Suwon, a city with a beautiful cultural heritage

Suwon, which is only 30 minutes by train from Seoul, is an excellent day trip destination thanks to its fascinating history, culture, and mouth-watering cuisine. Exploring the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, palaces, and Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion allows visitors to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of history and culture. Suwon is also famous for its delectable cuisine, which includes Suwon Galbi (grilled ribs), Sundae (Korean blood sausage) town, Suwon Tongdak (crispy fried chicken), and Kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup).

Suwon can be compared to a smaller version of Seoul. It has made strides in many areas such as politics, economy, culture, and society. This city has a vibrant history, centered primarily on the archaeologically significant Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, which is surrounded by various cultural heritage sites. The Haengridan-gil neighborhood around Suwon Hwaseong Fortress has recently gained popularity for its thriving cafe and restaurant scene, attracting many local visitors.

Explore the World Heritage sites by walking along Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, and then take a peaceful break with a cup of coffee in Haengridan-gil. Then, have some fun in Haenggung-dong for some fun, watch a beautiful sunset at Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, and end the day with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride at night over the cityscape.

The Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was built by King Jeongjo, the 22nd king of the Joseon Dynasty, to honor his late father, who had a tragic life. It is recognized as a World Heritage Site for its remarkable achievement in combining functionality, scientific knowledge, and beauty. There are several major attractions on the fortress wall, including Yeonmudae Post (a military training ground), Janganmun Gate (the main gate), Hwayongmun Gate (a gate with a beautiful view), and Dongbukporu (northeastern sentry post)

Haenggung Palace was built for the king's temporary stay when he visited a province. Hwaseong Haenggung Palace stands out among the temporary palaces for its grand scale and formality. Along with Gyeongbokgung Palace, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful palaces in Korea. While it is beautiful during the day, when lit up at night, it takes on a different charm, making it an ideal destination for an evening visit.

The Haenggung-dong Mural Village is a stunning and one-of-a-kind location made possible by the efforts of locals, artists, and civic organizations. It's easy to see why the village is a popular photography destination. Among the charming attractions in the old village are murals painted on many of the buildings. The best way to get to the Mural Village from Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is to take the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Trail and exit through Hwahongmun Gate. The signage will guide you to the village.

The Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion is a historical structure that was previously used for military surveillance and a pavilion for enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings. The pavilion was designed to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, taking into account the irregular terrain and rocks. The pavilion is now a well-known spot for watching the sunset, with its reflection in the pond creating a breathtaking view.

The hippest coffee shops in Suwon can be found on Haengridan-gil. There are many coffee shops where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. It offers a unique and charming atmosphere that sets it apart from other cafe streets in Seoul. It has recently gained popularity due to the location of the Gimbap (rice rolled in seaweed) restaurant being featured in the drama "Extraordinary Attorney Woo.”

Wolhwawon Garden is a traditional Chinese garden located in Hyowon Park. It was created by Chinese workers to revive the traditional architectural style of Guangdong Province. The garden features a combination of earthen mounds, artificial lakes, and pavilions inspired by traditional Chinese boats. It rose to prominence as the setting for the drama "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.”

It is a great area to explore because it is the largest market in Suwon and is surrounded by other markets. The main draw of the market is its food, with Motgol Market being particularly famous for its fried chicken. Here, you can savor the taste of good old-fashioned fried chicken at an affordable price.

Suwon is known for its delicious Suwon Galbi (grilled ribs). This restaurant is known for its mastery of Galbi grilling, where you can feast on juicy and flavorful ribs.

The most famous chicken place in the vicinity of Paldalmun Gate packed with restaurants specializing in fried chicken. The popular menu item is the crispy fried chicken straight from the deep fryer.

A restaurant located in Jidong Market Sundae Town specializing in griddled Sundae (Korean blood sausage). The special broth and the spicy sauce make this dish a one-of-a-kind.