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South Korea · DESTINATION GUIDE

Suwon.
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40 min readSource revision: 2026-09-30English guide · community-sourced
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Overview

Suwon (수원, 水原) is a city in the southern central part of Gyeonggi-do. As the provincial capital, it is the political, economic, and administrative center of Gyeonggi-do. Major subway lines and expressways connect to Suwon, making it a transportation hub.

Major attractions are Suwon Hwaseong, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the headquarters of Samsung Electronics.

Districts

Suwon is made up of four districts: Jangan, Kwonseon, Paldal and Yeongtong. Neighboring cities are Yongin to the east, Ansan to the west, Hwaseong to the south and Uiwang to the north.

Jangan-gu (장안구): The northwest of Suwon. It derives its name from Janganmun in Jangan-dong. Gwonseon-gu (권선구): The southwestern part of Suwon. It is the largest district in Suwon in terms of both population and land area. Paldal-gu (팔달구): The center of Suwon. Several government offices are located here, including those of the Gyeonggi-do Provincial Government, Suwon City Hall, Suwon Tax Office and Incheon Gyeonggi Regional Military Service. Yeongtong-gu (영통구): The eastern part of Suwon. The planned city of Gwanggyo is located here.

Understand

The Gwanggyo Mountains, the developmental part of the Gwangju Mountains, pass through, and high and low hills appear here and there. The terrain generally slopes gently from northeast to southwest.

Despite its population exceeding one million since 2002, Suwon had been subject to the same administrative regulations as other local districts, facing difficulties in providing various services. Therefore, it has been granted the status of Suwon special case city, enabling it to enjoy a broader range of services.

Suwon's continental climate is very similar to that of other cities in the Seoul area like Ansan.

The climate of Suwon is classified as a cold-temperate continental climate (Dwa). This classification takes into account the period during the winter season when temperatures can drop below minus 3 degrees Celsius.

Tourist information Sueon tourism website (수원관광).

History During the Iron Age (including the Proto–Three Kingdoms period), many small states emerged across central and southern Korea, forming what was known as the Three Han confederacies: Mahan, Jinhan, and Byeonhan. The Suwon area is thought to have belonged to Mahan. Historical records mention over 50 Mahan states, including Mosuguk, Wonyangguk, and Sangwoeiguk in today’s Gyeonggi-do. Among them, Mosuguk is believed to have been located in the Suwon region. The name “Mosu” is linked to the meaning of “Mulbeol,” an old word for “water fields,” which is essentially the same meaning as the modern name “Suwon.” Over time, the city’s name changed to Maehole, Suseong, and Suju, but it always carried the idea of “water.”

Get in

For visitors to Seoul, Suwon can be treated like another suburb.

By subway It is possible to travel from Incheon International Airport to Suwon solely using the Seoul Metro. First, take the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) to Seoul station. From Seoul Station, take the Line 1 (blue) south towards Cheonan and Sinchang Station. From the airport to Suwon should take a little over 2 hours. Make sure you are on the correct train, as the track later splits and travels on two lines: towards Incheon (west) and towards Cheonan/Sinchang (south). You can transfer to the correct train at Guro Station if you're not on the right one. Prior to Guro Station there is an announcement about transferring from one line to the other.

Travel time to the center of Suwon (Suwon Station) from Seoul Station takes about an hour on Line 1. The following are the Line 1 subway stations in Suwon.

People living in Incheon, Ansan, Yongin, etc. can also take a Suin-Bundang Line.

By train The commuter trains from Seoul station to Suwon are much faster than the subway (30 – 35 min), but they run less frequently.

KTX: It operates 5 times a day and takes 35 min. The first train is at 08:11 and the last train is at 19:47. Mugunghwa-ho (무궁화호): It operates 10 times a day and takes 30 – 40 min. Morning rush-hour service (05:00–08:00) is crowded. The first train is at 05:53 and the last train is at 17:27. The first train is at 06:16 and last train is at 20:17.

By bus There are various bus routes from Seoul.

Gangnam Station: buses 5100, 3000, 3003, 3007, & 3002 Sadang Station: buses 7000, 7770, 7001, 7780, & 7800 Seoul Station: bus 8800, M5107, M5121, M5422 There is also a bus service connecting Castle Hotel in Suwon with Incheon International Airport, which takes 60-90 min.

By taxi You can take a taxi at the taxi stand. The taxi stand is usually near the bus stop.

Get around

By bus The bus system in Suwon is reliable and cheap. Most major stops have a list of available bus lines with route information. Green buses typically run inside the city, and larger blue and red buses take passengers to Seoul and neighboring cities. Most major stops and points of interest are listed in English. English announcements on the bus are only for stops of tourist interest. Suwon Station is not the terminus for the bus lines, so make sure you are traveling in the correct direction.

Suwon also has a main intercity bus terminal, called the Suwon Intercity Bus Terminal, located about 2 km west of Suwon Station. From there, you can catch buses to cities like Daejeon, Incheon, Busan, and beyond. Local buses and taxis run frequently to the terminal. Inside, you'll find a small food court, a convenience store, and ticket booths. Most signs are in Korean, but staff usually understand basic English.

By taxi Taxis are prevalent in Suwon, and easy to use. Several offer free translation services. You should know a major feature near your destination as the taxi drivers may not know specific addresses or minor building names, however with a little patience and understanding you will find a taxi willing to get you near your destination. Some will even call English-speaking friends or relatives to help.

Taxis are easily identified, mainly gray, white or black with lit signs on top and on the front windows. The gray or white taxis tend to be faster and cheaper but may also drive more recklessly.

By subway There are four stops on Seoul Subway Line 1 (blue) that service Suwon. Suwon Station is the most central and largest, the second largest in the country, and also houses the train station proper, where you can catch a train to nearly anywhere else in South Korea.

In addition to Line 1, there are also Suin-Bundang and Shin "New" Bundang Lines that serve Suwon. The Suin-Bundang Line connects to Yongin, Gangnam, Hwaseong, Ansan, Siheung, and Incheon, with the termini being Incheon Station and Cheongnyangni Station (most northbound trains end a stop earlier at Wangsimni Station). Finally, the Shin Bundang Line is a faster option connecting Gangnam and Yongin to the Gwanggyo area of Suwon (near Ajou University).

By bicycle Cycling in Suwon is easy as the sidewalks are wide, and many pavements are meant for both pedestrians and cyclists. There are only a few challenging hilly areas in Suwon and pedestrian traffic is not congestive in most areas.

In addition, Korea has various electric bicycle services, such as Kakao T Bike (카카오 T 바이크) and GCOO (지쿠).

On foot Suwon is a large city, but walking can be a nice alternative to driving around downtown, the markets and the vicinity of the fortress. Walking from Suwon Station to the fortress or to Suwon Bus Terminal is doable at a stretch.

See

Hwaseong Fortress. A stunning fortress constructed between 1794 and 1796 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features four main gates with the north and south (Janganmun and Paldalmun) being particularly impressive with their unique structures. In addition small sentry posts (Porus) and two command posts (Jangdaes) can be found dotted around the walls. The SeoJangdae outpost, found within the forested hills on the western side of the fortress, offers great panoramic views of the city below. Walking the circumference along the wall takes 2-3 hours or visitors can opt for the electric train option. 10-minute bus ride from the central subway station to the Paldalmun roundabout. Several bus lines go there, including 11, 13, 13-3, 36. Buses don't terminate at the Suwon station, so make sure you're on the correct traveling direction. Or, it's a 30-minute walk from Suwon station to Paldalmun Gate.

Hwaseong Haenggung. It was a temporary place where King Jeongjo stayed when he visited the tomb. It used to be used as a place where the vice-president or Yoo Soo used to work. It was built on the eastern foot of Paldalsan Mountain in 1789 (the 13th year of King Jeongjo's reign) after the construction of a new town in Suwon. It has 567 square cars, the largest size of Korean royal palaces. Japanese occupation, however, nangnamheon Japanese national culture and history of every facility excluding the extermination policy were destroyed. In the late 1980s, as a result of steady and active restoration campaigns by meaningful local citizens, the restoration project began in 1996, the 200th anniversary of Hwaseong Fortress, and the first stage of restoration was completed with 482 compartments and opened to the public in October 2003. In October 1789, King Jeongjo traveled to Hwaseong 13 times in 12 years until January 1800 (the 24th year of King Jeongjo's reign) after moving Hyeonreungwon, the tomb of his father's apostolic, and stayed there every time. It was designated as Gyeonggi-do Monument No. 65 and was elevated to a private level on June 8, 2007. Every Tuesday through Sunday, the 24-hour martial arts demonstration is held from 11:00 to 30 minutes.

Paldalmun. It was designated as Treasure No. 402 on September 3, 1964. It was built in 1794 (the 18th year of King Jeongjo's reign) and has five squares on the front and two squares on the side of the gate and a medium-class right-winged roof. On the Hongye-mun Gate of the stone pillars, a middle-class structure was built with four sides of the gate, a half-moon shape, and a traditional Korean structure was built. Inside the gate, a single row of garlands was placed in the center, and all the upper and lower masses were connected to them. The upper and lower layers of fear are internal and external osmosis trees, and the inner layers are all decorated with door-to-door ornaments.

Manseok Park. It covers 355,800 m². The park was constructed in 1998 and is centered on a reservoir called Manseokgeo. Manseokgeo is a reservoir built by people who moved in nearby areas while building Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon in 1795. The reservoir was built and 10,000 more rice were produced, so it was called a full seat. But now it is called the Japanese Imperial Reservoir or Gyopjeongbangjuk. The name gyo-gujeong was called because the pavilion was located in the south of the reservoir. But now, there is a movie theater built in 1996. In addition to the pavilion, there are also water fountains, 33 vines, 54 lighthouses and 146 pavilions as rest facilities. Sports facilities include a multi-purpose playground, a tennis court, a gated ballpark and a soccer field, and a convenience facility for two parking lots and restrooms. There is also a Suwon Museum of Art in the park, so you can relax and enjoy artwork. It is a 20-minute walk from Hwaseo Station on Gyeongsu Line and is located nearby Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon Fortress Wall, and Korea Folk Village.

Suwon World Cup Stadium. Also known as the Big Bird, Suwon's World Cup Stadium hosted one of the quarter-finals for the 2002 FIFA World Cup and is now home to the 'Suwon Blue Wings of the K-League.

Gyeonggi Arts Center. Gyeonggi Culture Hall is a comprehensive cultural and artistic venue located in Ingye-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. The building is equipped with an anti-aircraft performance hall, a small performance hall, a war market, a convention center, and an outdoor concert hall. The anti-aircraft performance can feature various types of indoor performances, including concerts, operas, ballet and musicals. The exhibition hall will feature exhibitions of paintings, photographs, calligraphy, sculptures and crafts. Various planned performances will be held at the outdoor concert hall.

Haewoojae Museum. It is a museum where you can learn about Korea's history through poop. From the past to the present, we can see the culture of Korean bowel movements. You can also learn about not only Korea but also the culture of bowel movements in the world.

Haengung-dong Mural Village. In 2013, the city of Suwon restored the old residential area by painting murals as part of a project to create an ecological city. It is a fun place to find more vivid and rich murals through the participation of artists and to leave unique photos. Guides are available free of charge from an alley commentator on a team of 5 to 15. It takes about an hour to take the course of Hwaseong Haenggung Palace - Sinpungcho Wall Rock Gallery - Hwaryeongjeon - Naheseok Sangga Site Alley - Eco-traffic Village - Mural Alley - Ssamji Park - Suwon Traditional Culture Center - Janganmun - Hwaseomun - Hwaseong Haenggung Palace.

Suwon Gwanggyo Museum. This museum exhibits artifacts that were unearthed at the time by creating new city, and explains the history of modern Korean history and culture of political, social and cultural history, including the Ship of Admiral Yi and Dokdo and Japan.

Gwanggyo Lake Park. A large park in Suwon.

Aqua Planet Gwanggyo. It is an aquarium where people can meet 30,000 marine creatures of 210 species, including sand tiger sharks, small toenail otters and penguins.

Four Seasons Healing Farm. It is a farm where people can feel the changing plants in all four seasons and experience them with your five senses.

Hyowon Park Wolhwawon. It is a 1,820-pyeong (587 m²) traditional Chinese garden inside Hyowon Park in Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. Opened on Apr. 17, 2006, the garden was designed by Chinese workers to revive the traditional architectural style of Guangdong Province.

Seoho Park. It is a park where Seoho Reservoir is located. Seoho Nakjo, one of the eight scenic views of Suwon, is beautiful. Seoho Reservoir Dulle-gil has Suwon Palaek-gil, which is good for a walk. In the reservoir, there is Chukmanje, which was built during the reign of King Jeongjo.

Samsung Innovation Museum. This is the museum where people can see the history of the electronics industry at a glance, and people can also experience how innovations in electronics and technology have changed our lives and what innovations Samsung Electronics is pursuing in them.

Sungkyunkwan Univ. Sungkyunkwan Univ is one of the best University in Korea. Also Sungkyunkwan was traditional school in Joseon Dynasty. So, People who want to see Korea University, It will be good choice to visit here.

Banghwasuryujeong. The pavilion in the northeast of Hwaseon, built in the late Joseon Dynasty.

Suwon Museum of Art. The museum is holding various exhibition.

Suwon KT Wiz Park. Home stadium of the Korean professional baseball team KT WIZ. The park functions as a venue for baseball games and as a complex cultural space for entertainment, leisure, and educational activities.

Gyeonggi Provincial Library. The largest public library in South Korea, opened in October 2025. This modern 5-story cultural complex features over 340,000 books, interactive media art zones, exhibition spaces, relaxation lounges, and family-friendly play areas.

Geobuksandang. Yeongdong Turtle Sandang is a congregation that performs Dodang-gut which is one of the representative village gut in Suwon. The Yeongdong Turtle Mountain Hall celebrates Dodang-gut every October on the 7th lunar calendar to pray for the prosperity of the Youngdong market and the peace of merchants. The Turtle Mountain Hall is 507 cm in length and 266 cm in length, and the roof is placed on the roof of the Gonggi, facing northeast. Built in 1964, it was renovated in 1986 as the Suwon City's No. 2 Cultural Heritage Site, and was renovated in 1994. Inside the house, there are two paintings of the altar, the images of the Great King (Yamla Great King), the Turtle Dodang Grandfather, and the Turtle Dodang Grandmother.

Mileukdang. It was renovated in 1959 as a house where Miseol Buddha, believed to be the patron deity, was renamed to "Hwaghwadang." It is a small building made of bricks of 1 square and 3.1 m³. Maitreya is only exposed in the upper body and the lower body is almost sunk. The height of the upper body section is only 244 cm, chest width 107 cm, head height 114 cm and made of granite. In general, it is known to be a Maitreya statue combined with civil beliefs since the middle of Joseon Dynasty because of its familiarity with the native carving technique.

Hangmijeong. Hang Mijeong (杭 尾 亭) are the first ruins of Suwon City. Hang Mijeong is to the west of the Chukje Embankment. It was built as an agricultural reservoir for the 23rd year of Joseon Dynasty (1799), and it is commonly referred to as West Lake because it is on the west side of the embankments (mangakje, cheonmanje, and fountain festivals). Hang Mijeong is a specialty that makes the West Lake scenery and scenery more beautiful and compelling.

Kkochmoe jesayujeogji. Ruins of Hwaseo-dong, Paldal-gu, have been reclaimed from the hole pattern earthenware of the Bronze Age and the relics of the Three Kingdoms and Joseon Dynasty. In addition, it was confirmed that it is an important sacred site from the Three Kingdoms period, and in the village, all residents participated in the period before and after Chuseok to raise Dongje (Town Festival). The name 'Mormo' hanged on this mountain after a maiden who had a long-time ill father's father who had worked hard together, hung up on this mountain. Since then, people have called it "Mormo" in consideration of the virgin who was filthy.

Suwon Changseongsaji Jingak Guksa tabbi. The monument was created in the 12th year of King Wu of Goryeo (1386) as it chronicles the life and achievements of Chen Hui, the Jin Gak Guksa Temple who entered Changseong Temple. Chun-hee entered the Buddhist world at the age of 13. The 57-year-old decided to study in China at a late age and returned from studying Zen Buddhism in the Yuan Dynasty for two years from 1364. Originally, the pagoda was located at the Cheongseongsa Temple site at the foot of Gwangyosan Mountain, but was relocated to the side of the fire hydrant at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress on June 9, 1965 and a protective pavilion was installed.

Hwaseomun. It was built in 1796 (the 20th year of King Jeongjo's reign) and opened Hongye-mun Gate on the stone pillars leading from side to side to side. On the front, the fortress was also built with semi-circular foreshadows. The architecture was a typical two-wing house, with its exterior covered with a flower bed on top of a window room. In addition, there is a chungryang across the side posts from the mass and the ceiling is the lotus lantern ceiling. The structure is unique in a way that is not found in other fortress buildings in Korea, and this makes the nearby landscape even more beautiful.

Banghwasulyujeong. Banghwasulyujeong is the northeastern angle among the four kernels on Hwaseong, Suwon. It was built in 1794 (the 18th year of King Jeongjo's reign) as a military command post in the northeastern part of Hwaseong Fortress. It is on Yongdu, a rocky hilltop that rises on the South Korean side of Hwahhongmun Gate, the northern gate of Hwaseong. The name of the grotto is said to have been derived from "Undam Punggyeonggeun Ocheon" and "Haehwajeoncheon," a poet of the Song Dynasty of China, while the writing of the Hyeonpan was written by modern calligrapher Kim Ki-seung. It was designated as Treasure No. 1709 on March 3, 2011

Northwest Gongsimdon. Treasure No. 1701. Money means a tall watchtower that monitors what happens inside and outside the sanctuary, and public money is an empty structure. The interior can be divided into layers and climbed up and down through a ladder, and many holes can be drilled up and down to look at the movements outside and attack the enemy with arrows or guns. In Hwaseong, Suwon, there are three public funds — the Northwest Simdon, the Southern Simdon and the Northeast Gongsimdon — which are built over Hwaseomun Bukchi.

Adams memorial hall. It was a school erected on June 25, 1923. The building was sponsored by the Adams Church. At that time, it contributed to education and modernization of the Suwon, and is now used as a facility for surrounding school.

Budeunae Sanjedang. Sanjedang in Bud was one of Suwon's representative village sugar houses. The town's common rituals at Sanjedan in Upper Bird are called 'Dangjeje', 'Dangjeje', 'Sanshinje' and 'Sanjesa'. Originally, the shape of the house was not conveyed, but the damage to the house, which was a tiled roof on the soil wall, was severely damaged. As time went by, it was old and damaged, and it was rebuilt as of July 10, 2007. The annual festival takes place every early evening in the lunar month and shows that it was a typical rural village ritual to pray for the peace of the village, the longevity of the villagers, and the abundant harvest.

Donglaejeongssi Yagsabul. Seokbul moved from Suwon-dong, Suwon-si to Suwon Museum in 2008. The women of Dongraejeong family used to make an offering on the first day of the month and on the full day. It is composed of three main statues, the left statue of the main zone and the bodhisattva figurine of the left and right side. A circular headlight was represented on the back of the head of the main zone. Overall, there are colored traces around the body of the Buddha, and the expression of a smile with a big neck is a factor that makes a good impression. In view of the bland omission of clothes, the simple shape of softening pedestals consisting of angryong and abdominal cramps, and the detailed carving techniques, the timing of production is estimated after the middle of the Goryeo period.

Changsungsaji. Changsungsaji is in Suwon Gwanggyosan Mountain. The exact date of construction of Changseongsa Temple is unknown, but Cheonhee Cheung-hee (1307 ~ 1385) of Goryeo horse was entered here in 1382 in Suwon Changseongsaji Jingak Guksa Temple (Treasure No. 14). It is believed that Changsung was founded at least before the late Goryeo Dynasty.

Hwaryeongjeon. Hwaryeongjeon Hall is a shrine that houses the portrait of King Jeongjo built inside Hwaseong. On June 28, 1800, King Jeongjo ascended as a 46-year-old diary and at first, he had his portrait taken to the tomb of the Apostolic at Bongangak, Hyeonreungwon, but after the completion of the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, he moved it to Haenggung. However, Haenggung was not built as a place to serve the portrait, so in 1801, Hwaryeongjeon Hall, which will house the portrait, was constructed next to the palace.

Stone Buddha Triad of Bongnyeongsa Temple in Suwon. These stone Buddha statues are enshrined in the altar of Yonghwajeon Hall at Bongnyeongsa Temple in Suwon. The main Buddha sits cross-legged, while the Bodhisattva statues flanking him are standing. The stone Buddha triad at Bongnyeongsa Temple is said to have been discovered during the digging of a site for a building on a hill behind Daeungbojeon Hall.

Joseon gyeonggukjeon. Jeong Do-jeon completed the writing in March 1394 (the 3rd year of King Taejo's reign) and presented it to King Taejo in May of that year. It consists of two volumes. It comprehensively describes the standards for governing the Joseon Dynasty according to the Six Classics. The Six-Chapter System of the Zhou Dynasty's 『Book of Rites』 was modeled after this, but was adjusted to fit the realities of Joseon. Before the Six-Chapter System, the outline of the national governance was introduced, including the Jeongbowi (正寶位), Gukho (國號), Jeonggukbon (定國本), Segye (系), and Gyoseo (敎書).

Dolmens of Paldalsan Mountain. The Paldalsan Dolmen Cluster is located on the hillside of Paldalsan Mountain to the left of Suwon City Central Library, and consists of four dolmens distributed across two sites. Dolmen No. 1 and 2 are located at 3m intervals on the southern slope of Paldalsan Mountain at an elevation of 80m. Dolmen No. 3 and 4 are located at 3m intervals, 50m northwest at an elevation of 120m. Most of the dolmens have capstones exposed above ground, with some supporting stones visible beneath them, making it difficult to determine their exact structure. However, Dolmen No. 3 has a 1.63m long and 1m wide capstone that has been moved sideways and buried in the soil, exposing the burial chamber. However, some believe that the wall stones forming the burial chamber served as supporting stones. Most of the capstones were made of granite. Judging from the current state of preservation, it is likely a foundation-type dolmen, but further excavation is necessary to determine its exact structure.

Do

Mount Gwanggyo. Mount Gwanggyo is in the north end of Suwon and offers an excellent of view of Suwon and the surrounding area. There are a number of peaks as well as a number of trails of varying difficulty. After a hike, try eating at one of the many farm restaurants at the base of the mountain. There are plenty of options for vegetarians here, and the tofu and dong-dong ju are as fresh as you can get it.

Traditional Korean Archery. You can try your hand at Korean archery at the Yeonmudae outpost within Hwaseong Fortress.

Suwon World Cup stadium. It is a soccer stadium built with for the 2002 FIFA World Cup (Co-hosted by Korea and Japan), and is now the home stadium for K League 1 Suwon Samsung Bluewings and FC Suwon. Big Bird was nicknamed the home team's nickname for the wing of Suwon and the large wing-shaped roof covering the east and west bleachers. There are also attractions to see inside, such as a football museum. If you like football, you can visit here and feel the nostalgia of football.

Flying Suwon. Unlike the observatory, you can enjoy the night view of Suwon, the largest city in Gyeonggi Province, on a hot-air balloon. You can experience a large hot air balloon here. 30 people can ride a hot air balloon, and they can go up to 150 m and see the Suwon city from the sky. If you are looking for an exotic experience, this is the place to go. There are many people between 15:00 and 17:00.

Probike. A bicycle rental store. Bicycle roads such as Gwanggyo Lake Park and Manseok Park are well constructed in Suwon.

Fishing Café in the Royal Pirate. There are many restrictions due to the nature of fishing that must be done outdoors. However, the restrictions were resolved by bringing fishing into the room.

Hwaseong-eocha. Based on the motif of the car used by King Sunjong and the kiln of the Joseon Dynasty, the newly-developed Hwaseong fish car is a tourist train in Suwon City that circulates Yeonmudae, Hwah Hongmun, Hwaseomun, Paldalsan, Hwaseong Haenggung, Paldalmun, and Suwon Hwaseong Museum. Tour available in English, Chinese and Japanese.

Suwon Hwaseong Bicycle Taxi. Eco-friendly bike taxis for exploring the alleys of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. 2 people can ride on each bike taxi in Suwon, and you can enjoy one of the three exploratory courses for 60 minutes. In case of rain or snow, the operation is suspended for safety. Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon Hwaseong Museum (Changryongdaero 21), Suwon Traditional Culture Center (Jangan-dong, Paldalong-dong), Na Hye-seok's birthplace (Na Hye-seok, Haenggung-dong), and Gongbang Street (Paldal-gu, Namdaemun Market). Due to internal circumstances, this will suspend operations for the time being.

Buy

There are many department store and shops in Suwon. Jewelry, clothing and accessories are available at department stores, and daily necessities are available at supermarkets. Also, there are traditional markets that have existed for a long time.

Suwon premium outlet. Suwon premium outlet is a luxury outlet that offers fashion products at discounts of 50-80% throughout the year. It is only 5 minutes from the Suwon IC of Gyeongbu Expressway, and it is a family-run shopping outing with cultural facilities such as 500 parking spaces, a baby rest room, a state-of-the-art brain development playground, and is recommended by various media.

TimeVillas Suwon. Lotte Department Store in Suwon is on the 1st to 7th floors of the basement. The exterior is a modern representation of the long castle of Suwon Hwaseong. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lotte Mall has a rooftop ecological park and eco-friendly facilities. There's also plenty of space to park. On May 30, 2024, the name was changed to "TimeVillas Suwon" by integrating Lotte Department Store's Suwon branch and Lotte Mall Suwon.

AK Plaza (Suwon station). It is a place where you can enjoy a lot of shopping, movies and dining out. Disadvantages include poor traffic, making it difficult to enter the parking lot when crowded, including weekends.

NC Department Store Suwon Terminal. Unlike other department stores, they sell low-priced products.

Starfield Suwon. Starfield is a department store owned by a company called Shinsegae. You can experience or purchase a variety of restaurants, activities, and clothes and accessories from a variety of luxury brands.

E-Mart at West Suwon. It is E-Mart, the nation's top three retailers.

Gumaetan Market. It is a traditional market that has been neatly arranged for maintenance projects. You can buy a variety of Korean side dishes and enjoy traditional street food.

Masan Market. Masan Market, which has been designated as a multicultural food brand, can enjoy a variety of foreign foods that are nicknamed the "small foreign market" in Suwon.

Nolgol General Market. Unlike other markets, they mainly sell food materials. Various food ingredients such as side dishes, rice cakes, vegetables, meat and fisheries products are available.

Jidong Market. It is an exotic market modeled after Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. Unlike other markets, it is a wholesale and retail market for agricultural, water and livestock products.

Suwon Yeongdong Market. Yeongdong Market, located between Suwon Hwaseong's Paldalmun Gate and Suwoncheon Stream, is a conveniently located three-story building with over 200 shops. It is a general market and a market specializing in hanbok, and trade in hanbok and related products such as fabric and curtains is brisk.

Suwon Nammun Market Food Truck Street. Satisfy all five senses! Suwon Nammun Market, a place you'll want to visit again, was founded by King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, when he brought together merchants. This traditional market boasts 220 years of history and tradition. It's a global luxury market, offering specialized products and a three-part "King's Market Tour" experience (gold leaf workshop, Jidong Sundae University, and blacksmith workshop).

Paldalmun Market. Paldalmun Market is divided into Chicken Street starting from Maehyang Bridge, furniture street below it, and fashion street located in the shopping mall, where you can meet a variety of street foods.

Minarikwang Market. In the past, the name of the Minarikwang Market was created because the market area was a water parsley field, and the market was formed by the creation of stalls selling homemade agricultural products. Although smaller than other markets, there is a 60-year-old donut shop.

Hwaseo Market. Since its opening in 1980, it has been with local residents for more than 40 years. Inside the market, there is a mural that reproduces the appearance of stores at that time against the backdrop of the market alley in 1980.

COLHAG. It is a great place to browse, featuring many trendy items, and also sells vintage products.

Cozy Awords. This is an unstaffed (self-service) vintage shop offering a unique selection of retro clothing and items.

Eat

The food court in the mall at the train/metro station is excellent and extensive. You can get a fantastic meal for ₩4,500 and select from many choices; there's a showcase displaying all your choices. Besides plentiful traditional Korean restaurants, there are many places which serve other cuisines and fast food. Suwon is famous for its Galbi (sweet marinated ribs). Restaurants near the Yeongtong Square (Sagori) serve Galbi. There's also an excellent Galbi restaurant right across the street from the World Cup Soccer stadium. Vegetarian restaurants are hard to find, but they do exist.

Suwon is famous for Galbi. But it is famous to affected other foods (ex. chicken). In 2019, Extreme Occupation, the Korean movie, was opened. this movie watched by 16 million people in Korea. In this movie, very special food that called to 'Suwon Wang Galbi Chicken' appeared. it mixed Galbi sauce and fried chicken in Korea And Suwon is the place of origin. As the movie became famous, this food also became famous and it is resulted in Suwon' new Tourism.

Seonggwak. A traditional, delightful little restaurant, owned and operated by a nice old couple. Everything is homemade. If you don't read Korean (there is no English, and no menu), then get a jeong-guk-jang, a dubu kimchi, and a Makkeoli (rice wine).

Bon-Suwongalbi. This place is very popular place in Suwon. You can enjoy the Korean traditional food galbi.

Boyoungmandu. Noodle is the main menu and it tastes sweet and moderately spicy. The peculiarity is that some very cool tastes come from all sides. It feels like Chinese spices. Of course, it is a taste that anyone can enjoy casually. Parking is possible, but there is not enough space to park. Steamed mandu have a rich flavor and a good texture.

Dukkeobijib. Budaejjigae is the most famous in this restaurant. People visit here a lot for lunch. So there are times when you have to line up.

Daewangkalgugsu. You can eat very cheap kalguksu at this restaurant. Not only it is affordable, but you can also eat plenty of delicious kalguksu.

Yongseongtongdalg. It is the most famous chicken restaurant in Suwon. If you eat chicken on site without packing, you can feel the crispyness of chicken.

Yuchihoegwan. This is the most famous place in Suwon for Haejangguk. Koreans drink alcohol and usually eat haejangguk the next day. The food served at this restaurant is not irritating and light. So, many people enjoy it.

Gabojung. This restaurant is Suwon's representative beef restaurant. The typical food here is seasoned ribs. The side dishes that come with the beef are also excellent.

Suwonsamgyetang. Samgyetang is a food that Koreans usually eat when they want to take care of themselves, and is this restaurant's specialty.

Myeong-ga ne. Sundae Gukbap is boiled or steamed food with various ingredients in the intestines of cattle or pigs. You can enjoy this food in Suwon. This restaurant sells not only sundae but also slices of boiled meat, so it is good to eat with alcohol.

Chogajib. This restaurant is famous for Stir-fried Octopus with Rice. Though the normal Stir-fried Octopus with Rice is spicy, at this restaurant it's not spicy, so people who can't eat spicy can enjoy it.

Chogajib. This restaurant is famous as the place of origin of "Suwon Wang Galbi chicken" in Korea. If you watch 'extreme occupation' or are interested in Korean cuisine, it's a good choice. The Suwon Wang Galbi chicken is limitedly sold, about 100 a day.

nottinghillbakery. Dessert cafe with delicious cake

Lowfive. Italian restaurant with pasta, pizza, and fusion Kimchi Fried Rice. Corn pizza is its speciality and highly recommended.

Hakku. Hakku is a famous tonkatsu restaurant and offers a variety of tonkatsu menus.

Tatsumi. They offer Ooki Sushi made with fresh ingredients, steamed egg custard (gyeranjjim or chawanmushi), and miso soup (jangguk). A variety of alcoholic beverages are also available.Please note that this is a No Kids Zone.

Muumuok. Muumuok is a Korean fusion restaurant located in the heart of Haenggung-dong. Popular items include Mukeunji Yukhoe Maki (aged kimchi and beef tartare rolls) and Dotori Doenjang Gogi Guksu (acorn soybean paste meat noodles). The restaurant pursues a healthy taste with mild seasoning. A variety of side dishes, such as Truffle Bacon Potato Pancake and Fried Shrimp Salad, are also available.

Un Melo Branch 1. Popular menu items include Funghi Crema Risotto, Black Bean Gamberi (Shrimp), and Aglio e Olio pasta. The cozy interior and friendly service make it suitable for dates or anniversaries.

Labu. Labu is a Japanese-style curry specialty restaurant. Their signature and most popular menu item is the adorable cat-shaped Neko Curry.

Cheongsan Sigol Ssambap. This is a popular Korean restaurant (Hansik) known for its Ssambap (rice and toppings wrapped in leafy vegetables). The menu offers a perfect harmony of fresh wrap vegetables, spicy stir-fried pork (Jeyuk-bokkeum), and rich-flavored fermented soybean paste stew (Cheonggukjang).

Yomi Udongyoja. It is a restaurant specializing in Japanese-style udon and gyoza located in Haenggung-dong. The interior of the store is full of cute Japanese sensibility, and it is a mixture of tables and bar tables, which is suitable for eating alone or small gatherings. The popular menu, wide-sided udon, is served with two sauces with chewy noodles, so you can enjoy a variety of flavors, and karai gyoza is characterized by a crispy texture and spicy taste.

Homies. It is a steak and pasta specialty restaurant located in Haenggung-dong, Suwon, and it is an attractive space where you can see the cooking process directly in the open kitchen. In particular, ink arancini and white ragu pasta are popular menus. Arancini is filled with cheese in a crispy tempura, and white lagu is characterized by a deep flavored sauce. The interior of the store has a small and cozy atmosphere, which is suitable for a date.

Onsaemiro. It is a fusion Korean restaurant that offers a variety of menus and a cozy atmosphere. The interior is divided into three areas, and it is convenient to order with a tablet. It is popular with visitors because there are many unique menus such as seafood yaki pasta, maesaengi cream risotto, and yukhoe bibimbap. Also, it is a place where many family customers come with pets.

Eoltityudeu. The Western restaurant located in Haenggung-dong, Suwon is a place that serves authentic Italian cuisine, with a cute interior and a warm atmosphere. Abread and salads are served, and you can easily order them at the kiosk. Iberian Touumba pasta and steak are especially recommended, and they are known for their excellent value for money.

Pink Pepper. It is a Western restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and friendly service. The salads and wines served as a pre-meal service are impressive, and the menu consists of various dishes such as pasta, pizza, and steak. In particular, all sauces are carefully cooked by hand and boast a deep flavor. The interior gives a warm feeling, and there is also a private space, so it is suitable for dates and gatherings.

Chilidong (칠이동). A cozy restaurant specializing in Japanese-style Hamburg steaks and curry. The steaks are handmade daily, ensuring a juicy texture. Its warm wooden interior makes it a perfect spot for solo travelers or couples.

Kyung-yang Kacat (경양카츠). This restaurant offers premium 'Kyung-yang' style Tonkatsu (Korean-style pork cutlet). It's famous for serving katsu with various salts and wasabi, providing a modern twist on a classic dish. The 'Suwon-style' Galbi-katsu is a must-try.

Keep That Coffee (키프댓). One of the most popular 'hip' cafes in Haenggung-dong. It is famous for its 'Vanilla Latte,' which is limited to 100 cups a day. The minimalist, modern atmosphere contrasts beautifully with the nearby traditional fortress walls.

Matsumototei (마츠모토테이). A Japanese-style home-cooking restaurant known for its authentic Omurice (omelet rice). The fluffy egg and rich demi-glace sauce are highly praised by locals. It's a small, quiet place that offers a peaceful dining experience.

Pal-dal-san (팔달산). A traditional Korean tavern (Makgeolli bar) with a stunning view of Suwon. It serves various Korean pancakes (Jeon) and regional rice wines. It is an excellent place to enjoy the night view of the city after a hike on the fortress.

Drink

Major nightlife seems to revolve around three areas: Ingyedong, Yeongtong, and Nammun (Paldamun).

In Ingyedong, you will find an amazing number of hofs, bars, restaurants, hostess bars, etc. There's also several Korean nightclubs such as Juliana, Boss etc.

Byeolbam2. Ingyedong is the second point of the night. There is a review that is more fun than the traditional star.

Nammun is big among the university students of Suwon. It has a fashion street and the majority of nightlife is centered on Rodeo Street which is behind the main street to the left of Nammun Gate.

911 club. Famous for "drunken" tequila parties that it holds on Friday and Saturday night. It's a relaxed hip hop club with a bit of skate style.

Other areas that offer some nightlife options include the Ajou University area and the Suwon Station area. Where you will find:

Club Tao. Large Korean-style dance club.

Ho rock. Serves pasta and steak, wine, and cocktails.

Yeongtong has the one of the major concentration of foreigners in Suwon city. Most of them are employees of Samsung Co. and the second dominant group are English teachers.

Now Bar. Popular hangout for expat English teachers and foreign students because of its cheap beer, fun atmosphere and friendly owner and staff.

Tinpan. Near KFC. Popular with students from the local university and teachers, plays mainly urban music. However has a wide range of cheap beers and cocktails.

Sam Ryan's. The Suwon branch of the popular Itaewon bar. Many beers on tap, good food, and plenty of sports on the big screen.

Byeolbam. It is a club that plays songs popular in the 90s.

The Big Chill. A really great bar that attracts plenty of foreigners and Koreans alike. A great atmosphere and staff. Pool table, darts, cheap drinks, and great company. Request your own music and chill with friends. It's also close to all of the other big areas to party such as Suwon Station and downtown Ingyedong.

House Plan B. A famous restaurant in Haenggung-dong. The interior is pretty, and the gnocchi is delicious.

Docent Coffee House. Docent Coffee House is a gallery cafe in Haenggung-dong, which is rare in the area. Inside the cafe, numerous artworks are displayed.

collingwood. Collingwood has been making and introducing delicious coffee and desserts since 2019. It is famous for desserts like strawberry cake and salted bread, and its bingsu (shaved ice) is also very popular.

Nuknok. Nook Nook is inspired by the small town of Nook in Greenland. It started from the main branch in Yeonnam-dong and has since opened as a cozy, standalone house-style cafe in Haenggung-dong. The carrot-shaped desserts are a signature item and are very popular.

Hwansang. It is a Japanese retro-sensitivity cafe located in Haenggung-dong that welcomes customers with a variety of props as well as desserts.

Cafe Diaaz. Situated on the 4th floor of the HP Building, this large dessert café offers seasonal fruit-cream cakes and a rooftop terrace — popular for dates, meetings, and group gatherings.

Paletscent Cafe. A rooftop café right opposite the Janganmun Gate of the Hwaseong Fortress—renowned for its scenic fortress-gate view, specialty lattes, and chill vibe.

Chu Plus. It is a dessert shop located in Haenggung-dong, Suwon, offering churros with a chewy texture and crispy appearance.

D-day House. It is a cafe that offers a cozy atmosphere and a variety of desserts, especially ice cream salt bread and French toast. It is loved by many visitors with its yellow exterior and emotional interior, and it is a good place to enjoy dessert and coffee.

Golddis. The cafe located in Haenggung-dong is a large cafe where you can feel the European sensibility, and the cute interior and warm atmosphere are attractive. It offers a wide variety of donuts and coffee, especially Dubai chocolate donuts. The inside of the cafe is spacious and comfortable, so it's perfect for chatting with friends or reading books alone. In addition, there is an outdoor terrace that can be accompanied by a dog, so it is a suitable space for family visitors.

Hide Coffee. Dogs are allowed, and Fruitsando is a popular cafe with its signature menu. It is a space where you can enjoy a variety of coffee and desserts in a cozy and quiet atmosphere, and the interior in particular gives an emotional and comfortable feeling. In addition, it is characterized by the fact that you can choose coffee beans and enjoy coffee that suits your personal taste.

Woodi House. It is a cafe with a warm woodtone interior and a cozy atmosphere, and chocolate crowacone and latte are especially recommended. The interior of the cafe is a good place to take pictures because the sunlight comes in well and creates an emotional atmosphere, and there are various photo zones.

Bearike (베어이케). a charming cafe famous for its bear-shaped desserts and cozy attic-style interior; the 'bear mousse cake' is its signature item and very popular for social media photos

Butter Book (버터북). a pastel-colored donut and gelato specialty shop; its vibrant yellow exterior is a well-known photo spot in Haenggung-dong, and it offers a wide variety of flavored milks in glass bottles

Tidit (티디티). a modern, minimalist cafe specializing in espresso-based drinks; it offers a sophisticated atmosphere with black-and-white decor, providing a sharp contrast to the traditional fortress views

Non-Space (논스페이스). a rooftop cafe with an excellent view of the traditional tile-roofed houses (Hanok); it is famous for its hand-drip coffee and calm atmosphere, ideal for those wanting to escape the crowded main streets

The Fantasy (더 판타지). a trendy lounge bar in Ingyedong offering a variety of creative cocktails and high-quality hookah (shisha); it features a purple neon interior and DJ performances on weekends, attracting a young and international crowd

Sleep

Budget Features of Suwon accommodation include a large number of love hotel-style motels. They are usually concentrated in the bar area in Ingye-dong, near Suwon Station. It is not just a love hotel-style motel. There are various types of accommodation. There are guest houses, hotels, and jjimjilbangs.

Starting with jjimjilbangs, there are accommodation ranges ranging from ₩7,000 to ₩100,000.

Jjimjilbangs When using jjimjilbangs, it is essential to use a bathhouse. After taking a shower in a wooden bath, you can enter the sauna wearing jjimjilbang clothes. There is a sleeping room in the sauna, where you can sleep well. You may be embarrassed by the Korean culture of public bath, but it will also be a good experience. The jjimjilbang operates 24 hours a day and has no reservation system.

Megasparand bulgamauna. Friendly staff and a nice view from the roof.

Guest house Suwon is not a tourist destination. There are few guest houses, and the facilities are not good.

Maeholjae. Located 30 meters in front of Hwahongmun, it is a place where visitors can experience traditional hanok accommodation and culture in one place.

Yeoyeojae. Completed in 2019, this traditional hanok is located in the center of Hwaseonghwagung Palace in Suwon. visitors can see the quaint old castle just by turning your head, and the walking path is right in front of the house. As soon as visitors enter the house, they can smell the fragrant wood and feel relaxed.

Hotel There are many hotels in Suwon. The distribution ranges from expensive hotels to cheap ones.

Novotel Ambassador Suwon. The hotel is 2 km from Suwon. You can travel to major tourist attractions in the city by using the nearest subway station. It is convenient to travel from hotel to popular tourist attractions such as Suwon Hyanggyo and Suwon Hwaseong. In your spare time, you can spend a good time with various leisure facilities in the hotel. The hotel has been selected as an excellent hotel in cleanliness and is recommended for travelers who want a clean and pleasant rest.

Suwon Velaswit Hotel. The hotel is about 3km from Suwon, and is very convenient because it is relatively close. You can use the nearby Suwon City Hall Station to view the main tourist attractions of your travel destination. The hotel is about 3 km away from Suwon Hwaseong area and 2 km away from Suwon Hyanggyo area. In your spare time, you can use various hotel facilities. Free parking at the hotel is available. The hotel offers the highest level of service selected by many travelers.

Ibis Ambassador Suwon. 240 rooms, free high-speed Wi-Fi, international buffet restaurants, fitness centers and hot tubs, banquet facilities for wedding meetings and events, and parking lots.

Amor Hotel. The hotel is about 6 km away from Suwon. The Yeontong Station is nearby. on foot, so you can use transportation conveniently. The hotel is located about 5km away from the Seoul World Cup Stadium (Shanghai World Cup Stadium) area and 3km away from the Wolhwawon area. In your spare time, you can spend a good time with various leisure facilities in the hotel. The hotel has a convenient free parking space. Hotel cleanliness is considered the best in travel destination. This hotel is highly recommended for travelers who value pleasant environment.

Value Hotel High End. The hotel is about 3 km away from Suwon. You can use the nearby Suwon City Hall Station to view the main tourist attractions of your travel destination. The hotel is about 2 km away from Suwon Hyanggyo area and 3 km away from Suwon Hwaseong area. The hotel has a free parking space.

Shilla Stay Dongtan. In the case of the Shilla Stay Dongtan in Hwaseong (Dongtan), there are water fragrance arboretums and gungnisa within 10 minutes of driving. The four-star hotel is 5.7 km from Kyunghee University’s Hyejeong Museum, and 7.3 km away is the Korea Country Club. In addition to recreational facilities such as fitness facilities, other amenities/services such as free wireless Internet and concierge services are available. There is a restaurant for lunch and dinner. This place is famous for its fusion cuisine. Snacks are served at coffee shops/cafes. You can quench your thirst by drinking your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. Breakfast (buffet) is charged from 06:30 to 09:30 on weekdays and from 07:00 to 10:00 on weekends. Typical amenities and services include free wired Internet, 24-hour business centers, and free newspapers in the lobby. Free self-parking is available within the facility. The 286 air-conditioned rooms are also equipped with refrigerators and LCD TVs. The bed is equipped with duck/goose down blankets and premium bedding.

New Suwon Tourism Hotel. The hotel is 4 km away from Suwon.

Hotel Arte. Fitness facilities, free wireless Internet access, restaurant, room service. Breakfast (buffet) is charged from 07:30 to 09:30 on weekdays and 08:00 to 10:00 on weekends. 24-hour business center, 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Free parking is available within the facility. The 54 air-conditioned rooms are also equipped with refrigerators. The bed is equipped with duck/ goose down blankets and premium bedding.

Suwon I.Y. Tourist hotel. Suwon City Hall and KBS Suwon Drama Center are within 10 minutes of walking distance. It is 1.9 km from the hotel to Paldalmun and 2.2 km away from Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. You can enjoy terraces and garden views and access amenities/services such as free wireless Internet. The hotel also has concierge services and TV (public areas). Visit Da Dam for lunch, dinner, and brunch. This restaurant is famous for its Korean cuisine. Snacks are served at coffee shops/cafes. Breakfast (buffet) is available for charge from 07:00 to 09:00 every day.

Holiday Inn Express Suwon Duty Free Shop. Holiday Inn Express, in Suwon (Paldal-gu), Suwon Subway Corporation has Suwon City Hall and KBS Suwon Drama Center within 10 minutes of walking distance. The hotel is 1.2 km from the hotel to Hyowon Park, and 1.6km away is Gyeonggi Arts Center. Recreation facilities such as fitness facilities can be used or views can be enjoyed in the garden. The hotel also features free wireless Internet, concierge services and TV (public areas). Enjoy a satisfying meal at a restaurant in Suwon, Holiday Inn Express. You can quench your thirst by drinking your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. Breakfast (buffet) is provided free of charge from 06:30 to 10:00 every day.

Design Hotel Khan. It is a motel designed to enjoy high-profile games in the room.

LAKHOU PLANNING FRAMEWORK

Make Suwon your own.

Before committing, pick one main reason for this visit and two nearby experiences that support it. Check the guide’s transport sections against current operator information. A convenient base can save more time than adding another attraction.

  1. Choose your arrival point and one base. Write down the real transfer time, not just the map distance.
  2. Build a first-day plan with room to settle in. Cluster the places you want to see rather than crossing the city repeatedly.
  3. Use actual accommodation and transport quotes in your budget. Add fees to the quote before comparing it.
  4. Keep one uncommitted block. Weather, energy and a good local recommendation can all change your plan.
Create your trip budget ↗

Source transparency

This guide adapts licensed text by Wikivoyage contributors. It is not a claim that Lakhou has visited or independently verified every listing. We converted the source to plain text, selected practical sections and removed price sentences and private contact information. The planning framework and any related-business booking recommendations above are Lakhou editorial additions.

Original revision 5374953 · Contributor history · CC BY-SA 4.0. Reused text and adaptations on this page are available under that license. Source revision date: 2026-09-30. This is not a date of field verification.

For current entry conditions and travel advisories, consult your government and destination authorities. We do not determine visa eligibility.

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