🌇 Just a chill bike ride in Seoul, right? …Wrong.
If you’re planning a Seoul bike rental for foreigners, especially through Ddareungi, this post is a must-read. I went on a solo ride and got hilariously lost near the Han River 😂
“Let’s rent a Ddareungi bike and ride along the Han River like a movie scene.”
The weather was perfect. The app worked. The wind was vibing.
But… I didn’t realize one thing:
You can ride down to the Han River easily, but getting back up? That’s a whole quest.
Yup. I got stuck. For 40 minutes.
Like, full-on urban escape room vibes.
So here’s my full guide for anyone—especially foreigners—planning to ride a Ddareungi bike in Seoul.
Tips, how-tos, mistakes to avoid, and real-life chaos included.
✅ What Is Ddareungi?
Ddareungi (따릉이) is Seoul’s public bike rental service.
It’s cheap, super convenient, and perfect for solo travelers.
- 💳 No Korean phone number needed
- 🌍 Foreign cards are accepted
- 📱 You can do everything through the app!
📱 How to Rent a Ddareungi Bike (2025 Update)
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Download App | Search “따릉이” or “Seoul Bike” (iOS/Android). Set language to English. |
| 2. Sign Up | Use email or social login. No Korean ID or number required. |
| 3. Payment | Most foreign credit cards accepted. No cash or Apple Pay. |
| 4. Choose Plan | ₩1,000 for 1-day / ₩3,000 for 7-day / ₩5,000 for 30-day pass (1-hour rides) |
| 5. Find a Bike | Use app map to find nearby stations. Pick a bike with a QR code. |
| 6. Unlock & Ride | Scan the QR code with the app – it clicks open instantly! |
| 7. Return | Park at any official station, hit “Return” in the app – done! |
🌍 Foreigner-Friendly Tips You’ll Be Glad You Knew
- Han River paths are amazing, but exits are confusing!
- The app works in English but signs on the road are often in Korean
- Check your bike before riding (tires, brakes, seat!)
- Each ride has a 1-hour limit, or you get charged extra
- You must return the bike to a Ddareungi station – don’t leave it anywhere
🌬️ My Experience: It Started as Healing, Ended as a Workout 😂
At first, everything was perfect.
I was riding from Yeouido toward Banpo, wind in my hair, listening to lo-fi vibes.
Totally romanticizing my life. ✨
But then I realized…
“Wait… where’s the way back up???”
🌀 Finding an Exit from the Han River = Impossible (Almost)
You’d think there’d be stairs or ramps everywhere, right? Nope.
- Some exits only go to parking lots
- Signs are tiny and only in Korean
- Elevators are hidden in weird corners
- Google Maps doesn’t show stairs
- I kept going in circles, dragging my bike around
40 minutes.
Wandering. Sweating. Laughing at my own life choices.
A guy even asked if I was okay 😭
🏞️ But… the views were worth it.
I mean, the sunset over the Han River? Unreal.
The bike + golden sky combo? Pure Pinterest-core.
Even though I was mildly panicking, I still managed to take some killer pics 📸
📍 Best Routes for First-Timers (Especially Solo Travelers)
| Route | Why You’ll Love It |
|---|---|
| Yeouido → Ttukseom | Long riverside path, amazing views, tons of stations |
| Seongsu → Seoul Forest | Cute cafés, chill vibes, great for solo travel |
| Gyeongui Line Forest Road | Urban meets nature, good for short relaxing rides |
| Banpo → Jamsil | Sunset over the bridge + peaceful ride at night |
💡 Final Thoughts: Ride the Bike, But Know the Exit
- Ddareungi is 100% worth it for exploring Seoul
- You don’t need to speak Korean or have a Korean phone number
- But PLEASE know your route back before you ride too far 😭
- Treat it like a mini-adventure – because it really is!
💬 Let’s Talk!
Have you tried riding Ddareungi in Seoul?
Got stuck too? 😅
Or planning your first ride?
👉 Drop a comment and let’s share tips, fails, and favorite routes!