π Travel Korea (11) | Suwon Hwaseong Fortress: A UNESCO Treasure Near Seoul
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| Suwon Hwaseong in Korea |
Explore Korea’s royal history at this majestic walled city
Welcome back to the Travel Korea series! In this 11th post, we're heading to Suwon, just an hour south of Seoul, to visit one of Korea’s most iconic historical sites — Hwaseong Fortress (μμ νμ±). This UNESCO World Heritage Site blends beauty, strategic design, and royal legacy in one unforgettable experience. π°π·π°
π― What is Suwon Hwaseong Fortress?
Hwaseong Fortress was built in 1794–1796 by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty. It surrounds Suwon’s old city and showcases Korea’s most advanced fortress architecture — with elegant stone and brick walls, watchtowers, secret gates, and panoramic views of the city.
The fortress was built both as a tribute to the king’s late father and as part of a visionary urban development plan.
π Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997
π How to Get There from Seoul
By Subway
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Take Line 1 to Suwon Station (μμμ)
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Transfer to local buses or taxi to “Hwaseong Haenggung (νμ±νκΆ)” or “Paldalmun Gate (νλ¬λ¬Έ)”
πΊ️ Google Maps Search: “Hwaseong Fortress” or “Hwaseong Haenggung”
π‘ Tip: Suwon Station is also a KTX stop, so you can get there even faster!
π Opening Hours & Admission
| Location | Hours | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Fortress Wall | Open 24/7 | Free (some towers may charge small fee) |
| Hwaseong Haenggung Palace | 9 AM – 6 PM (closed Mondays) | ₩1,500 (adults) |
| Fortress Train “Hwaseong Trolley” | Varies | ₩3,000 (adults) |
π« Combo tickets available at visitor centers
π§₯ Hanbok rental also available near Haenggung Palace for photos!
πΈ What to Do There
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π° Walk the fortress walls: The entire circuit is about 5.7 km, with great views
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π― Try traditional archery at the Hwaseong Temporary Palace
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π― Explore Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, a restored royal residence
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π Ride the Hwaseong Trolley, shaped like a dragon or traditional train
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π Catch the sunset from Seojangdae Pavilion for stunning city views
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π· Take photos in Hanbok at the palace gates
π½️ Where to Eat Nearby
Suwon is also famous for galbi (grilled beef ribs)!
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Suwon Yeonpo Galbi (μμ μ°ν¬κ°λΉ)
π 68-1 Jangan-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
(κ²½κΈ°λ μμμ νλ¬κ΅¬ μ₯μλ‘ 68-1) -
Gabojeong Galbi (κ°λ³΄μ λ³Έμ )
π 286 Godeung-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
(κ²½κΈ°λ μμμ μ₯μꡬ κ³ λ±λ 286) -
Suwon Chicken Street (μμ ν΅λ거리)
π 19 Paldal-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
(κ²½κΈ°λ μμμ νλ¬κ΅¬ νλ¬λ‘ 19)
𧑠Why Visit Hwaseong Fortress?
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| π World Heritage Site | Recognized by UNESCO for historical value |
| π― Beautiful Architecture | Harmony of bricks, stone, pavilions, and gates |
| π· Photo Spots | Traditional Korea with modern skyline in background |
| π§ Calm Atmosphere | Great walking course for history & nature lovers |
| π½️ Local Food Culture | Enjoy Suwon-style galbi & fried chicken |
π§ Nearby Attractions
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Suwon Museum – Artifacts and exhibitions on local history
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Haenggung-dong Mural Village – Cute cafes and painted walls
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KBS Suwon Drama Center – Historical drama filming set
✅ Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| π Location | Suwon, Gyeonggi-do |
| π Time Needed | 2–4 hours (more if walking full wall) |
| π Access | Line 1 subway or KTX to Suwon Station |
| π« Admission | Mostly free; small fees for some areas |
| π Best Time to Visit | Late afternoon for sunset on the wall |
| πΈ Tip | Rent Hanbok + walk to Seojangdae Pavilion |
Thanks for joining us on this journey through Korea’s royal fortress! In Travel Korea (12), we’ll head over to nearby Yongin to explore the Korean Folk Village, where history comes alive. Stay tuned! π°π·✨
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"π✈️ First time in Korea? π°π· Wondering what to do, eat, or see? ππ―π Let me know! π¬π"
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