Exploring South Korea on Two Wheels: A Step-by-Step Guide to Renting Public Bicycles

No matter if you plan to visit South Korea or you've been living here for a while, you should not miss enjoying a bike ride in Seoul.

Ddareungi/ 따릉이 also known as Seoul Bike was introduced back in October 2015 and is now the nearest low-carbon mode of transportation.

Here is a Step-by-Step Guide to Renting Public Bicycles in Korea:

1. Using the app

2. Buy a ticket through the website

3. Safety Tips

4. Scanning and returning the bike

Using the APP to rent bicycles in Korea

Step 1

Search for Ddareungi/ 따릉이 on:

And install it.

Step 2

Open the app, turn on the Bluetooth (must always be on when using the bike), allow the app to access your location (to find the closest/best-suited bike station for you), and choose whichever is best for you.

*You also have to permit the app to make calls for customer service, input your phone number, let the app send push notifications, use of camera for the QR code, and agree with letting the app update when needed.

Step 3

Skip the tutorial

Step 4

Choose whichever is best for you. If you choose Foreigner, you can use an overseas-issued card or Discover Seoul Pass.

For foreigners, there are three options:

If you have a Korean ID card and phone number (2) you can make an account (1) or sign up through Naver/Kakaotalk (3):

To register with Korean ID:

Step 5

Tap on Search - Write a location (preferably in Korean) - choose what is best for you - tap on Purchase Pass

*If you purchased the pass earlier but didn't get to use it or purchase it on the website you can input the code after tapping I already have a pass.

Tap on the type of pass you to purchase and then input your email address. After agreeing to all you will be redirected to the paying page and receive a code on your email.

Then go to any bike, tap on Rent, and scan de QR code.

Keep in mind that you can overcharged for:

• Not returning the bike to a station before the pass expires: 200 won/ 5 minutes;

Regarding your pass/code:

• you can buy another one as many times in 24 hours;

• you may be restricted from future rental if you are repeatedly overcharged;

• if you do not use your pass within 24 hours from your purchase date and time, you'll be automatically refunded and the code will expire;

Buying a pass from the website

Step 1

Go to https://www.bikeseoul.com:457/main.do?lang=en

Click on Buy ticket, then on Purchase a Pass (be sure to read everything carefully). Choose the type of Pass you want to purchase (1), input your email address (2), agree to all terms (3), and click on Make payment(4).

*Be sure you write your email address correctly since you will only receive your passcode through it. If not, you will need to go through customer service (and it is not pleasant at all).

Step 2

Go back to the app and redo from Step 5 but choose I already have a pass.

Some safety tips:

How to scan and return the bike:

Find the lock on the bike on the back wheel:

Scan the code and it will unlock.

If you want to take a break or stop to buy some refreshing, turn the lock downwards so nobody will be able to use it. The same thing you will do when returning the bike, put it in the station and turn the lock down. After you'll receive a message or email that it has been successfully returned to the station.

And that's it! Enjoy your ride and stay on the bike road to be safe.