Seoul to Osaka by bike

Japan Airlines has planned a cycling tour that links Seoul in Korea with Osaka in Japan, in honour of the World Tourist Organisation (WTO) general assembly to be hosted by the two cities later this year.

Stretching 300km and themed Peace Through Tourism, the tour begins on September 24, the day the general assembly begins in Seoul, and finishes in Osaka on September 30 with a 3.3km walk in the city's Midosuji Parade, attended annually by a million people. The general assembly is held in Osaka from September 28 to October 1.

Japan Airlines hopes to get 150 participants, including cyclists from overseas.

Though the tour is not a race, organisers say they expect there will be parties every night and cyclists will receive souvenirs for each completed stage.

The cost, excluding airfares, is 145,000 yen ($2851), which includes hostel-style accommodation, 23 meals, travel insurance and surface and ferry transport. You will need your own bicycle.

2001 Seoul-Osaka Bicycle Tour