Hwaseong-si

South Korea

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Sunrise

5:59 AM

Sunset

7:07 PM

About

Hwaseong-si is a bustling city located in South Korea's Gyeonggi Province. It is home to a rich cultural heritage, with its UNESCO World Heritage site, Hwaseong Fortress, attracting tourists from all over the world. The city is also known for its vibrant food scene, offering traditional Korean dishes as well as international cuisine. With a population of over 630,000 people, Hwaseong-si offers something for everyone, from outdoor activities to shopping and entertainment.

30 Best Places to Visit

1. Hwaseong Fortress

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a 5.7 km long fortress that was built in Joseon Dynasty to protect the area, it is a stunning piece of Korean history.
2. Suwon Hwaseong Museum

This museum exhibits the history and legacies of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, with various artifacts and exhibitions.
3. Suwoncheon

A charming stream flows through the center of Suwon, the area has walking trails, parks and bike paths, making it a lovely place for a morning or afternoon stroll.
4. Paldalmun Gate

This gate is one of the main gateways to the Hwaseong Fortress, and is a great place to start exploring.
5. Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival

This annual festival is the perfect event to experience the cultural heritage of Suwon, it features traditional music, food, and entertainment.
6. KBS Suwon Drama Center

This center features the filming sets of popular Korean dramas and provides a tour for visitors.
7. Hyowon's Bell

This historic bell is located near Hwaseong Fortress, it is known for producing a beautiful sound when played.
8. Yeonmudae

This site showcases the military training grounds of the Joseon Dynasty, where soldiers were trained by drills and exercises
9. Changnyongmun Gate

This gate is another important entrance to the Hwaseong Fortress, visitors can walk through it and see its impressive architecture.
10. Gyeonggi Arts Center

This center displays various art exhibitions, performances and classical musical concerts throughout the year.
11. Hwaseomun Gate

This gate is one of the most photographed spots in Suwon, as it offers a stunning view of the fortress and the city.
12. Hwaseong Haenggung Palace

This former royal residence is located within the fortress, visitors can explore the palace, its gardens and learn about the Joseon Dynasty royal life.
13. Janganmun Gate

This gate is the northern entrance to the Hwaseong Fortress, and has beautiful views of the surrounding area.
14. Hwaseong Chilgung

This training ground for soldiers is now a popular place to relax and take a stroll, it is famous for its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
15. Suwon World Cup Stadium

A venue built for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the stadium now hosts various football matches throughout the year.
16. Suwon Gwanggyo Lake Park

This park features a lake and walking trails, visitors can rent paddle boats and enjoy the scenery.
17. Jeongjo's Tomb

This is the final resting place of King Jeongjo, who constructed the Hwaseong Fortress, the site is surrounded by a beautiful pine forest.
18. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Night Tour

A popular way to experience the fortress, the tour offers a unique perspective, with the site being lit up at night.
19. Hwahongmun Gate

This gate is unique in that it was created solely for the purpose of allowing women to enter and exit the fortress without mixing with soldiers.
20. Dongnam Lake Aqua World

This water park is a great place to cool off during the summer months, with various water slides, pools, and attractions.
21. Suwon Municipal Traditional Market

This busy market sells everything from fresh produce and seafood to clothing and handmade souvenirs, it is a great place to sample Korean street food.
22. Haenggung-dong Mural Village

This village is adorned with colorful murals, it's a great spot for photos and to see the modern art culture in Suwon.
23. Suwon Byeoljeongdo Garden

This garden is famous for its thousand-year-old trees, it's a peaceful spot for a picnic or a relaxing stroll.
24. Suwon Hwaseong Trolley

This trolley goes around the fortress, offering visitors a unique perspective and narration on the history and culture of Suwon.
25. Suwon railway station

This station is steeped in history and is notable for its architecture, visitors can learn about Suwon's rail network and the history behind the station.
26. Hyundai Hwarang Archery Range

Visitors can try their hand at traditional Korean archery and learn about the ancient martial arts and its history.
27. Suwon IPark Mall

This mall is the largest mall in Suwon and features various shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
28. Jangan Waterfall

This natural waterfall is located near the Hwaseong Fortress, it's a great spot for a hike and picnicking.
29. Bongunsa Temple

This temple is located on top of a mountain and offers stunning views of the countryside, visitors can enjoy hiking trails and meditation.
30. Hanwha Aqua Planet

This large aquarium is home to various sea creatures including sharks, rays and dolphins, and offers interactive experiences and shows.