[K-TRAVEL], week of
📌 Table of Contents
🌟 An Introduction to Suwon: The City of Filial Piety
Hey K-Travelers! BonoHyung here, back for our weekly adventure beyond the bustling streets of Seoul. This week, we're taking a short trip to Suwon, a city that perfectly blends ancient history with vibrant, modern life. Just an hour from Seoul, Suwon offers a peaceful yet fascinating escape, centered around its magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site, the Hwaseong Fortress.
Unlike hyper-popular tourist spots, Suwon provides a more serene and authentic local atmosphere. It’s a place where you can walk along ancient fortress walls in the morning and explore trendy cafes in the afternoon. The city was a strategic military base and was intended to be the new capital during the Joseon Dynasty by King Jeongjo, who built the fortress in honor of his father. This rich history is palpable as you explore its gates, walls, and the temporary palace within.
🗺️ Your Perfect One-Day Suwon Itinerary
Suwon is easily manageable in a day, but I highly recommend staying until the evening to see the fortress beautifully illuminated. Here’s a relaxed course to hit all the highlights:
Course 1: Hwaseong Haenggung Palace (화성행궁)
Start your day at the temporary palace where King Jeongjo stayed during his visits. It’s much quieter than Seoul's grand palaces, allowing for a more intimate experience. Don't miss the daily martial arts performance held at the front gate around 11 AM! The entrance fee is a very reasonable 1,500 KRW.
Course 2: Walk the Fortress Walls (수원 화성)
This is the main event! The fortress wall stretches for nearly 6 kilometers, connecting four major gates and various watchtowers and pavilions. You don't have to walk the entire length. A popular and scenic route is from the west gate (Hwaseomun) to the north gate (Janganmun), which is the largest gate in Korea. The views of the city from the walls are fantastic, especially from the Seojangdae Command Post.
Course 3: Haengnidan-gil (행리단길)
After your historical walk, it's time to dive into modern Suwon. Haengnidan-gil is a trendy neighborhood filled with aesthetic cafes, unique restaurants, and boutique shops, many housed in renovated traditional buildings. It's the perfect place to relax, grab a coffee, and do some people-watching.
Course 4: Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion & Yongyeon Pond (방화수류정 & 용연)
As evening approaches, head to this picturesque pavilion. It’s one of the most beautiful spots along the fortress, offering stunning views, especially at sunset and when illuminated at night. The reflection on Yongyeon Pond is simply magical.
🍗 Must-Try Food & Restaurants
Suwon is famous for two things: Galbi (marinated ribs) and fried chicken! You can't leave without trying them.
- Suwon Chicken Street (수원 통닭거리): This entire street is dedicated to fried chicken! Restaurants here fry whole chickens in large cauldrons, a tradition since the 1970s. A popular spot is Jinmi Chicken (진미통닭), known for its crispy chicken and refreshing beer.
- Kabojung Kalbi (가보정갈비): Considered one of the best places for authentic Korean BBQ in Suwon, this restaurant is famous for its high-quality, tender marinated beef ribs. It's a bit pricey but worth the experience.
- Boyoung Mandoo (보영만두): A beloved local spot famous for its handmade dumplings. It's a great option for a quick, delicious, and affordable meal.
💡 BonoHyung's Insider Tips
Getting There: The easiest way to reach Suwon is via Seoul Subway Line 1 (about 1 hour) or the faster KTX train from Seoul Station (about 30 minutes). From Suwon Station, local buses will take you directly to the fortress area.
Comfort is Key: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes! The fortress walls have some steep sections.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn offer the most pleasant weather for walking the fortress walls, with beautiful cherry blossoms or fall foliage.
K-Drama Fans: Suwon is a popular filming location! You might recognize spots from dramas like "Twenty-Five Twenty-One" and "Lovely Runner".
🎯 Key Points of Your Suwon Trip
- History: Immerse yourself in the Joseon Dynasty at a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Scenery: Enjoy panoramic city views from ancient fortress walls.
- Food: Indulge in Suwon's famous fried chicken and galbi.
- Vibe: Experience a perfect mix of historical tranquility and modern trendiness.
That's a wrap for this week's K-Travel guide!
Suwon is a true gem that offers a different pace and perspective from Seoul. I hope you get the chance to walk its historic walls and create your own amazing memories. Until next week, happy travels!
- BonoHyung
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