Plan your vacation
Add dates
Add travelers
Hwaseoung Fortress
Hwaseoung Fortress - Photo by Mathew Schwartz

Explore Suwon: A Traveler's Guide to South Korea's Rich

About Suwon, South Korea

Suwon is a city in South Korea that offers a unique blend of old and new. Visitors can explore its UNESCO-listed fortress or enjoy modern attractions like theme parks and shopping centers. Suwon is also known for its delicious cuisine and is a great destination for those looking to experience authentic Korean culture. Plan your trip today!

Suwon, South Korea is a beautiful travel destination that is often overlooked by visitors. Located just a short distance from Seoul, it is a great place to experience traditional Korean culture and history. Suwon is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the famous Hwaseong Fortress. This impressive fortress was built in the late 18th century and is a prime example of traditional Korean military architecture.

Visitors to Suwon can also experience traditional Korean food and culture. The city is known for its delicious galbi (grilled beef ribs) and bibimbap (mixed rice bowl). There are also many traditional Korean markets throughout the city, where visitors can buy a variety of goods, including clothing, jewelry, and ceramics.

In addition to its cultural attractions, Suwon is also a great place for outdoor activities. Visitors can hike through the beautiful Gwanggyosan Mountain, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. There are also many parks and gardens throughout the city, including the beautiful Suwon World Cup Stadium Park.

One of the best times to visit Suwon is during the annual Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, which takes place in October. During the festival, visitors can experience traditional Korean music and dance performances, as well as participate in various cultural activities, such as traditional Korean tea ceremonies and calligraphy.

Overall, Suwon, South Korea is a hidden gem of a travel destination that offers visitors the chance to experience traditional Korean culture and history in a beautiful and unique setting. From its stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites to its delicious food and outdoor activities, there is something for everyone in Suwon.

More Detail

Popular Stays in Suwon, South Korea

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Suwon, South Korea

The Ramada Dongtan Hotel is conveniently located on Suwon City. No-Jak Arboretum and park are just minutes away. Free use of the fitness club and business lounge. Safety box, electronic toilet available in all rooms. Free use of wireless high speed internet access. Multi channel satellite broadcasting and movies on demand. Individual heat, air conditioning control. 24 hours concierge. Ubiquitous system available in all rooms. Walk distance to shopping center and hospital. Free and secure undercover parking area. All guest who using room, have access to free undercover parking area. Graciously combines authentic essentials with modern. A relaxing bedroom a electronics bathroom. 40min drive to capital city Seoul. There are double, twin and family rooms, junior suites, and royal suite. Rooms for guests with disabilities available experience. Easily accessable from all rooms offers fitness center and walk around park.
Nestled in the heart of Hwaseong, the hotel is an ideal spot from which to discover Hwaseong-si. The excitement of the city center is only away. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations.The hotel offers impeccable service and all the essential amenities to invigorate travelers. Guests of the hotel can enjoy on-site features like restaurant, newspapers, shared lounge/TV area, car park, smoking area. All rooms spread over 29 floors provide a warm and pleasant home away from home and modern comforts such as internet access – LAN (complimentary), toiletries, complimentary bottled water, blackout curtains, heating. The hotel offers wonderful recreational facilities such as fitness center to make guests stay truly unforgettable.
With a total of 287 rooms comprising of Superior and Deluxe executive suites, Novotel Ambassador Suwon is a 5-star accommodation best suited for your business trips or family holidays. The hotel also has a large 700 m² meeting room for celebrating special occasions or organising big events. Apart from the contemporary hotel rooms, the hotel has a live kitchen restaurant, The Square, and Lobby Bar to serve your favourite drinks. You will also be able to experience Novotel's committed hospitality.
Thank you for choosing our Ramada Yongin hotel. Ramada is a global upper-midscale hotel brand with over 820 properties located in over 50 countries worldwide. Most Ramada hotels feature free wired and wireless high-speed internet access, meeting rooms, business services, fitness facilities and upgraded bath amenities. Many properties have an on-site restaurant/lounge, while other sites offer a complimentary continental breakfast. You do your thing, leave the rest to us.
Located in Danwon gu, Royal Heritage Hotel is a perfect starting point from which to explore Ansan-si. The property offers a high standard of service and amenities to suit the individual needs of all travelers. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour security, convenience store, daily housekeeping, fireplace are just some of the facilities on offer. Guestrooms are designed to provide an optimal level of comfort with welcoming decor and some offering convenient amenities like complimentary tea, closet, towels, wooden/parqueted flooring, clothes rack. The property offers various recreational opportunities. Royal Heritage Hotel combines warm hospitality with a lovely ambiance to make your stay in Ansan-si unforgettable.
With a stay at Nine Tree Premier Hotel Seoul Pangyo in Seongnam (Sujeong-gu), you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Lotte World and Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. This hotel is 11.6 mi (18.7 km) from Seoul National University and 7.7 mi (12.5 km) from Lotte World Tower. Enjoy the recreation opportunities such as an indoor pool or make use of other amenities including complimentary wireless Internet access. Featured amenities include a computer station, express check-in, and dry cleaning/laundry services. This hotel has 5 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite. At Nine Tree Premier Hotel Seoul Pangyo, enjoy a satisfying meal at the restaurant. Buffet breakfasts are available daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee. Stay in one of 315 guestrooms featuring Smart televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and bidets. Conveniences include safes and free tea bags/instant coffee, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Located near Tancheon, Bundang, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, the Double Tree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo Hotel has a total of 432 comfortable rooms, two restaurants and cafes and an executive lounge for private time. In addition, business conferences, expos, weddings, large and small banquet halls, 10 high-tech private conference rooms, trendy indoor swimming pools, and fitness centers provide a subtle touch of relaxation for anyone visiting for leisure or business. It has comfortable guest rooms and deluxe rooms with a modern interior of a relaxed size, as well as executive rooms that provide a more luxurious experience, and a classy private suite. Double Tree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo has been welcoming customers since April 11, 2023. Hotel chain/brand: Doubletree by Hilton
Located near Tancheon, Bundang, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, the Double Tree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo Hotel has a total of 170 comfortable rooms, two restaurants and cafes and an executive lounge for private time. In addition, business conferences, expos, weddings, large and small banquet halls, 10 high-tech private conference rooms, trendy indoor swimming pools, and fitness centers provide a subtle touch of relaxation for anyone visiting for leisure or business. It has comfortable guest rooms and deluxe rooms with a modern interior of a relaxed size, as well as executive rooms that provide a more luxurious experience, and a classy private suite. Double Tree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo has been welcoming customers since June 13, 2023. Hotel chain/brand: Doubletree by Hilton

Things to do in Suwon, South Korea

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Suwon, South Korea

Enjoy a guided tour that begins with convenient meeting point and takes you to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Let's start your journey with the professional guide. Have a special and romantic night by strolling down the fortress site, admiring the glowing lights. We will take a walk in Heanggung-dong aka. Haenglidan-gil, which is a new hot place to visit now. You might try new Korean street food! (We will visit Hwaseong Haenggung palace instead during the Summer season) You will be drop-off at Myeongdong area in Seoul.
Unlike other theme parks packed with attractions at every corner, Seoul Land has a lot of space offering you the perfect getaway with a mixture of fun and relaxing time at the park. It's located near so many other attractions such as Seoul Land Zoo, national art museum, national Gwachon Science Hall, and horse racing courses. It's also very accessible by subway, only 30 minutes from Myeongdong or Dongdaemun on Subway Line 4.
Seoul Land, which has Korea's first title, has established itself as Korea's representative theme park upon its opening. Located about 30 minutes from Seoul Station and Myeongdong Station, it has the advantage of convenient transportation, and it is widely loved as a representative tourist destination in Korea as it has Seoul Grand Park's animal-botanical garden, forest bath, and National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Unlike other theme parks packed with attractions at every corner, Seoul Land has a lot of space offering you the perfect getaway with a mixture of fun and relaxing time at the park.

Gain a unique perspective of Korean history as you are mesmerized by the sight of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress at night!

  • Admire the Hwahongmun Pavilion and the Dongjangdae Eastern Command Post glowing at night
  • Learn the tragic story of King Jeongjo and the fortress’ symbol of respect for his elders
  • Enjoy the serene and romantic atmosphere as you stroll the moonlit grounds
  • Sit back and relax aboard the convenient pick-up service from Seoul

🪖 Highly Recommended DMZ Tour (English/Japanese/Chinese Guide)

👀 MBC Dae Jang Geum Park Half-Day Tour (English/Japanese/Chinese Guide)

Enter Seoul Land Theme Park, Korea’s first amusement park! Enjoy fun rides and compete to win prizes. Observe more than 300 different kinds of animals at a close range. Have tons of fun at the family-friendly tourist hub suitable for travelers of all ages.

  • Join various seasonal festivals, such as Christmas and Halloween
  • Enjoy over 40 roller coasters and rides such as Flume Ride and Super Swing
  • Explore newly opened attractions including Luna Park, Jurassic Park, and EDM Party
  • Have close encounters with rare animals at the Seoul Grand Park
  • Please note that the Seoul Land, Zoo, and cable car package tickets must be redeemed for physical tickets at the "Group Consultation Room" before entering the venue. Please be sure to check the redemption map to confirm the location

Visit the Korean Folk Village in Gyeonggi-do and experience authentic Korean culture. Catch sight of iconic Korean landmarks in 1 day and broaden your horizons.

  • Take the Hangang River cruise at night and immerse yourself in the most romantic vibes
  • Gain in-depth info of the sites you're visiting with the help of a Chinese/English-speaking guide
  • Take advantage of the convenient transfer service and have fun hassle-free

Spend a lovely day at Gyeonggi-do, the ultimate tourist destination! Go to the Korean folk village to make ice cream. Take a hot air balloon to watch Suwon’s flowers. Then, visit Gwanggyo Coffee Street to complete the perfect day trip!

  • Experience this one-day tour product certified by the Gyeonggi-do Tourism Organization
  • Worry not about complicated transportation methods for the distant Seoul suburbs of Gyeonggi-do attractions
  • Drop by The Korean Folk Village, the shooting scene for the famous Korean costume dramas "Dae Jang Geum" and "The Moon Embracing the Sun"
  • Visit West Lake Park, one of the greatest spots for cherry blossom viewing

Book Everland Theme Park tickets along with a private round-trip transfer service to free yourself from the hassle of metro commuting and line transfers. Experience the world's leading wooden roller coaster, take a tour of Everland Zoo with amphibious sightseeing buses, get up close with adorable animals like giraffes, and enjoy night-time parades and light shows. Play to your heart's content until the last moment, then rest on the return journey. No need to worry about transportation; enjoy a perfect day tour of Everland!

⟪ More Korea Recommendation ⟫ 

Must visit Cherry Blossom Festival | Jinhae Gunhangje 🌸 

Representative Busan One Day City Tour | Yacht, Haeundae Sky Capsule, Beach Train ⛵ 

Highly Recommended Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Site 🌠 

Family fun: Nami Island / Alpaca World / Petite France & Italian Village / Gangchon Rail Bike / Garden of Morning Calm etc. 🦙

Must-eat seasonal fruit: Strawberry Picking Day Tour 🍓 

Hidden Attractions: Geoje Island Day Tour from Busan 🌊

Why People Love Suwon, South Korea

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Suwon, South Korea

0
00amandajane00
5
Sep 2022
We enjoyed the tour very much! We got picked up at our hotel in Myeongdong and were also dropped off in front of it at the end of the tour. When we arrived in Suwon all the sights were beautifully lit up and we got to walk around the nice area inside the fortress. Our guide, Jung, was very n...
H
heather081597
5
Oct 2022
Hands down one of the best tours we took in Korea. Jung, our tour guide, was absolutely phenomenal. She took us all around the fortress and was a wealth of information. She knows more about a single Korean king than I know about my entire country's history! She had excellent answers to all of our...
CE
cody e
5
Sep 2023
Great evening, the tour guide was very knowledgeable and professional. He was able to answer every question my wife and I have .

Explore all stays in Suwon, South Korea

Explore all things to do in Suwon, South Korea

Explore other popular holiday destinations

Frequently Asked Questions about Suwon

What are the top things to do in Suwon?

Suwon is a beautiful city with many attractions. Here are some of the top things to do in Suwon: - Visit Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous landmarks in Suwon. - Explore the Korean Folk Village, an outdoor museum that showcases traditional Korean culture and architecture. - Stroll through Paldalmun Market, a traditional Korean market with a variety of street food and souvenirs. - Relax in Suwon's parks, such as Gwanggyo Lake Park or the Suwon World Cup Stadium, which has a beautiful rose garden. - Experience Korean traditional performances, such as the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival or the Suwon Namsadang Baudeogi Festival.

What are the best places to eat in Suwon?

Suwon is known for its delicious Korean cuisine. Here are some of the best places to eat in Suwon: - Suwon Galbi, a Korean BBQ restaurant that serves some of the best beef ribs in the city. - Suwon Bulgogi Street, a street in the heart of Suwon that is lined with restaurants serving bulgogi, a traditional Korean beef dish. - Gwanggyo Alley, a street with many restaurants serving Korean dishes such as bibimbap and fried chicken. - Suwon Makgeolli Street, a street with many bars and restaurants that serve makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine.

What are the best accommodations in Suwon?

Suwon has a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets. Here are some of the best accommodations in Suwon: - Shilla Stay Suwon, a modern hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent amenities. - Courtyard by Marriott Suwon, a 5-star hotel with a fitness center, indoor pool, and restaurant. - Ramada Plaza Suwon, a luxury hotel with a spa, fitness center, and rooftop garden. - Hotel Cats Suwon, a trendy boutique hotel with unique decor and a rooftop terrace.

What is the best time of year to travel to Suwon?

The best time to visit Suwon is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The cherry blossoms in the spring and the autumn foliage in the fall are also beautiful. However, Suwon is a great place to visit year-round, with many indoor activities and attractions to enjoy during the winter and summer months.

What are some cultural attractions in Suwon?

Suwon has many cultural attractions that are worth visiting. Here are some of the best: - Haenggung Palace, a royal palace that was built during the Joseon Dynasty. - Suwon Museum, a museum that showcases the history and culture of Suwon. - Suwon Hwaseong Museum, a museum that is dedicated to the history and construction of Hwaseong Fortress. - Suwon I Park Museum of Art, a museum that showcases contemporary Korean art.

What are some family-friendly activities in Suwon?

Suwon has many family-friendly activities that are perfect for kids. Here are some of the best: - Suwon Zoo, a large zoo that is home to many different animals and has a petting zoo. - Suwon World Cup Stadium, a stadium that hosts many different events and has a beautiful rose garden. - Suwon Ice Rink, an indoor ice rink that is open year-round. - Suwon Aqua Planet, an aquarium with many different species of fish and marine life.

What are some outdoor activities in Suwon?

Suwon has many outdoor activities that are perfect for nature lovers. Here are some of the best: - Gwanggyo Lake Park, a beautiful park with a lake that is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. - Hwaseong Haenggung Temporary Palace, a palace that was built during the Joseon Dynasty and is now a popular hiking spot. - Suwon City Walls, a series of walls that surround the city and offer great views of Suwon. - Yeongtong Traditional Market, a market that is located near a beautiful river and is perfect for strolling and shopping.

What are some historical attractions in Suwon?

Suwon has a rich history and many historical attractions. Here are some of the best: - Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the late 18th century. - Haenggung Palace, a royal palace that was built during the Joseon Dynasty. - Suwon Hwaseong Museum, a museum that is dedicated to the history and construction of Hwaseong Fortress. - Suwon Museum, a museum that showcases the history and culture of Suwon.

What are some shopping destinations in Suwon?

Suwon has many shopping destinations that are perfect for shopaholics. Here are some of the best: - Paldalmun Market, a traditional Korean market with a variety of street food and souvenirs. - Galleria Department Store Suwon, a high-end department store with many luxury brands. - AK Plaza, a large shopping mall with many different stores and restaurants. - I Park Mall, a modern shopping mall with many different stores and a cinema.

What is the transportation like in Suwon?

Suwon has a reliable and efficient public transportation system. The city is serviced by buses and a subway system, which makes it easy to get around. Taxis are also readily available and are a convenient way to get around the city.

What are some day trips from Suwon?

Suwon is located near many other great destinations that are perfect for day trips. Here are some of the best: - Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is only a short train ride away from Suwon. - Everland, a popular amusement park with many thrilling rides and attractions. - Yongin Folk Village, an outdoor museum that showcases traditional Korean culture and architecture. - Incheon, a coastal city that is known for its beautiful beaches and seafood.