1. Introduction
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is my top recommendations for hot places to visit nowadays. They are extremely popular among Koreans as well. I visited these places with my friends for 2 days and 1 night, and we found them incredibly beautiful, so we made up our minds to visit again! They are located near Seoul, so you can easily get there by bus or subway.
With the arrival of fall, more and more people are coming out for walks. These days, the warm weather makes it the perfect time for families and couples to enjoy a leisurely outing. One place that is perfect for this is the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, which is built in the traditional Korean architectural style. Walking along the magnificent fortress trail can give you a taste of the past.
I went with my friends to Suwon Hwaseong and found out that it is a great place to visit as a Seoul suburb. Also, we were lucky to visit on a day when there was no fine dust and the sky was clear, so we could enjoy our trip even more.
In fact, this place is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Historic No. 3 site. It was built during the Joseon Dynasty when King Jeongjo moved his father’s tomb to Suwon. The entire length of the fortress is said to be about 5.7km long. Among the palace-related buildings, Hwaseong Haenggung was the largest and most beautiful place where the king temporarily stayed during his visit to the provinces. Moreover, there are many things to see and eat around here, including the Gongbang Street, mural village, and Chicken Street. You can enjoy all day long without realizing how time flies.
- Address in Korean: 경기 수원시 장안구 영화동 320-2
- For further information: Cultural Heritage Administraion, Visit Suwon
In Korea, there was a very popular drama centered around the story of King Jeongjo from the Joseon Dynasty and the woman he loved. This captivating drama not only offers an enjoyable storyline but also treats viewers to visually stunning scenes that showcase the elegance of traditional hanbok attire. If you’re interested, I recommend giving it a watch. You can catch it on platforms such as Wavve and Coupang Play.
2. To do at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
I recommend trying out the following activities near Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
- Hanbok Experience: Hanbok, the traditional Korean costume known for its intricate designs and vibrant colors, offers a unique cultural immersion. Nearby Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, you can find hanbok rental shops where you can select your preferred hanbok and take a leisurely stroll around the popular tourist spots. Additionally, many traditional culture experience centers allow you to engage in various cultural activities while adorned in hanbok.
- Archery Experience: Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress with an archery experience program. Led by expert guides, you’ll have the chance to learn authentic archery techniques. This hands-on experience not only lets you delve into a traditional sport but also enhances your precision and accuracy.
- Flying Suwon is a hot air balloon that offers a panoramic view of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. I highly recommend taking a ride, especially in the evening, to fully appreciate the captivating night view.
3. Accomodation
Hanok guesthouses offer a unique ambiance that showcases Korean traditional culture and stunning architecture, making them a captivating choice for foreign travelers. There are various types of Hanok guesthouses available for reservations, catering to different preferences and needs. I recommend booking a Hanok guesthouse for your stay to create unforgettable memories with your family or friends.
Hanok and alcohol… Isn’t the atmosphere great? I stayed at Maehol Guesthouse, and the night view from the accommodation was so charming that I had a delightful time with my friends while enjoying a drink.
The drink you see in the picture is called ‘Byeolbit Cheongha’ (별빛청하), which is a sparkling wine-like beverage with a sweet taste. You can easily find it at convenience stores or supermarkets, so if you like champagne, give it a try!
However, it’s important to maintain a quiet atmosphere and avoid disruptive behavior to ensure that you don’t inconvenience other guests.
4. To eat
If you go down Haengridan Gil, you’ll find plenty of places to eat. There are delicious restaurants, cozy cafes, and charming bars all gathered there. Suwon Fried Chicken Street is also nearby. You know chicken is famous in Korea, right? Let’s go to Fried Chicken Street and enjoy some chicken with beer.
- Haengridan Gil address in Korean: 경기 수원시 팔달구 화서문로 43 또는 수원시 팔달구 장안동 290-2
- Chicken street address in Korean: 경기 수원시 팔달구 팔달로1가 46-2
I hope you will visit and have a great time.