Korea or Taiwan, need pros&cons

Hi there,

after 2 wonderful cycling trips through Japan, I need a break from Japan, as I can't top the last holiday.

First world problem: I cannot decide to go either to South Korea or to Taiwan.
Korea would be Seoul to Busan on the river paths and then back up on the east coast. Taiwan would be just around the island with a short trip to the mountains. Both in 3 weeks, planed route 1200-1400km.

As both have build up some serious cycling infrastructure throughout their country and seem to be really good for cycling: has anyone traveled by bicycle in both countries and give some pros&cons for each? Or give some impressions on one of both?

Thanks so much...

Taiwan invented bubble tea.

Everyone I know who has ridden in Taiwan has loved it - amazing mountains, good surfaces, courteous drivers.

I looked at going to Hualien last year. It has a handful of cycling hotels, direct flights to most places and you're at the foot of some great climbs.

Don't rule out northern Thailand - Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Best cycling holiday I've ever done but it gets hot until around September/October. I did some of the Mae Hong Son loop. Sounds like it would be up your street.

Perfect thanks! Also did some comparisons via Google street view and I've got to admit, Taiwan does indeed look a lot more impressive, at least on the east coast. Also their history of being a japanese colony and the influences from that won't make it so hard for me...will book next week, hooray!

Northern Thailand sounds also great, met cyclist from there in Japan and they also recommended it. Also Laos and Yunnan are still on my bucket list (and a re-visit to Vietnam) - could be all combined...

Don't rule out northern Thailand - Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Best cycling holiday I've ever done but it gets hot until around September/October. I did some of the Mae Hong Son loop. Sounds like it would be up your street.

Oh god. I miss that loop so so much. One of the best for sure. Coming back round from Mae Hong Son still pangs me with memories frequently.

I didn’t manage to do it all sadly. Lack of planning and no cycling luggage. I did Chiang Mai to Pai and then up to Soppong, so probably the hilliest part.

Don’t think I’d ever tire of that part of the world. Planning to go back in December and do Chiang Rai this time.

Taroko Gorge (Taiwan) is absolutley amazing. Raced the KOM a few years ago and wish I'd had more time to go exploring. Don't know much about the riding in the rest of the country, but like a lot a cities some of the built up areas get pretty hectic. Heard great things about the bike paths around Taiwan though. The guys at the Specialized concept store in Taipei are also super friendly - sorted me out with a bike to use for the trip

So, back again. Went around the island on a little bit extended route, 1300km instead of the short 900km.

This was a really nice trip and ranks in the Top3 of my cycling holidays. Cycling is really great there, wonderful landscape and super friendly and kind people. Only the east coast (as expected) is a bit boring, would maybe next time choose a route through the mountains on the way back north.

Here is the travel blog:
https://www.letsgocycling.de

@Brain-Stew Ah yes, you were right - Taroko Gorge was incredible!