Find UNESCO World Heritage-listed treasures and royal relics contrasted with a modern skyline in this city, famed as one of the last of its kind in South Korea.
Suwon is a historical landmark and the biggest city in the province of Gyeonggi. Almost entirely enclosed by 18th-century fortifications, Suwon’s city center showcases an astonishing fusion of old and new. Explore dazzling streets brimming with shops, venues and markets. Trace the city’s heritage back to the Joseon dynasty when you explore old city walls and fortified palace buildings, uncovering fascinating royal history and traditions as you go.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hwaseong Fortress provides a remarkable introduction to Suwon. Seoul’s 18th-century ruler, King Jeongjo, constructed the fort as a military stronghold and shrine to his late father. Stroll along the city walls to discover fascinating military innovations used by the fort’s architects. Find the fort’s four gateways, which point in the cardinal compass points, as well as magnificent city views from the fort’s vantage points. Paldalmun Gate showcases the fort’s strategic design and today stands sentinel in the city’s heart. The fort’s cultural and historical significance is explained at the Suwon Hwaseong Museum. Gather insights into the city’s first ruler at King Jeongjo’s residence, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace.
The city’s heritage listing has made it a sanctuary for architecture and centuries-old traditions. Explore local customs and cultures at the Korean Folk Village and the Suwon Cultural Foundation. Learn about the wider province at the Gyeonggi Provincial Museum. Despite Suwon’s rich history, the city is not stuck in the past. Cutting-edge technologies and innovative designs invented here are showcased at the Samsung Innovation Museum. Modern art takes center stage at the Nam June Paik Art Centre.
Suwon is a regional hub a short distance south of South Korea’s capital. Reach the city from Seoul in less than 45 minutes by train. Busan is about a 3-hour train ride away. Make a daytrip from Seoul to Suwon, with plenty to discover in this fascinating city. Alternatively, stay overnight within the old city walls and experience the hum of Suwon’s downtown district.
Where to stay in Suwon
Dongtan
4.5/5Wonderful!(21 area reviews)
You'll appreciate the restaurants during your time in Dongtan and you might want to plan a stop by Korean Folk Village and Gyeonggi Children Museum while you're in the area.
Travelers choose Songpa for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Songpa Station or National Police Hospital Station and check out top sights like Lotte World.
Noted for its coffeehouses and seaside views, there's plenty to explore in Jung-gu. Top attractions like Incheon Bridge and Port of Incheon are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Incheon International Airport Station or Incheon international Airport Cargo Terminal Station to see more of the city.
Check out the riverfront while you're in Bundang-gu. Hop on the metro at Sunae Station and Jeongja Station to see top sights like Jeongja Cafe Street and Bundang Sports Center.
If you're spending time in Paldal-gu, check out sights like Hwaseong Fortress or Paldalmun Gate and hop on the metro to see more the city at Suwon City Hall Station or Hwaseo Station.
Located in Paldal-gu, this luxury hotel is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Hwaseong Fortress and within 3 mi (5 km) of Hwaseong Palace and Suwon City Hall. Suwon Baseball ...…Located in Paldal-gu, this luxury hotel is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Hwaseong Fortress and within 3 mi (5 km) of Hwaseong Palace and Suwon City Hall. Suwon Baseball ...WWW…
4.4/5Excellent! (583 reviews)
Disappointed
"They didnt turn on the air conditioning to the room until the front desk was called at 2am. The desk explained that the hotel would turn on the air con in a few minutes to the room, and at 5am the room reached 19c. It is frustrating not having full control of the air con and the room stayed 26c most ..."…""They didnt turn on the air conditioning to the room until the front desk was called at 2am. The desk explained that the hotel would turn on the air con in a few minutes to the room, and at 5am the room reached 19c. It is frustrating not having full control of the air con and the room stayed 26c most ..."WWW…"
Located in Paldal-gu, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Suwon City Hall and Gyeonggi Arts Center. Hyowon Park and KBS Suwon Drama Center are also within ...…Located in Paldal-gu, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Suwon City Hall and Gyeonggi Arts Center. Hyowon Park and KBS Suwon Drama Center are also within ...WWW…
3.8/5Good! (477 reviews)
"Convenient location, walking distance to subway station. Staff are helpful and well conversant in English."…""Convenient location, walking distance to subway station. Staff are helpful and well conversant in English."WWW…"
Located in Bundang-gu, this hotel is 1.1 mi (1.7 km) from Bundang Sports Center and within 3 mi (5 km) of Seongnam Arts Center and Yuldong Park. Jeongja Cafe ...…Located in Bundang-gu, this hotel is 1.1 mi (1.7 km) from Bundang Sports Center and within 3 mi (5 km) of Seongnam Arts Center and Yuldong Park. Jeongja Cafe ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (479 reviews)
"Very clean. Friendly and helpful staff. Reasonably priced."…""Very clean. Friendly and helpful staff. Reasonably priced."WWW…"
Escape to a wonderland of wild rides and waterslides at this colossal amusement park, where you can experience fun-filled festivals, futuristic adventures and a zoo.
Bring your family to Korean Folk Village and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Yongin. Amble around the area's parks or experience its museums.
During your trip to Seongnam, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Jeongja Cafe Street. Discover the area's entertainment venues and aquarium.
On this full-day tour, observe the culture of Korea's past as you take a guided tour of Yongin MBC Dramia and walk through a living museum that replicates ancient Korea, the Korean Folk Village. Delight in the warm atmosphere and relish a delicious Korean lunch along the way.
Immerse yourself in Korean Folk Village, a living exhibition of history and culture, on this morning tour. Explore the famous museum with your experienced guide, browse collections of centuries-old artifacts, and indulge in unique local flavors from different regions across the country.
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Night View Tour from Seoul
￥7,660
Explore a piece of Korean history in a unique light on this night tour of the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. Discover the site in the serene, mysterious peace of the evening, learning about its ingenious construction and significance throughout the years.
Experience the wonder of Everland, one of the world's largest theme parks. Explore 5 themed areas to find thrilling rides, animal-petting sessions, up-close encounters with great cats, America's Wild West, as well as a town filled with European architecture and design.
Step back in time to the reign of the Joseon Dynasty, witnessing Korean life during this period firsthand at the Minsok Korean Folk Village. Tour this living museum for a look at traditional homes, household items from different regions, and Koran food and clothing from a bygone era.
Itinerary Chosun Picnic Day Tour - Korean Folk Village Route Duration: 10 hours Stops on the Chosun Picnic Day Tour - Korean Folk Village : Suwon Hwaseong Fortress 88 - Nammun Traditional market Korean Folk Village Attractions on the Chosun Picnic Da
I know Suwon well. It's exciting and dynamic.
Hwasung fortress, events are always held up there and there are many nice eateries and tea places. You can even learn how to make Korean traditional art and crafts.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Nov 19, 2019
Good introduction to korea
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Nov 6, 2019
Beautiful interesting historical City
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Oct 14, 2019
Suwon is a great place to visit. There are several historical landmarks to visit and local markets will keep you busy. I enjoyed this city
4/5 - Good
Rena
Jul 8, 2019
The Rail bikes were the best. Very hot during the summer months but fun!!
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Apr 4, 2019
Hwaseong Fortress was a great site. I recommend hiking around the perimeter wall. I see why it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
SIM, Samsung Innovation Museum is also an interesting place. You need to make a reservation for a tou, but it's pretty cool
