How to Use Seoul’s Public Bike ‘ddareungi’ – A Simple Guide for Foreigners

How to Use Seoul’s Public Bike ‘Ddareungi’ – A Simple Guide for Foreigners

If you’re visiting Seoul and want to explore the city in a fun, cheap, and eco-friendly way, you’ll love ‘Ddareungi’—Seoul’s public bike rental system. It’s green, it’s easy to use, and it’s everywhere. The best part? You don’t need to be a Korean citizen to ride.

I’m here to break it down for you step by step, with tips to make your first ride smooth and stress-free. Whether you want to cycle along the Han River, through quiet parks, or just skip the subway for a day, here’s how to get rolling.

What is Ddareungi?

‘Ddareungi’ (따릉이) is Seoul’s official public bike-sharing system. You’ll see green-and-white bikes parked all around the city—in parks, near subway stations, and at busy intersections. The bikes are sturdy, have adjustable seats, and even come with a small front basket.

You can rent one for as little as 1,000 KRW (under $1) and return it at any station. The system is available 24/7, year-round.

Option 1: Easiest Way for Foreigners – Using the Kakao T App

The Kakao T app is your best friend in Korea—it’s available in English and makes renting a Ddareungi bike super easy. Here’s how:

  1. Download Kakao T (Android/iOS) and set your language to English.
  2. Tap “Bike” from the home screen.
  3. Allow GPS, and you’ll see nearby Ddareungi bikes on the map.
  4. Select a bike, tap “Rent,” and pay using your credit card or Kakao Pay.
  5. Once payment is complete, you’ll get a 4-digit unlock code.
  6. Enter the code on the bike’s keypad, and it will unlock. You’re good to go!

Tip: Be sure to return the bike to an official docking station. The app shows where stations are and how many empty slots are available.

Option 2: Using the Seoul Bike Official Website

If you prefer a browser, go to the official English website: www.bikeseoul.com.

  1. Create an account (you’ll need an email address and mobile number—international numbers are OK).
  2. Purchase a pass: options include 1-hour, 2-hour, daily, weekly, or monthly passes.
  3. Use your pass number to unlock bikes at any station via the keypad.

This method works well for longer stays or people without Korean mobile apps.

Bike Features

  • 3-speed gears – easy to ride even on small hills.
  • Front basket – for your bag, coffee, or convenience store snacks.
  • Adjustable seat – pull up or down to your comfort level.
  • Handbrakes + bell – simple and safe to use.

Where to Ride

  • Han River Park: Wide bike paths with skyline views.
  • Yeouido Island: Great for cherry blossom season.
  • Seoul Forest: Peaceful, nature-filled cycling route.
  • Cheonggyecheon Stream: Ride along the stream in downtown Seoul.

How Much Does It Cost?

It’s super affordable!

  • 1-hour pass: 1,000 KRW (~$0.70)
  • 2-hour pass: 2,000 KRW (~$1.50)
  • Day pass: 5,000 KRW (~$3.70)

Note: If you ride longer than your purchased time, you’ll be charged a small extra fee (usually 200 KRW per 5 minutes).

Things to Know

  • Wear a helmet if you have one (not provided).
  • Check the brakes and tires before riding—just in case.
  • Return the bike to a designated station to avoid penalties.
  • Ride safely! Stick to bike lanes where possible and follow traffic signals.

Final Thoughts

Seoul is a city made for walking—but even better for cycling. With thousands of Ddareungi bikes scattered across the city and multiple English-friendly ways to access them, there’s no reason not to try it out.

So next time you’re exploring a new neighborhood or heading down to the Han River, why not ride instead? It’s cheap, fun, and gives you a whole new perspective of the city. Happy cycling!

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