Home › Destinations › Suwon
Suwon, 대한민국 - Things to Do in Suwon

Things to Do in Suwon

Suwon, 대한민국 - Complete Travel Guide

Suwon, located just 30 kilometers south of Seoul, is a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its remarkably well-preserved 18th-century fortress walls and rich cultural heritage. The city seamlessly blends historical significance with modern innovation, serving as the headquarters of Samsung Electronics while maintaining its traditional Korean charm. Hwaseong Fortress, built during the Joseon Dynasty, encircles the old city center with its impressive stone walls, gates, and defensive structures, making Suwon one of Korea's most important historical destinations. Beyond its fortress walls, Suwon offers visitors a authentic taste of Korean culture through its bustling traditional markets, delicious galbi (Korean BBQ) cuisine, and vibrant folk village. The city provides an excellent alternative to Seoul's crowds while offering easy access to the capital, making it perfect for both day trips and longer stays. With its combination of UNESCO sites, cultural experiences, and proximity to other major attractions, Suwon represents the perfect introduction to Korea's rich historical legacy.

Top Things to Do in Suwon

Explore Hwaseong Fortress

Walk along the 5.7-kilometer fortress wall that encircles Suwon's historic center, featuring four main gates, watchtowers, and defensive structures. The fortress offers stunning views of the city and provides insight into Joseon Dynasty military architecture. You can complete the full circuit in 2-3 hours or focus on specific sections like Paldalmun Gate.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 1,000 KRW for adults. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Consider renting a bicycle to cover more ground, available at several locations around the fortress for 2,000-3,000 KRW per hour.

Visit Korean Folk Village

Experience traditional Korean life at this living museum featuring over 260 authentic buildings from the Joseon Dynasty period. Watch artisans demonstrate traditional crafts, enjoy cultural performances, and explore recreated villages that showcase different social classes. The village offers hands-on activities like pottery making and traditional games.

Booking Tip: Admission is 20,000-25,000 KRW for adults with seasonal variations. Allow a full day for your visit and check the performance schedule online. Look for combo tickets that include shuttle bus transportation from Suwon Station, which can save money and time.

Experience Suwon's Galbi Culture

Indulge in Suwon's famous galbi (marinated beef ribs) at one of the many specialized restaurants throughout the city. Suwon galbi is renowned throughout Korea for its tender meat and special marinade recipe. Many restaurants offer tableside grilling experiences with traditional banchan (side dishes).

Booking Tip: Expect to pay 15,000-30,000 KRW per person for a quality galbi meal. No advance booking needed for most restaurants, but popular spots near Hwaseong Fortress can get busy during dinner hours. Look for restaurants with charcoal grills for the most authentic experience.

Stroll Through Haenggung Palace

Explore this temporary royal palace built by King Jeongjo as a resting place during visits to his father's tomb. The palace features beautiful traditional architecture, peaceful gardens, and regular cultural performances including the changing of the guard ceremony. It's located within the Hwaseong Fortress complex.

Booking Tip: Entry is included with Hwaseong Fortress tickets. Visit during weekends for the best chance to see cultural performances and reenactments. The palace is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season in April and autumn foliage in October-November.

Shop at Paldalmun Traditional Market

Browse this bustling traditional market near the south gate of Hwaseong Fortress, offering everything from fresh produce and street food to traditional crafts and clothing. The market provides an authentic local experience and is perfect for trying Korean street snacks like hotteok and tteokbokki. Evening visits offer the liveliest atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Free to explore, budget 10,000-20,000 KRW for street food and small purchases. Cash is preferred at most stalls. Visit in the evening when the market is most active, but arrive before 9 PM as many vendors close early. Bargaining is acceptable but not expected.

Getting There

Suwon is easily accessible from Seoul via the Seoul Subway Line 1, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour from Seoul Station to Suwon Station. The KTX high-speed train also stops at Suwon Station, connecting the city to other major destinations like Busan in under 3 hours. From Incheon International Airport, take the Airport Railroad (AREX) to Seoul Station, then transfer to Line 1, or take a direct airport limousine bus that takes about 1.5 hours depending on traffic. For those driving, Suwon is connected to Seoul via several highways, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours.

Getting Around

Suwon's compact city center is easily walkable, with most major attractions within the Hwaseong Fortress area accessible on foot. The city operates an efficient bus system with routes connecting all major sites, and a single ride costs around 1,370 KRW with a T-money card. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive for short distances within the city. For visiting Korean Folk Village, take bus 37 from Suwon Station, or use the shuttle bus service. Bicycle rentals are available at multiple locations around Hwaseong Fortress, offering a scenic way to explore the fortress walls and surrounding areas.

Where to Stay

Yeongtong District
Paldal-gu (Historic Center)
Suwon Station Area
Ingye-dong
Gosaek-dong
Maetan-dong

Food & Dining

Suwon's culinary scene centers around its world-famous galbi, with numerous specialized restaurants clustered around Hwaseong Fortress and near Suwon Station. The city offers everything from high-end galbi restaurants to casual street food markets, with Paldalmun Traditional Market being a highlight for authentic Korean snacks and local specialties. Korean barbecue restaurants dominate the dining landscape, but you'll also find excellent Korean-Chinese cuisine, traditional Korean set meals (hanjeongsik), and modern cafes. For the ultimate Suwon experience, try the local specialty of Suwon galbi paired with traditional makgeolli rice wine, available at most Korean barbecue establishments throughout the city.

Top-Rated Restaurants in South Korea

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Hongdae Korean BBQ All You Can Eat Pig Company

4.9 /5
(3984 reviews) 1

Myeongdong Mongvely

4.8 /5
(2494 reviews)

bogwangjung

4.9 /5
(2225 reviews)

Wolhwa Sikdang

4.8 /5
(1130 reviews)

Hangong-Gan

5.0 /5
(943 reviews)

CHAEUM KOREAN TRADITIONAL RESTAURANT

4.9 /5
(729 reviews)
all dining options →

When to Visit

The best time to visit Suwon is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and comfortable for walking around Hwaseong Fortress. Spring offers beautiful cherry blossoms around the fortress walls and palace grounds, while autumn provides stunning foliage and clear skies perfect for photography. Summer can be hot and humid with occasional monsoon rains, but it's also when many outdoor festivals take place. Winter visits are possible but can be quite cold, though the fortress covered in snow creates a magical atmosphere and there are fewer crowds at major attractions.

Insider Tips

Purchase a Suwon City Pass for discounted entry to multiple attractions and free public transportation within the city
Time your visit to catch the Hwaseong Cultural Festival in autumn for spectacular historical reenactments and cultural performances
Try the famous Suwon galbi at local favorites like Bongsudae or Yeonpo Galbi rather than tourist-oriented restaurants for better prices and authentic taste

Explore Activities in Suwon