Author: Oana, Park Leggero
In the busy city of Seoul, people stop and look when they see Leggero Park riding by. Leggero works at a hospital, but he’s also the only YouTuber in Korea who makes videos about velomobiles. He loves to share his passion for these special bikes in South Korea, where not many people have seen them before.
"I've spent my entire life with bicycles, and the velomobile has become the final destination of that journey" Leggero explains. With over two decades of experience riding recumbent bikes, velomobiles had always occupied the top spot on his wish list. Today, that dream isn't just a reality, it's become his mission.
Riding a velomobile isn't just about speed - it's about freedom, practicality, and enjoying the beautiful journey along South Korea's scenic cycling paths. ©Leggero Park
Leggero's gratitude toward Velomobile World shines through in everything he does. "I would like to express my gratitude to Velomobile World for their efforts in promoting velomobiles around the world," he says, recognizing the company's role in making these specialized vehicles accessible to enthusiasts like himself in regions where they were once virtually unknown.
Perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of Leggero's story is his interaction with children.
"I love children. So, when I'm riding my velomobile and kids show interest, I let them sit inside if they want to. Of course, small kids can't drive it, but just sitting in the velomobile is enough to plant a dream in their hearts - the velomobile becomes the bicycle of their dreams."
Trying a velomobile is a new experience ©Leggero Park
These simple moments create lasting impressions. As he's discovered through his YouTube channel, children seem to remember the velomobile even more vividly than adults do. Each ride becomes an impromptu event, a chance for discovery, and a seed planted for future generations of cycling enthusiasts.
Children enjoy trying the Velomobile ©Leggero Park
While the sleek aerodynamics and impressive speeds of velomobiles often grab headlines, Leggero finds their everyday practicality equally compelling.
"It's not only fast and efficient, but its real charm lies in its ample storage space, allowing me to carry lots of cargo," he explains. "I often commute to work by velomobile. If I had to carry a thick briefcase, a laptop, and a tablet on a regular bike, I'd need an extra trailer, which takes too much effort to haul. But with the velomobile, it's no problem at all."
This practicality extends beyond commuting. "I can even go on simple camping trips using the cargo space. I've spent the night inside my velomobile on several occasions, it's that comfortable and efficient, which makes it even more attractive."
South Korea experiences distinct seasons, with humid, rainy summers and cold winters, conditions that can make regular cycling challenging for extended periods. Here's where the velomobile truly shines.
"Riding a velomobile in the rain offers a whole new kind of fun," Leggero shares. "In Korea, summers are rainy, and winters are harsh, making it tough to enjoy regular biking for long periods. But the velomobile is perfect even in those conditions. In fact, I sometimes choose to ride specifically on those challenging days just to enjoy its advantages."
Riding a velomobile in the rain is a unique and enjoyable experience ©Leggero Park
The enclosed design provides shelter from the elements while still delivering all the joy and freedom of cycling - a combination that makes year-round riding not just possible, but pleasant.
Despite the practical advantages of velomobiles, misconceptions often arise in Korea.
"Some people in Korea mistakenly think that riding a velomobile is just a way to attract attention or that it's only for a 'special few,'" Leggero notes. "To change that perception, I passionately explain the advantages of velomobiles to curious onlookers whenever I take a break during my rides."
This grassroots education is slowly bearing fruit. "While demand for velomobiles in Korea is still very low, more and more people are encountering them at least once, and public interest is steadily growing."
Korea's cycling infrastructure provides a perfect backdrop for velomobile adventures. "Korea's bike paths are beautifully designed with scenic views, so even without high speeds, I can enjoy the surroundings and have a great time" says Leggero.
This sentiment captures the essence of his philosophy: "Riding a velomobile isn't just about speed. Let's enjoy the journey and take in the beautiful scenery along the way."
There are bike cafés set up all around Korea for cyclists to enjoy, creating perfect community hubs for riders of all kinds. ©Leggero Park
Bike cafés scattered throughout the country offer perfect rest stops, creating a community space where cyclists of all types can gather, share stories, and thanks to ambassadors like Leggero, learn more about the velomobile option.
As interest in sustainable transportation grows worldwide, Leggero sees a bright future for velomobiles in Korea. "I look forward to seeing the development of velomobile culture in Korea as this interest continues to rise."
Through his YouTube channel, daily rides, and enthusiastic conversations with strangers, Leggero is helping to build that future one interaction at a time. His story reminds us that sometimes the most effective ambassadors aren't those with the loudest voices, but those who share their genuine passion in authentic, approachable ways.
We're grateful to Leggero Park for sharing his journey and for inspiring a new wave of velomobile enthusiasts in Korea and beyond. Keep pedaling, keep dreaming, and keep spreading the joy!
Have you tried riding a velomobile in urban traffic? Share your experiences by sending an email to [email protected]!
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