Day 0 - Packing in Seoul and trying to find out where to get the passport

This lady did a great compilation of the passport centres

Flight to Seoul

I accumulated a lot of mileage pay for stuff on behalf of my company on my CitibankPremierMiles Visa Credit Card. So I booked this trip way in advance with 45000 miles thru Delta's frequent flyer program. The only direct flight is on Korean Air, booking direct segments will help keep the tax and surcharge portions low. I paid S$25 for the redemption and another $70+ for passenger fees, taxes and other surcharges.

I called Korean Air in advance regarding my intention to bring along a bicycle. Korean Air mentioned that although I can only check in 23kg, but when it is a bicycle, 32kg is allowed. That said, only 1 check-in bag is permitted. 2nd check-in bag will cost US$100 per segment - US$200 in total.

After considering my options, I decided to go with just a backpack and as little things as possible. In between the bike's frame and the bag's base, there's some space, so I stuffed my shoes and biking clothes there. I also had a handlebar bag on my bike which consists of my pedals, pedal spanner, inner tube and some small tools. Bike bag weighed 23kg going to Seoul and 25kg coming back.

Another level to packing light, everyone from Korean Air was shocked that I did not have another bag.

I also had some torque and multitools in my hand-carry bag. As I packed my travelling bag into my bigger backpack in advance for the ride. So I had a multitool and was stopped at the security check in Singapore. They did not allow my multitool on board, but after telling them I really needed it, Changi security bought me to Korean air and without a second word, the crew popped my multi-tool in a paper envelope (hard like those used by courier companies) and checked it in.

I got the multitool back during baggage collection at Seoul. As it turned out, I needed it on day 4 to tighten the bolt after adjusting my handlebar position, so thanks to these helpful people!

Getting Ready to go to Seoul

Found this guy who is renting out his Sci-con bicycle bag on Carousell (probably in Feb as I was so kiasu!) His usual rent is $60/weekend trip and usually, it's meant for triathlons as they often go aboard for races, he was kind enough to let me rent it at $90 for my 9 days trip, which is actually over 2 weekends.

For some personal reason, I ended up cycling to his place to collect the bike, he briefly demonstrated and advised me how to use the bag, I then proceed to pack the bicycle at his void deck.

Packing was easy to understand, even technical idiots like me had no problem, I like this bag as I do not have to remove the handlebars (big benefit as I have no idea how to fix my handlebar), credits to hubby for telling me about them. Even the pedals can stay if using cleats, I had to remove mine as they are too big.

Preparation for Seoul to Busan

I am very excited about my first solo cycling trip to Korea and occasional doubt about doing Seoul to Busan by myself. I wanted to plan in advance, but I have no idea how to break the 633km down into doable bits in 6 days with sufficient breaks, rest and photo moments. I referenced a lot of info blogs to help myself and below is a list of those I referenced.

1. This blog contains quite a few links to video of people who did Seoul to Busan 

2. This was one of my most referenced blog: Bicycle Thailand
The elevation map was exceptionally useful, suggestions on where to stay to tackle the stretch between Suanbo and Ihwaryeong was exceptionally helpful. The fact that I knew there were places to stay after the first hill gave me the confidence to go for it on my day 3 of the trip. It was a raining day and knowing you won't have to be stuck climbing another hill after the first hill helped tremendously.

That said, I was training quite a bit and had experience doing multiple climbs in Taiwan in Dec 2016, novice riders are advised to climb their hills in the beginning of the day. (I also had a 3 x 10 on a road bike for this purpose).

I also read some other solo riders' blog to gain the needed confidence that I can do this ride alone. 3. This was the most promising blog, I thought if she can do it, then I can do it!

4. Fellow Singaporean's Blog! Winter, Snow and only using a Bike Friday!

My friend also found me a group on Facebook - Cycling Seoul to Busan and Beyond, awesome group, lots of information on the group and people contributing their experiences.

I actually referenced my packing list to a post by one of the members of this group

Amazing Packing List! from Cat Terleski, those which are strike out are things I didn't bring
Basic Packing List: 
Bike Gear
- Lights (Rear and front)
- Charging cables for lights
- 2 tubes  I only brought one and I didn't use it.
- Tire levers
- Mini pump
- Helmet
- Shoes
- Pedals
- Chamois Cream  I got vaseline instead
- Multitool/Torque wrench
- Bike lock (unnecessary)
- Bell
- Pedal Wrench
- Water Bottles

Bike Clothing:
- 2 Jerseys  I only brought one, all motels/guest house provided laundry.
- 2 Shorts  I brought 2 pairs of long cycling pants, and sent one back on Day 4
- 1 Base layer
- Gloves
- 2 Long socks  I have like 4 pairs of short socks instead, I really like my socks dry
- Sunglasses
- Buff

Clothing:
- Warm Jacket
- Rain Jacket
- 1 Pair Pants  I brought 2 pairs of shorts (Singaporean style)
- 2 T-Shirts 
- 1 Hoodie
- 1 Pair Trainers

Electronics/Extras/Toiletries
- Phone
- Garmin
- Power Converter
- Charging cables
- Korea book (unnecessary)
- Inkpad
- Wi-Fi egg (rented from airport)
- Gels/Bars
- Asprin/Etc. (I had a huge medication bag, also brought along pills for sleeping, antihistamines, mosquito spray, bandaid, tiger balm, sprayed on band-aid etc....)
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues/Wet Wipes
- Small Brush
- Dry Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste (most motels provided)
- Lip Gloss
- Paper Laundry Soap (I have a small bag of laundry powder instead of this)
- Contacts/ Contact Solution
- Laundry Clips x 6 (for hanging clothes on curtains)

Credits to them for sharing their valuable experience so I can now share mine =)