10 Things To See In Suwon and What To Eat

With access to the subway line in Seoul and buses going back and forth quickly, Suwon is an easy day trip from Seoul or from regional areas too. Over time it has become very popular for urban and cultural development leading it to be an excellent area of interest for travelers and locals alike.

Walk along the Hwaseong Fortress Walls and then take a hot air balloon ride up over to get the full scope of the fortress. See art and eat chicken… maybe even spend a weekend in Suwon to do it all! Have a blast spending a day or weekend in Suwon!

Check out this guide to Suwon, Korea:

• How To Get To Suwon from Seoul
• What To Know About Suwon
• Where To Stay
• What To See
  • Hwaseong Fortress (수원 화성)
  • Hwaseong Haenggung Palace (화성행궁)
  • Suwon Hwaseong Museum (수원화성박물관)
  • Haenggung-dong Mural Village  (행궁동벽화마을)
  • Suwon Museum of Art (수원시립미술관)
  • Haeujae, Toilet Museum (해우재)
  • Gyeonggi Arts Center (경기예술의전당)
  • Samsung Innovation Museum (삼성이노베이션뮤지엄)
  • Aqua Planet Suwon (아쿠아플라넷 광교)
• What To Do
  • Flying Suwon hot air balloon (플라잉수원)
• What To Eat
  • Fried Chicken Street (숭원통닭골목)
  • Galbi (갈비)

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How To Get To Suwon from Seoul

By Subway: If you’re already used to the subway, you can make your way down to Suwon via the subway as well. The train is a better option for speed unless you are at a spot on the subway that it makes more sense to just start heading south. Check the map and see which works best for you. 

By Train: You can get from Seoul Station to Suwon Station on a train in around 30 minutes. A bit over if you take the Mugunghwa train and a bit under if you take the KTX train. It’s fast and easy. The only difference between the trains to really think of is price. The KTX is newer and a bit more costly. Mugunghwa will get you there in one piece and really isn’t as bad for 30 minutes, bonus it’s cheaper.

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What To Know About Suwon

Suwon is the capital of Gyeonggi-do, the most populated province that surrounds Seoul. Over time, it has flourished starting from a tiny settlement to becoming a center point for industry and culture. It is one of the largest cities in South Korea and a really easy location to take a daytrip from Seoul. Hwaseong Fortress is its most notable site, built in 1796, and showcases the old walls that surrounded the city in the days of old. Actually, Suwon is the only remaining walled in city in South Korea.

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Where To Stay In Suwon

Plan to stay for a weekend in Suwon and you can fit just about everything on this list into the stay. Suwon isn’t far from Seoul but is just enough that you can have a nice weekend “away”.

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Suwon

Novotel Ambassador Suwon

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What To See

Hwaseong Fortress (수원화성)

Walk the perimeter of the heart of old Suwon following the Hwaseong Fortress which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site completed in 1796. I a lot of people want to take walks or hike in Korea and I often suggest starting with the fortresses if you aren’t sure about areas and don’t want to get lost. Or if you’re prone to get lost. Fortresses usually surround pretty cool areas or are near older districts.

This fortress protected the King’s temporary palace and if you want to walk the entire thing it takes between 3 and 4 hours. Start at one of the fortress gates of which there are 4 at the north, south, east, and west. Most people start at the southern gate though or Paldalmun (팔달문). The fortress is completely open to visitors and is even lit up at night so makes for a romantic stroll. Obviously, this is also near the palace, so stop there too. 

• Address: 320-2 Yeonghwa-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 수원시 장안구 영화동 320-2)

Hwaseong Haenggung Palace (화성행궁)

Built as a temporary palace for kings to enjoy relaxation and rest, this palace was a seasonal home for King Jeonjo. It was also where the royal family retreated during the war, hence why it is called a temporary palace. Today, there are a lot of cultural events and performances held there throughout the year. Which makes it a great addition to a walk on the Hwaseong Fortress. 

• Address:  825 Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 수원시 팔달구 정조로 825)
• Hours: Every day: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm
• Admission: Adults: W1,500; Children: W1,000

Suwon Hwaseong Museum (수원화성박물관)

If you want to learn more about the fortress wall that you’ve just walked along, visit the Suwon Hwaseong Museum. There are preserved letters and architectural plans, models, maps, and more devoted to the development and preservation of the Hwaseong Fortress walls. It’s a great stop if you want more background and information.

• Address: 21 Changryongdae-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 수원시 팔달구 창룡대로 21)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm
• Admission: Adults: W3,500; Children: W2,000

Haenggung-dong Mural Village (행궁동벽화마을)

Out of the many mural villages in Korea, there are a few you just don’t want to miss. Haenggung-dong Mural Village is one of those spots. Whats you venture into the area, known for the Suwon Museum of Art and Haenggung Palace, you’ll be surprised to see how much art is simply all around you. Artwork and Murals are elegantly painted across the long walls of the town, proving you with a unique and insightful experience from some incredibly talented artists.

There are eight different sections of murals for the village, and you should have little trouble reaching them all with all the maps that are visible around the town. Maximize your time and take a tour around Haenggung-dong!

• Address: 9-6 Hwaseomun-ro 72 beong-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si (경기 수원시 팔달구 화서문로72번길 9-6)
• By Public Transportation: Take the subway to Hwaseo Station and go out of 5 or 6 and turn left at the first corner. Walk to the bus stop with local bus 3 and you can ride it for 25 minutes to get to the mural village.

Suwon I’Park Museum of Art (수원시립미술관)

The Suwon Museum of Art is a great stop to check out during your time in Suwon. It operates at four venues located at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace Square, Manseok Park, Pajang-dong, and Art Space Gwanggyo. The exhibitions at each location display a wide and diverse range of features that are different from all of the other locations. 

The Suwon Museum of Art is just across the street from the mural village mentioned above and beside the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace so you could easily see all three in one day. The Haenggung Mural Village also has a lot of cafes and restaurants to eat so it’s a great place to get to and just walk around.

• Address: 833 Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 수원시 팔달구 정조로 833)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
• Admission: Adults: W4,000; Children: W2,000

The Toilet Museum, Haeujae (해우재)

This museum is devoted to toilet culture and has displays that are both humorous and educational. From the history and development of toilets to the different styles of bowls and urinals, there’s just… a lot to learn about toilets. The name, Haewoojae, means “a house to relieve one’s concerns”, which is very fitting if you think about it. The original owner, Mr. Toilet, or Sim Jae Deok (심재덕), built the house after demolishing his original home that stood there, to celebrate the establishment of the World Toilet Association (WTA).

Funny connection with this from me personally, many years back, my husband’s band wrote some jingles for the WTA and I actually sang in the chorus in the background. It was super random and at the time, obviously, it was a humorous thing to do. But I will say, the WTA’s mission is not humorous. They’re working to help with the sanitation crisis in countries where people, especially children, suffer from diseases due to poor sanitation. 

Anyway, Sim Jae Deok passed away and his family opted to donate the home to Suwon city. The building is credited as being the biggest toilet sculpture in Korea. So, if you’re looking for something a bit different and interesting to see, this is definitely it. 

• Address: 458-9 Jangan-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon (Imok-dong) (수원시 장안구 장안로 458-9(이목동))
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm
• Admission: Free
• Website: www.haewoojae.com

Gyeonggi Arts Center (경기예술의전당)

With “where art is life” as their motto, how could you miss a chance to check out this unique space? Founded in 191, the art center has become a terrific place for professional art performances. It’s a great option to seek out if you have a hunger for theater. From orchestras to plays. Gyeonggi Art Center is a spot you don’t want to miss!

• Address: 20 Hyowon-ro 307 beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 수원시 팔달구 효원로307번길 20)
• Website: http://global.ggac.or.kr/eng/

Samsung Innovation Museum (삼성이노베이션뮤지엄)

Packed with innovations that contributed to the birth of the electronics industry, the Samsung Innovation Museum is teeming with modern history. Founded in Suwon in 1969, they continue to have their headquarters in the city. As a leader in the industry, Samsung has many surprises in store when you visit their museum. Catch a glimpse at some of the most important tech that has changed the world when it was first created!

• Address: 129 Samsung-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si (수원시 영통구 삼성로 129)
• Hours: Open to the public on Saturdays only; Reservations required during the week.
• Website: https://www.samsunginnovationmuseum.com/

Aqua Planet Suwon (아쿠아플라넷 광교)

Known as the best aquarium in Gyeonggi-do, Aqua Planet will provide more than a fair share of colorful experiences with the denizens of the deep. Home to 210 marine creatures and mammals, you’ll have a valuable time being able to lay eyes on animals from across the globe. 

• Address: Forena Gwanggyo B1 300, Gwanggyo Lake Park-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 수원시 영통구 광교호수공원로 300 포레나광교 지하1층)
• Hours: Every day: 10:30am – 7:30pm
• Admission: Adults: W28,000; Children: W25,000

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What To Do

Flying Suwon (플라잉수원)

I remember the first time I heard about this attraction in Suwon and thought, wow, I’ve never really heard much about hot air balloons in Korea. What a cool idea. This is a really unique way to get a view out over the city. Now just a note, it’s not a hot air balloon ride that is going out over the city.

This hot air balloon is tethered to the ground and takes riders up 150 meters for a view. It stays in the air for 10 minutes and then goes back down again. So it’s enough time to get pictures and enjoy the view, but can easily fit into a day trip in the area too.

From the vantage point, you’ll see out over the lit-up walls of the fortress wall if you go in the evening. Or catch the daytime views of the historical area of Suwon. This is weather dependent, so depending on the season and weather conditions, the balloon may only go up 70 meters instead of 150 meters, or may not go up at all if the weather is really bad.

Basically, if it is going up, it’s usually between 70 and 150 meters. Even if you don’t want to go up, if you visit in the evening, it makes it look like a giant moon is hovering over the fortress wall so there is a cool picture opportunity there too.

• Address: 255-4 Ji-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 수원시 팔달구 지동 255-4)
• Hours: Weekdays: 12:30pm ~ 9:30pm; Weekends & public holidays: 11:00am ~ 10:00pm
  * Hours subject to change by season and weather
• Admission: Adults: W20,000; Teenagers: W18,000; Children: W17,000 won

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What To Eat

Fried Chicken Street (수원통닭골목)

Every region has a food you should eat when you go there, and in Suwon, it is said to be fried chicken. A few places may say they are known for chicken in Korea, but really, Suwon does have some reasons to say this. Suwon has a famous Fried Chicken Street which was started in the 1970s.

Whole chickens are fried in large caldrons rather than being fried in pieces like in some other places. There are about 10 chicken shops on this 100-meter-long road and they pretty much all sell the same dish but they do have their own versions of it. You’ll have a good chimaek experience if you go here.

If you’re a real chicken connoisseur, go hungry and do a hop to compare. The restaurants continue to try and develop different sauces and tastes to satisfy their customers so keep going back to see what’s going on. One of the most popular menu items there is the wang-galbi sauce chicken which is flavored to taste like another dish that is popular in Suwon, huge grilled ribs.

The wang-galbi chicken became especially popular after it was featured in the movie ‘Extreme Job’. So that’s a dish to look out for if you’re not sure where to start. 

• Address: 158-2 Namsu-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 수원시 팔달구 남수동 158-2)

Galbi (갈비)

Aside from fried chicken, Suwon is also known for their delicious galbi. Galbi is a barbecued beef short rib dish that is marinated for up to 24 hours in a blend of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and onions. There are three main restaurants in the city that are promoted as the best places to eat galbi in Suwon:

• Bonsuwon Galbi (본수원갈비)
  • Address: 41 Jungbudae-ro 223 beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 수원시 팔달구 중부대로223번길 41)
  • Hours: Every day: 11:30am ~ 9:30pm
• Gabojeong Galbi (가보정)
  • Address: 282 Jangdari-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 수원시 팔달구 장다리로 282)
  • Hours: Every day: 11:30am ~9:30pm
• Shilla Galbi (신라갈비)
  • Address: 538 Dongsuwon-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeoggi-do (경기 수원시 영통구 동수원로 538)
  • Hours: Every day: 11:30am ~10:00pm

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