[Personal Life] Reflections on a 400 km Seoul-to-Busan Cycling Ride

Departing from Seoul Airport at 8:00 PM on a Saturday, I took on a non-stop overnight cycling journey to Busan, passing through Gonjiam, Icheon, Chungju, Mungyeong, Yecheon, Daegu, Yeongcheon, Gyeongju, Ulsan, and Yangsan before finally arriving around 11:00 AM on Sunday. The total distance was approximately 390 km, and the total riding time, including breaks, was 15 hours.

This ultra-long-distance ride is an iconic challenge that many avid cyclists have either completed or have on their bucket lists.

Although I had been training and preparing since winter, I had never tackled such an extreme distance before. Above all, riding through the night without sleep made it exceptionally demanding.

The reason for riding through the night was safety: because the route follows public roads open to bicycles, traffic is far lighter after dark. We also had a dedicated support vehicle trailing behind to manage nutrition, hydration, and safety, as well as to pick up any rider forced to drop out.

Frankly, an ultra-endurance ride like this can hardly be called typical exercise. Pushing forward continuously through the night with only brief pauses is far more taxing than beneficial for general fitness. It is much like hiking: climbing Mount Cheonggye every weekend provides healthy exercise, whereas attempting Mount Everest carries significant danger and prolonged aftereffects.

Even so, the reason I take on such challenges lies in building mental fortitude. The human mind is inherently fragile; fiery determination can easily waver when confronted with genuine adversity. Physical endurance, however, is uncompromisingly honest—there are no shortcuts.

During this ride, right after passing Gyeongju around the 330 km mark, the heat climbed and my legs were completely spent. I felt like I truly couldn't turn the pedals another meter. Collapsed on the pavement outside a convenience store, I debated hundreds of times whether to throw in the towel and climb into the support vehicle. Yet, I collected my resolve and pushed through to the finish. Once again, I was reminded that while physical fitness is essential in sports, mental resilience and willpower are what truly matter most.

I frequently encounter parallel situations in my clinical practice. One could easily ask, "Why take on such difficult cases? If you stick strictly to simple, routine procedures, life is physically easier and far less stressful." But when facing borderline teeth—cases where preservation seems uncertain or near impossible—working through the mental strain and technical hurdles leads to tremendous learning. Seeing a tooth saved brings a profound realization of what is possible, elevating skills at every step. Just like cycling, a deep sense of accomplishment and reward naturally follows.

Moreover, a ride like this can never be accomplished alone. Clinical practice is the exact same. I am perpetually grateful to the outstanding colleagues who support me, share ideas, and walk through challenges together.

I am relieved to have safely completed this Seoul-to-Busan journey, resolving a long-held personal goal, and I am glad to document this milestone in my cycling life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the total distance and ride time for the Seoul-to-Busan cycling tour?

The total distance was approximately 390 km, taking 15 hours including rest breaks. Departing from Seoul Airport at 8:00 PM on Saturday, the route passed through Gonjiam, Chungju, Daegu, and Gyeongju, arriving in Busan around 11:00 AM on Sunday.

Why was this ultra-endurance ride held overnight?

Traveling at night is considerably safer due to reduced vehicular traffic. Because the journey utilizes general public roads shared with motor vehicles, riding through the night minimizes traffic risks significantly compared to daytime riding.

How were logistics, nutrition, and safety handled during the ride?

A rear support vehicle accompanied the group throughout the ride to manage supply replenishment and oversee road safety. Riders received rolling provisions and support, and the vehicle was prepared to pick up anyone unable to continue due to exhaustion or mechanical issues.

What was the most challenging moment during the ride?

The hardest crisis occurred at the 330 km mark just past Gyeongju. Overwhelmed by mounting fatigue and midday heat, I collapsed outside a convenience store contemplating boarding the support car, but pushed through via sheer willpower to complete the journey.

How does this extreme endurance experience relate to your dental practice?

It reinforced the perseverance required when handling challenging, complex dental cases instead of turning them away. Overcoming extreme difficulties leads to professional growth, rewarding outcomes, and a deeper appreciation for team collaboration.