Suwon
Suwon, located in South Korea, is a historic city known for its impressive Hwaseong Fortress, vibrant cultural heritage, and modern urban developments.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Suwon is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant, allowing visitors to explore the city's attractions comfortably while enjoying the blooming cherry blossoms or vibrant fall foliage.
How to Get There
There are several convenient ways to reach Suwon. If you are flying into South Korea, you can land at Incheon International Airport in Seoul, and then take a direct train from Incheon Airport to Suwon Station, which is approximately a 1-hour journey. Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight to Gimpo International Airport in Seoul and then transfer to Suwon via train or bus. Suwon is also well-connected by train and bus services from various cities within South Korea, making it easily accessible for both domestic and international travelers.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Suwon, South Korea
Top 10 Attractions in Suwon
Suwon, South Korea is a city filled with historical significance and cultural charm. Here are some of its top attractions:
Hwaseong Fortress: This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the late 18th century by King Jeongjo for defensive purposes, and to honor and house the remains of his father. Its structure impressively incorporates elements of both Eastern and Western military architecture.
Suwon Hwaseong Museum: Located nearby Hwaseong Fortress, this museum provides comprehensive information about the history, construction, and cultural significance of the fortress.
Hwaseong Haenggung Palace: The palace was used as a royal villa by King Jeongjo during his visits to his father's tomb. Its extensive grounds include a number of beautifully decorated buildings.
Korean Folk Village: Although it's located a bit outside Suwon, this replica of a traditional Korean village from the Joseon Dynasty is a popular attraction. It's a great place to learn about Korea's traditional culture and history.
Suwon World Cup Stadium: Also known as the Big Bird Stadium, it was constructed for the 2002 World Cup. If you're a fan of soccer, it's a must-visit.
Manseok Park: It's a large park located in the city center featuring a beautiful lake. It's a popular spot for locals to relax and engage in recreational activities.
Samsung Innovation Museum: Suwon is home to the headquarters of Samsung, and this museum is where you can learn about the company's history and its contributions to the technological world.
Gwanggyo Lake Park: Located in the Gwanggyo New Town area, this park is known for its beautiful lake, modern architecture, and walking trails.
Yeonmudae (Dragon Turret): This turret is part of the Hwaseong Fortress defense system and offers a wonderful view of Suwon.
Paldalmun Market: To experience the local flavors, visiting Paldalmun Market is a must. It's one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in the country.
Top 10 Activities to do in Suwon
Suwon, South Korea offers a variety of activities to suit different interests. Here are some of the top activities you can do in Suwon:
Strolling Around Hwaseong Fortress: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including its defensive walls, towers, gates, and other structures. You can even walk the entire 5.74km perimeter of the fortress walls.
Experience Korean Culture in the Korean Folk Village: Here you can see traditional Korean houses, experience traditional Korean crafts, watch folk performances, and even try on a Hanbok, the traditional Korean dress.
Take a River Cruise: The Yeonmudae Cruise allows you to see the Hwaseong Fortress and the city of Suwon from a different perspective.
Visit Suwon's Traditional Markets: Situated in Suwon, Paldalmun Market serves as one of the principal entrances to the renowned Hwaseong Fortress. In addition to this, it links directly to both Suwon Yeongdong Market and Suwon Nammun Market. Here you can enjoy delicious local food and shop for a variety of goods.
Attend a Football Match: If you're a sports fan, check out a game at the Suwon World Cup Stadium, also known as the Big Bird Stadium. The atmosphere during games is often electric.
Try Local Food: Suwon is famous for its Korean barbecue, especially the Suwon galbi. Don't miss out on this local culinary delight.
Take a Workshop at the Street of Artisans (Craftsmen): There you can learn and practice traditional Korean crafts.
Go Hiking in Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Park: Enjoy the natural beauty and get some exercise while hiking in this park.
Take a Bike Ride: Suwoncheon Stream is perfect for a leisurely bike ride, and you can rent bikes nearby.
Explore Modern Technology at the Samsung Innovation Museum: Learn about the evolution of technology and the history of Samsung at this state-of-the-art museum.
Best Shopping
Suwon offers a wide range of shopping experiences from traditional markets to modern shopping malls. Here are some of the best places to shop in Suwon:
Paldalmun Market: One of the oldest markets in Suwon, Paldalmun Market has numerous stalls offering a variety of goods such as clothes, accessories, and food. It's a great place to get a feel for local Korean culture and pick up some unique items.
Suwon Nammun Market: Another traditional market where you can buy all sorts of items including clothing, household items, and fresh food. Here, you can taste local street food and also buy traditional Korean goods.
Yeongdong Market: Known for its wide array of fashion items, Yeongdong Market is a popular shopping destination for clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Galleria Department Store Suwon: This is a high-end shopping mall that carries a variety of domestic and international brands in fashion, cosmetics, and electronics.
AK Plaza Suwon: Located near Suwon station, AK Plaza is a large shopping complex with a vast selection of shops selling everything from fashion to household goods. It also has a cinema and a variety of restaurants.
Lotte Mall Suwon: This modern shopping complex includes a department store, a cinema, a supermarket, and a wide range of shops offering clothing, accessories, cosmetics, electronics, and more.
Home Plus Suwon: A large supermarket where you can buy groceries, clothing, electronics, and a range of other products. It's similar to a Western-style supermarket and is a good place to find familiar brands from home.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Suwon is a large city in South Korea, and it has a thriving entertainment and nightlife scene. There are something for everyone, from traditional Korean bars and restaurants to modern clubs and bars.
Here are some of the most popular areas for entertainment and nightlife in Suwon:
Ingyedong is known for its lively bars and clubs. This is a great place to go if you're looking for a night out with a lot of energy.
Nammun is a popular area for students and young people. There are many bars, clubs, and restaurants in this area, and it's a great place to go if you're looking for a fun and lively atmosphere.
Paldalmun is a more upscale area with a number of high-end bars and restaurants. This is a great place to go if you're looking for a more sophisticated night out.
Hwaseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. There are a number of bars and restaurants located within the fortress walls, and it's a great place to go for a drink with a view.
Theatre Performances: You can watch traditional Korean performances at the Korean Folk Village or check out the Gyeonggi Arts Center for a variety of theatre, music, and dance performances.
Night Walks: Suwon's Hwaseong Fortress is lit up beautifully at night, making for a peaceful evening walk. The view of the city from the fortress walls is especially breathtaking.
Food and Drink: Trying local cuisine is also a form of entertainment. In Suwon, you can enjoy late-night street food at Paldalmun Market or savor Suwon galbi (Korean BBQ) in many restaurants around the city.
Local Cuisine
Suwon is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, offering a blend of traditional Korean flavors with its unique touch. Here are some local dishes and food experiences that you shouldn't miss when you're in Suwon:
Suwon Galbi: Suwon is famous for its galbi, which are marinated and grilled beef ribs. The city is often referred to as the 'City of Beef Ribs'. Suwon galbi is distinguished by its savory and sweet flavors and is typically grilled over charcoal for that perfect smoky touch.
Samgyetang: This is a ginseng chicken soup that is particularly popular during the summer. It's believed to replace the nutrients lost through excessive sweating during the hot summer months.
Mandu (Korean Dumplings): Suwon's version of mandu often comes with a meaty filling, combining pork, tofu, glass noodles, green onions, and a variety of other ingredients. They can be enjoyed steamed, boiled, pan-fried, or in soups.
Hotteok: This is a popular street food, particularly in the colder months. It's a sweet pancake filled with brown sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon.
Sundae: Not to be confused with the ice cream sundae, this is a type of Korean blood sausage made with a mixture of boiled sweet rice, oxen or pig's blood, potato noodle, mung bean sprouts, green onion, and garlic stuffed in a pig's intestine.
Street food at Paldalmun Market: This market is the perfect place to try a variety of Korean street food, including tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), twigim (Korean-style tempura), gimbap (rice and ingredients wrapped in seaweed), and more.
Makgeolli: This is a traditional Korean alcohol made from rice. Suwon is known for its delicious local makgeolli, which pairs well with many Korean dishes.
Accommodations
Where to stay in Suwon largely depends on what activities and attractions you're most interested in, as well as your budget. Here are some areas to consider:
Paldal-gu: This district is home to many of Suwon's most famous attractions including Hwaseong Fortress and Haenggung Palace. It's also where you'll find a variety of shopping opportunities at Paldalmun Market. There are many hotels here ranging from budget accommodations to more upscale options.
Ingye-dong: This area is known for its vibrant nightlife with numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs. It's also home to the AK Plaza Shopping Mall, making it a great place for shopping enthusiasts. There's a range of accommodation available, from budget guest houses to more luxurious hotels.
Yeongtong-gu: This is a more modern, residential area with a large number of restaurants and cafés. It's also home to Gwanggyo Lake Park and the Galleria Department Store, a high-end shopping mall. Accommodation here tends to be a bit more upscale, but there are still some budget-friendly options.
Gwonseon-gu: If you're interested in exploring Korean history and culture, this area might be a good choice. It's close to the Korean Folk Village and the Suwon Hwaseong Museum. There's a variety of accommodation available, ranging from budget to mid-range.
Near Suwon Station: Staying near Suwon Station gives you easy access to the city's public transportation, making it easy to explore Suwon and the surrounding areas. There are several hotels in this area catering to different budget levels.
