A Complete Guide to Suwon: History, Food, and Modern Attractions

Suwon, the capital of Gyeonggi Province, is a vibrant city that beautifully blends history, culture, and modern urban life. It is best known for Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the charming Haenggung-dong area, where traditional and trendy vibes coexist. Suwon also offers delicious local cuisine, scenic picnic spots in Gwanggyo, and easy access from Seoul and Incheon International Airport.

1. Discovering Suwon’s Rich History: Hwaseong Fortress & Hwaseong Haenggung

🏰 Hwaseong Fortress (수원 화성)

One of Suwon’s most famous attractions is Hwaseong Fortress, which surrounds the city center. Built in the late 18th century by King Jeongjo, this fortress was constructed to honor his father and strengthen the region’s defenses. Today, visitors can walk along its 5.7 km-long walls, enjoying spectacular views of the city and historical landmarks.

• Main highlights of Hwaseong Fortress:
  • Paldalmun Gate (팔달문): The main southern gate and a famous city symbol.
  • Janganmun Gate (장안문): The largest gate of the fortress.
  • Seojangdae (서장대): A command post offering the best panoramic view of Suwon.
  • Hwaseong Train: A small tourist train that takes visitors around the fortress.

📍 Address: 320-2, Yeonghwa-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
⏰ Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟 Entrance Fee: 1,000 KRW (Adults) / 500 KRW (Children)

🏡 Hwaseong Haenggung (화성행궁) – The Temporary Palace

Located inside the fortress, Hwaseong Haenggung was a royal residence used by King Jeongjo during his visits to Suwon. It is the largest temporary palace in Korea and offers an immersive experience into Joseon Dynasty life. Visitors can watch traditional performances, participate in archery, and explore beautifully restored palace buildings.

📍 Address: 825, Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
⏰ Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟 Entrance Fee: 2,000 KRW (Adults) / 1,000 KRW (Children)

2. Exploring Haenggung-dong: A Mix of Tradition & Modern Culture

Haenggung-dong, located near Hwaseong Haenggung, is a trendy neighborhood full of art, cafes, and street food. It is a great place to explore after visiting the fortress.

✨ Top things to do in Haenggung-dong:

• Street Murals: The area is filled with colorful wall paintings, perfect for photos!
• Traditional Hanok Cafes: Enjoy tea or coffee in a beautifully restored Korean house.
• Handicraft Shops: Find unique souvenirs like handmade ceramics and calligraphy.
• Suwon Fried Chicken Street: A must-visit for the best Korean fried chicken in town!

3. Suwon’s Best Food: What to Eat in Suwon

🍖 Suwon Galbi (수원갈비) – Korean BBQ at its best!
Suwon is famous for its grilled beef ribs (galbi), known for their huge size and rich flavor. The ribs are marinated and cooked over charcoal, making them juicy and tender.

• 📍 Recommended restaurants:
  • Gabojeong Galbi (가보정 갈비) – One of the oldest and most famous spots!

🍗 Suwon Fried Chicken (수원 통닭)
Suwon has its own version of Korean fried chicken, crispy, juicy, and full of flavor! The most famous place is Jidong Market (지동시장), also known as "Chicken Alley," where you can try various styles of fried chicken.

• 📍 Recommended restaurants:
  • Yogane Chicken (용성통닭) – Classic Korean-style fried chicken.
  • Maehyang Chicken (매향통닭) – Popular for its crispy yet juicy texture.

4. Enjoying a Picnic in Gwanggyo: Suwon’s Modern Side

If you’re looking for a relaxing outdoor experience, visit Gwanggyo Lake Park (광교호수공원). It is one of Suwon’s best spots for walking, cycling, and picnicking. The park features beautiful lakes, cherry blossoms in spring, and modern urban scenery.

 

🚲 Things to do in Gwanggyo Lake Park:

• Rent a bike and ride around the lake.
• Have a picnic with takeout food from nearby restaurants.
• Visit Gwanggyo Café Street, where you can enjoy a drink with a view.

📍 Address: 332-1, Iui-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
⏰ Open 24/7
🎟 Entrance Fee: Free

5. How to Get to Suwon from Seoul & Incheon Airport

🚆 From Seoul:

• By Subway: Take Seoul Metro Line 1 from Seoul Station → Suwon Station (~1 hour).
• By KTX: Take the KTX express train from Seoul Station → Suwon Station (~25 minutes).
• By Bus: Intercity buses from Gangnam or Express Bus Terminal → Suwon (~50 minutes).

✈️ From Incheon International Airport:

• By Airport Limousine Bus: Direct buses to Suwon (~1.5 hours).
• By Train: Take the Airport Railroad (AREX) → Transfer to Seoul Subway Line 1 → Suwon Station (~1.5 hours).
• By Taxi: A taxi from Incheon Airport to Suwon costs around 50,000–70,000 KRW (~$40-$55).

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