At 6:30 a.m., the rhythmic hum of bicycle wheels echoes across Busan’s Gwangandaegyo Bridge. As the morning fog clings to the coastline, 5,000 riders begin their ascent. For one day only, this massive six-lane sea bridge—usually reserved for the heavy flow of cars and container trailers—transforms into one of the most dramatic cycling stages in the world.
The "2026 Seven Bridges Tour Riding in Busan" is set to return on September 20, scaling up significantly from its inaugural run. Participation has jumped from 3,000 to 5,000 riders, including approximately 500 international cyclists from Japan, Taiwan, and beyond. This is no longer just a local festival; it is Busan’s official entry onto the global sports-tourism map.
A Course Like No Other: Riding Over the Sea
The heart of the tour lies in Busan’s unique geography, where the Nakdonggang River estuary meets the South Sea. The 77 km route is a sweeping journey that links the city’s iconic bridges, offering a perspective of the coastline that is typically inaccessible to anyone not behind a steering wheel.
The 77 km Route Breakdown: Gwangandaegyo Bridge (Start) → Sinseondae Underpass → Busanhangdaegyo Bridge → Namhangdaegyo Bridge → Eulsukdodaegyo Bridge → Airport Road (Turnaround) → Return via the same bridges to Gwangandaegyo Bridge (Finish).
The experience begins on the 7.42 km Gwangandaegyo Bridge. Riding 19 meters above sea level, cyclists pedal toward the towering skylines of Gwangalli Beach and Haeundae Marine City. From there, the route moves to the Busanhangdaegyo Bridge, offering a bird’s-eye view of the North Port Redevelopment Zone. After crossing the Namhangdaegyo Bridge, riders pass the bustling Southern Fish Port and the legendary Jagalchi Fish Market.
The scenery shifts at the Nakdonggang River estuary. Crossing the Eulsukdodaegyo Bridge, riders are greeted by the expansive Eulsukdo wetlands—a renowned migratory bird habitat—and the vast river delta. The turnaround point at Airport Road offers a final thrill: watching aircraft take off and land at Gimhae International Airport at eye level.
Bridging the City and Its People
While the "Seven Bridges" technically includes the Yeongdodaegyo, Sinhodaegyo, and Gadeokdaegyo bridges, organizers condensed the route to 77 km to ensure participant safety and manageable traffic conditions. However, the vision remains to eventually link all seven in a future century-ride edition.
A major highlight for 2026 is the expanded pedestrian access. Because the Gwangandaegyo Bridge is a vehicle-only landmark, this event provides a rare opportunity for residents and tourists without bicycles to walk the deck and enjoy the ocean views. Post-ride festivities on the bridge include finisher medal engraving, busking performances, and a sprint challenge, ensuring a celebratory atmosphere for all.
2026 Seven Bridges Tour at a glance
Category | Details |
Date & time | September 20, 2026 (Sun) 06:30–11:30 |
Course | 77 km (Gwangandaegyo Bridge ↔ Airport Road round trip) |
Participants | About 5,000 (domestic and international club riders, invited athletes, general public) |
International participation goal | About 500 (Japan, Taiwan, etc.) |
From Debut to Global Sensation
The event’s first edition on September 21, 2025, became an instant viral success. Clips from cycling YouTubers across the U.S., the Netherlands, and Japan showcased the dramatic start-finish line on the bridge deck, sparking international interest..
This year, the city is introducing travel-linked lodging packages and global promotions to encourage participants to stay longer and explore Busan. Beyond the professional challenge—which saw former national team member Yeon Je-seong ride alongside amateurs last year—the event is a celebration of community. Last year’s highlights included teams in flashy matching kits and even a couple in coordinated Hawaiian shirts, all set against the brilliant blue backdrop of the Busan sea.
Participation Information
Ticket sales will roll out sequentially starting in May 2026. Pre-registration and updates are available through the official website (www.busan7bridges.com) and Instagram (@busan7bridges). International participants can also look for specialized "Stay-and-Ride" packages including lodging and race entry. For global readers, further details are available in nine languages via the Kormedi.com global channel.
