DONGDUCHEON — Mountain biking enthusiasts from across South Korea will gather on Mount Wangbangsan in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province, for a festival that combines competition with autumn foliage.
The city said on the 14th that it will hold the 20th Dongducheon Mount Wangbangsan MTB Race on the 18th at the city stadium and in the area around the mountain. The plan is to pair the race with family-oriented events to showcase the area's natural setting and to draw visitors who will spend money at neighborhood businesses.
The Mount Wangbangsan MTB Race is the largest mountain biking event in South Korea, drawing enthusiasts from across the country. Riders have been attracted to the combination of the mountain's rugged terrain and its autumn foliage. The city plans to use the race to promote its mountain leisure resources nationwide and to develop the event into a regional festival linking sports and tourism.
The main competition is a 35-kilometer cross-country individual race with divisions by age group, open to mountain biking enthusiasts nationwide. Organizers have also set up non-competitive and e-bike divisions so that casual riders, not just experienced competitors, can take part at their own level.
Side events have been arranged for families. A balance bike festival for children will be held alongside the race, giving young children a chance to try cycling while their families take in the atmosphere at the venue. The aim is to broaden the event beyond a competition for adult enthusiasts into a community sports festival for all generations.
Dongducheon expects the race to give the local economy a lift. The city plans to steer participants and visitors arriving from around the country toward local restaurants and shops, and to encourage longer stays by linking the race to Mount Wangbangsan and other nearby attractions. Officials also expect the mountain leisure programming to help project an image of Dongducheon as a vibrant city.
"The Mount Wangbangsan MTB Race is a gathering where cycling enthusiasts from across the country share energy and relaxation in nature," Dongducheon Mayor Park Hyung-duk said. "We will do our best to prepare a safe and successful event." The mayor added, "I hope many participants and visitors will enjoy the autumn atmosphere in Dongducheon."
Details on race operations and registration are available on the website of the Dongducheon City Sports Council.