🏯 Suwon Hwaseong Fortress: Your Perfect 2-Day Getaway from Seoul!

A Local Expert’s Beloved Itinerary

Annyeonghaseyo, my dearest K-Culture adventurers! I’m Min, your friendly local expert living right here in Korea. As Someone who absolutely adores exploring Korea’s deep history, I have a secret to share: my favorite escape from the hustle of Seoul is the incredibly charming city of Suwon.

Why Suwon? Because right in the middle of a modern city lies the majestic, 18th-century Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site that truly feels like stepping into a time machine. I’ve walked its walls countless times, and every visit fills me with joy! Trust me, this spot is a must-see.

Ready to trade the Seoul skyscrapers for ancient castle walls? Let’s dive into a fun, easy, and absolutely unforgettable 2-day Suwon itinerary!

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✨ Day 1: Hwaseong Haenggung, K-Food & K-Drama Vibes

Our first day is all about immersing ourselves in history and soaking up the trendy, unique atmosphere of Suwon’s cultural heart.

Morning: The Grandeur of Hwaseong Haenggung Palace

Our first stop is the temporary palace, Hwaseong Haenggung. This was King Jeongjo’s residence when he visited the fortress, and it’s a stunning example of Joseon Dynasty architecture.

• 👑 Royal Connections & Drama Sets: This beautiful palace has been the backdrop for many iconic K-dramas, including Dae Jang Geum!
• 🗡️ Must-See Performance: Don’t miss the thrilling Muye 24 Gi performance—a demonstration of the 24 martial arts forms of the Joseon period. It’s a spectacular show of skill and strength!
  • Show Times: Tues–Fri 11:00–11:30 / Sat–Sun 11:00–11:30 & 14:00–14:20.
• 🎟️ Admission: Adult ₩2,000 / Youth ₩1,500 / Child ₩1,000.

Lunch: Korean Soul Food at Jidong Market Sundae Town

Time for a proper Korean lunch that’s easy on the wallet! We’re heading to Jidong Market Sundae Town.
The signature dishes here are sundae soup and sundae stir-fry.

Sundaeguk is a warm, comforting soup made with Korean blood sausage called sundae. It usually comes with boiled pork, sundae and vegetables in a rich broth. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that many Koreans enjoy.

Sundae-bokkeum is a tasty stir-fry made with sliced sundae, vegetables, and a savory, slightly spicy sauce. It’s popular as korea food and is great for sharing with friends.

• 🍜 Local Vibe: This area is packed with over 20 specialized shops, serving up the best Sundae-bokkeum (Spicy Stir-fried Sundae) and Sundae-gukbap (Sundae and Rice Soup). It’s authentic, filling, and so, so good!
• 📍 Location: 3, Changnyongmun-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si.

Afternoon: Scenic Rampart Walk & Trendy Haenggung-dong

1. 🚶‍♀️ Walk the Wall: After lunch, let’s hit the UNESCO World Heritage wall itself! The fortress wall is about 5.7km long, and the path offers incredible views. I recommend the stretch from Seojangdae (West Command Post) → Hwaseomun Gate → Janganmun Gate. It’s a fantastic way to digest and enjoy the scenery!
   • Good News: The fortress wall is open year-round and free to walk!
2. ☕ Haenggung-dong’s Charm: Right near Hwaseong Haenggung is Haenggung-dong, a super cute area bursting with trendy coffee shops, adorable souvenir stores, and quirky photo spots.
   • 🤩 K-Drama Alert! This whole area is a favorite filming location for hit dramas like Lovely Runner, Itaewon Class, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, and Our Beloved Summer! It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee, chat with friends, and maybe take a fun photobooth for a souvenir!

Dinner: Crispy Goodness at Chicken Street

Tonight, we feast! Suwon is legendary for its Chicken Street.

• 🍗 Old-School Flavor: Dating back to the 1970s, the restaurants here specialize in Old-School Fried Chicken cooked in a massive traditional cauldron. It’s incredibly crispy, moist, and tastes like a hug from the past.
• 🍻 Korean Pairing: The only way to enjoy this is with a cold beer—hello, Chi-Maek (Chicken and Beer)!
• 📍 Location: Area around 800-beon-gil, Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si.

🌙 Where to Sleep?

Suwon offers a range of cozy options, including charming guesthouses, modern Airbnbs, and even beautiful traditional Hanok Stays right near the fortress walls.

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🌅 Day 2: Royal Ponds, Archery & Suwon Galbi

Our second day focuses on the stunning nature surrounding the fortress and enjoying one of Suwon’s most famous culinary exports.

Morning: The Beauty of Banghwasuryujeong

Start your day by walking along the wall toward the iconic Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion. This spot is arguably the most beautiful section of the fortress, overlooking the stunning Yongyeon Pond.

• 📸 Photo Heaven: The unique architectural angles and the serene pond views make this a prime location for photos—especially as the sun rises!
• 🏹 Archery at Yeonmudae: Continue your walk along the wall to Yeonmudae, the East Command Post. Here, you can try traditional Korean archery (Gukgung)! It’s super fun and a great way to feel like a Joseon warrior. You might even catch some locals flying kites here!

Mid-Morning: Ride the Hwaseong Carriage

Give your feet a rest and hop on the Hwaseong Carriage, a super cute trolley shaped like a royal sedan. It’s a great way to see the highlights of the fortress walls without all the walking!

• 🗺️ Route: Yeonmudae → Hwahongmun Gate (Can get off) → Janganmun Gate → Hwaseomun Gate (Can get off) → Maehanggyo Bridge (Can get off) → Yeonmudae.
• 💡 Pro Tip: This is very popular on weekends, so I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance through the Suwon Cultural Foundation’s official website!

Lunch: The Legendary Suwon Galbi

Before heading back to Seoul, you must try Suwon’s most famous dish: Suwon Galbi (Short Ribs).

• 🥩 A Culinary Legacy: Suwon Galbi is famous across Korea. It originated from the massive cattle market that operated in Suwon until the 1940s! The meat is renowned for its quality and the specific way it’s prepared and served. Whether you choose seng-galbi (raw) or yangnyeom-galbi (marinated), it’s a tender, savory, and unforgettable meal.

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📚 A Little Extra Dose of Culture

If you have some extra time, I suggest adding a dash of art and history near the palace:

• Suwon Hwaseong Museum : A specialized museum dedicated to the history and culture of the fortress. Perfect for digging deeper!
  • Admission: Adult ₩2,000. Closed on Mondays.
• Suwon Museum of Art: Located right in front of Hwaseong Haenggung, this museum focuses on contemporary art with various themed exhibitions. A nice detour from all the historical architecture!
  • Admission: Adult ₩4,000. Closed on Mondays.

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🚌 Getting to Suwon from Seoul

Suwon is incredibly easy to reach from Seoul!

Mode of Transport	Details	Estimated Time
Subway	Take Seoul Subway Line 1 all the way to Suwon Station.	1 hour ~ 1.5 hours
Bus	Frequent express buses (1007, 3000, 7770 or 7800 routes) depart from Gangnam/Jamsil/Sadang and head directly to Suwon.	45 minutes ~1 hour

Once you arrive at Suwon Station, you can take a local bus or a short taxi ride to the Hwaseong Fortress area!

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I hope this itinerary helps you fall in love with Suwon as much as I have! The blend of rich history and modern charm is something truly special.

Would you like me to recommend some cafes and restaurants worth visiting in Haenggung-dong?
I’ll be back soon with another post.