Your Guide to Renting a Bike in Seoul: Cash or Card?
Your Guide to Renting a Bike in Seoul: Cash or Card?
Many global travelers visiting Seoul want to explore the city by bike. But once you're here, figuring out how and where to rent a bike, especially if you want to pay with cash, can be confusing. Don't worry! This guide covers everything you need to know about bike rental in Seoul.
Using Seoul's Public Bike, "Ttareungi": If You Have a Credit Card or Discover Seoul Pass
Ttareungi is Seoul's unmanned public bike rental system, operating across the city. It's great for short distances or when public transport feels too close, and it helps reduce traffic and air pollution. Foreign visitors can use Ttareungi as non-members with a special fare system.
Getting Started with Ttareungi: App, Credit Card, or Discover Seoul Pass
1. Download and Set Up the 'Ttareungi' App
- Search for and install the 'Ttareungi' app on Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- After launching, select the 'Foreigner' button on the first screen. The official Ttareungi website also supports English, Chinese, and Japanese.
- From the app's main screen, select 'Purchase Voucher' and buy a 'Day Voucher.' (Non-members can only purchase Day Vouchers.)
- Payment must be made with an overseas-issued credit card. One card can purchase one voucher.
How to use Ttareungi with your Discover Seoul Pass:
- In the Ttareungi app, select 'Day Voucher,' then choose 'Discover Seoul Pass' as your payment method.
- Scan your pass's QR code or enter its information as prompted by the app.
- Once registered, an 8-digit rental number will appear on your screen. Use this number to rent a bike.
- Ttareungi rides linked to the pass are valid for 24 hours from the first rental, with unlimited rides and no extra charges during this period. You'll still need the Ttareungi app and to register as a non-member.
- Rent: Use the app's map to check nearby rental stations and available bikes. Scan the QR code on the bike with the app, or enter your rental number, to unlock it.
- Return: Simply park the bike at any Ttareungi station and push the lock into place. You'll get a confirmation message on your smartphone.
Ttareungi Usage Fees (Foreigner Day Voucher)
- If you return the bike within the basic rental time (1 or 2 hours), you can rent again unlimited times during the voucher's validity period.
- An additional fee of ₩200 is charged for every 5 minutes beyond the basic rental time.
Foreigner Support Services
Seoul offers the following support services for foreign visitors:
- Chatbot Consultation: Get assistance in English via chatbot.
- 3-Way Interpretation: Connect to Ttareungi's call center (via Dasan Call Center at 1599-0120) for 3-way interpretation services.
Only Have Cash? Head to a Han River Park Bike Rental Shop!
Yes, foreign visitors can rent bikes in Seoul using cash. Han River Park bike rental shops, operated by private companies, accept cash and other payment methods. This differs from Ttareungi, which requires an app and card payment.
Using Han River Park Bike Rental Shops
These rental shops are found throughout Han River Park and accept various payment methods, including cash. Foreign visitors can present their passport as ID to rent a bike.
Major Han River Park Bike Rental Locations:
There are 12 bike rental shops within Han River Park:
- Gangnam Area: Gwangnaru, Jamsil, Jamwon, Banpo, Yeouido (Wonhyodaegyo, Yeouinaru, Mapodaegyo), Yanghwa, Gangseo
- Gangbuk Area: Ttukseom, Ichon, Nanji
Selected Bike Rental Shop Information
Han River Park Bike Rental Process
- Visit a Rental Shop: Go directly to a Han River Park bike rental shop.
- Present ID & Pay: Foreigners should show their passport as ID. If you don't have ID, you might leave a deposit (around ₩50,000) or personal item (smartphone, car key, etc.). Remember, if you do this, you must return the bike to the same shop to get your deposit back.
- Payment: Use the kiosk at the shop to select your bike type, quantity, and rental time. You can pay with cash, credit card, or transportation card.
- Rent & Return: Show your rental slip to a staff member to get your bike. After use, return the bike and the slip to the rental shop.
Han River Park Bike Rental Fees
- Above fees are based on the Han River Park official website; overage fees may vary by rental shop.
Now you know how to rent a bike in Seoul! If you have a credit card or Discover Seoul Pass, try the convenient Ttareungi. If you prefer cash or a more relaxed ride, head to a Han River Park bike rental shop. Enjoy exploring Seoul's beautiful scenery by bike!
