I have been riding bicycles since my middle and high school years, commuting for six years. A few years ago, after a late-night gathering, I found myself without public transportation and unable to get a taxi. I spotted a Ttareungi bike nearby, rented it, and rode home. What would have taken over two hours on foot took just 40 minutes. That experience left a lasting impression, and since then, I have regularly used Ttareungi, regardless of the weather.
Using Ttareungi is more convenient than owning a personal bicycle. First, there is no need to worry about maintenance. Second, if I get tired on a long ride, I can return the bike and switch to public transport. Third, I can avoid heavy traffic during rush hour. Lastly, the rental fee is significantly cheaper than other public transportation options.
Seoul Facilities Corporation, which operates the service, announced that as of late 2023, there are 45,000 bicycles and 2,762 rental stations across the city.
Ttareungi is available in two models: the standard Ttareungi for adults and the Saessak Ttareungi, which is smaller and lighter, designed for users aged 13 and older. Both can be used by adults.
The rental fee for a single-use pass is 1,000 KRW for one hour and 2,000 KRW for two hours. Users can return and re-rent bikes multiple times within a 24-hour period. Foreign visitors can also rent Ttareungi.
There are dedicated bike lanes in parts of downtown Seoul, making it a convenient choice for short-distance travel.
For safe riding, a few preparations are recommended. Wearing a helmet is advisable, though not mandatory. A high-visibility vest helps improve visibility, especially at night. Bringing a strong elastic cord is useful for securing items, as some bikes may be missing the original basket strap. During cold weather, a hat, gloves, earmuffs, a neck gaiter, sunglasses, and warm clothing help protect against the wind.
The left brake controls the front wheel, and the right brake controls the rear wheel. It is safest to use both brakes together to prevent accidents. Using only one brake increases the risk of falling. Turning the handlebars suddenly on wet pavement, manhole covers, or slopes is dangerous and should be avoided. The bikes have three gears, which can be adjusted depending on the terrain. On rainy days, water from the tires can splash onto the rider's back, so it is best to be prepared.
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