or having difficulty because of a language, contact me.
Bon voyage.