Located 30 km south of Seoul, this South Korean city houses the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress, Samsung Electronics headquarters, and local specialty Suwon galbi. Walk the 18th-century walls or visit the Samsung Innovation Museum.
Suwon-si, the capital of Gyeonggi Province, sits 30 km south of Seoul. The city is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hwaseong Fortress and the headquarters of Samsung Electronics. Visitors can walk along the 18th-century fortress walls, taste the local specialty Suwon galbi, or explore the Samsung Innovation Museum.
Suwon Galbi
Suwon's signature dish is galbi, marinated beef short ribs. The city's version of this Korean barbecue staple has particularly tender meat and a rich flavor. You'll find many restaurants serving Suwon galbi throughout the city, especially in the Yeongdong Market area. At these establishments, you can grill the meat at your table and enjoy it with various side dishes, experiencing the full Korean barbecue tradition.
Visiting the Samsung Innovation Museum
At the Samsung Innovation Museum in Samsung Digital City, you can learn about the history of electronics and Samsung's technological contributions. The museum has three main exhibition halls covering the past, present, and future of electronic technology. You can interact with displays and try hands-on exhibits, making it interesting for both tech enthusiasts and casual visitors. Admission is free, but you need to make a reservation in advance.
Relaxing at Manseok Park
Manseok Park, built around an 18th-century reservoir, offers a calm green space in central Suwon. You can use the walking trails, exercise equipment, and sports facilities. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom along the paths, making it a popular picnic spot. The Suwon Arts Center in the park hosts cultural performances and exhibitions throughout the year.
Exploring Hwaseong Fortress
Hwaseong Fortress, built in the late 18th century, surrounds Suwon's old city center with 5.74 km long walls. The fortress has four main gates and several military structures along its perimeter. You can walk on the fortress walls for city views or join a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture. In October, the annual Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival takes place here, featuring reenactments of royal processions and traditional performances.
Discovering Haenggung Palace
Inside the fortress walls, you'll find Haenggung Palace, where King Jeongjo, the fortress's founder, stayed during his Suwon visits. The palace complex has over 20 buildings, including the king's quarters, the queen's chambers, and government offices. You can take an English-guided tour to explore these areas. The palace also hosts cultural events and performances that recreate aspects of traditional Korean court life.
Getting Around Suwon
You can easily travel around Suwon using public transportation. The city has three subway lines: Seoul Subway Line 1, the Bundang Line, and the Suin Line. Buses run frequently within the city and to nearby areas. For sightseeing, you can use the Suwon City Tour Bus, which stops at major attractions and offers English commentary. Taxis are also available and can be convenient for shorter trips within the city.
Day Trips from Suwon
East of Suwon, you can visit the Korean Folk Village, an open-air museum showing traditional Korean life. The village has reconstructed buildings from various periods and regions of Korea, along with demonstrations of traditional crafts and performances. If you're looking for excitement, Everland, South Korea's largest theme park, is about 20 km east of Suwon. The park has rides, shows, and a zoo, making it popular among families and young adults.
