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There are great many things to do in South Korea, and so are in Hwaseong.
Discover a treasure trove of cultural delights in the beautiful city of Hwaseong, where ancient history and modern flair collide.
From strolling through the enchanting streets adorned with traditional houses and temples to indulging in delectable local cuisine and exploring the hidden gems of the city, Hwaseong promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Hwaseong:
1. Hwaseong Fortress
A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Suwon, South Korea that dates back to the late 18th century.
What to see or do: Explore the fortress walls that stretch for over five kilometers, visit the four main gates, check out the various pavilions and watchtowers, and visit the impressive Janganmun Gate.
Don’t miss: The Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival held annually in October, which features martial arts demonstrations, traditional Korean music performances, and cultural experiences.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved, visit early in the morning to beat the crowds, and consider purchasing a combined ticket for the fortress and nearby attractions such as the Suwon Hwaseong Museum or Haenggung Palace.
2. Suwon Hwaseong Museum
The Suwon Hwaseong Museum is a history museum that showcases the cultural heritage of Suwon and its fortress, Hwaseong.
What to see or do: Visitors can learn about the history of Suwon and the Hwaseong Fortress through various exhibits and artifacts. The museum also has a 4D theatre where visitors can experience the history of the fortress through a multimedia show.
Don’t miss: The replica of the Hwaseong Fortress model located at the museum’s entrance is a must-see.
There are also several interactive exhibits where visitors can try on traditional Korean clothing and experience the daily life of Joseon Dynasty.
Insider travel tips: Visitors can take a free shuttle bus from Suwon Station to the museum. The museum is closed on Mondays, and admission is free for visitors.
It is recommended to allocate about 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum and its exhibits.
3. Suwoncheon Stream
Suwoncheon is a beautiful stream that passes through the city of Suwon in South Korea. It is also known as Hwaseongcheon because it flows alongside the famous Hwaseong Fortress.
What to see or do: Visitors can walk along the banks of the stream, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and admire the traditional Korean architecture nearby. The stream is lined with cherry blossom trees, making it a popular destination during the spring.
In the summer, the stream is a great place to cool off and escape the heat.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress was built in the late 18th century and is an impressive display of Korean architecture and engineering.
Insider travel tips: – If you are visiting during the spring, plan your trip to coincide with the Suwon Hwaseong Cherry Blossom Festival.
4. Suwon City Hall
Suwon City Hall is a governmental building in Suwon, South Korea. It serves as the headquarters for the municipal government of Gyeonggi Province.
What to see or do: The building itself is a beautiful example of modern architecture, offering a stunning visual contrast to the historical Hwaseong Fortress nearby.
Visitors can explore the various departments and functions of the City Hall and learn more about how the local government operates.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the rooftop garden for a fantastic view of the city skyline. There is also a small museum inside the City Hall dedicated to the history and culture of Suwon.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in learning more about the local government and politics, Suwon City Hall offers guided tours where visitors can meet with officials and learn about the city’s infrastructure and policies.
Additionally, it’s worth visiting the nearby Hwaseong Fortress for a deeper appreciation of Suwon’s history and culture.
5. Gyeonggi Arts Center
The Gyeonggi Arts Center is a multi-purpose cultural complex in Hwaseong, South Korea. The center is dedicated to promoting the arts through exhibits, performances, and educational programs.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the center’s various galleries and exhibits showcasing contemporary art, photography, and more. The center also hosts a range of cultural performances, including music concerts, dance shows, and theatrical productions.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the vast collection of artworks from Korean and international artists at the art museum. You don’t want to miss seeing the beautiful paintings, sculptures, and photographs on display.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit ahead of time as the schedule for performance and exhibits vary on holidays and weekends.
Also, take some time to walk around the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site located a few miles away from the center.
6. Hwaseong Haenggung Palace
A historical palace located in Suwon, South Korea, built in the late 18th century.
What to see or do: Explore the various buildings and areas of the palace, including the throne hall, royal residence, kitchens, and gardens. Visitors can also enjoy a traditional Korean music performance and changing of the guard ceremony.
Don’t miss: The impressive Jangyeongmun Gate, the only surviving structure of its kind in Korea.
Also, make sure to check out the palace’s underground passages, which were used for secret escape routes and supply delivery during times of war.
Insider travel tips: Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful experience. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
It’s also worth checking out the nearby Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
7. Korean Traditional Alcohol Museum
The Korean Traditional Alcohol Museum in Hwaseong is an informative museum that displays Korea’s rich traditional alcohol making culture and techniques.
What to see or do: Visitors can see various kinds of traditional Korean alcohol, from brewed beverages like makgeolli and cheongju, to distilled liquors like soju and liquor made from fruit.
The museum also has interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the process of making traditional alcohol, sample different types of drinks, and even try making their own alcohol.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is the opportunity to taste and experience Korea’s traditional alcohol. Visitors can try various alcoholic creations, such as fruit-based liquors and medicinal drinks.
One popular drink is baekseju, a type of wine that is made from 100 different medicinal herbs and roots.
Insider travel tips: – The museum offers guided tours in English, making it a great option for non-Korean speakers.
8. KBS Suwon Center
KBS Suwon Center is a broadcasting studio and cultural center of the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) located in Hwaseong, South Korea.
What to see or do: Explore the various exhibits on Korean broadcasting history and technology at the KBS Suwon Center. Visitors can also watch live TV and radio broadcasts, see celebrity wax figures, and participate in hands-on activities.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to watch a live performance of Korea’s famous K-pop groups, as KBS often holds outdoor concerts in the center’s plaza.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot for the outdoor concerts.
Visitors should also check the schedule in advance to catch their favorite TV or radio programs being broadcasted live from KBS Suwon Center.
9. Yeonmudae
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips: Arrive early for a better view of the Yeonmudae Grand March. Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be rough.
Be sure to bring a camera to capture the vibrant colors of the traditional costumes.
10. Hwaseong Trolley
A recreational trolley that takes visitors on a tour of Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, South Korea.
What to see or do: Sit back and enjoy the scenery as the trolley takes you around the fortress. The tour is around 3.
2 kilometers long and the trolley will stop at three different spots where you can get off and explore the area on foot.
Don’t miss: The Hwaseong Haenggung Palace stop, where you can walk through the halls of the palace and imagine what life was like during the Joseon Dynasty.
Also, be sure to check out the Suwon Hwaseong Museum stop where you can learn more about the history of the fortress.
Insider travel tips: The trolley runs every 20 minutes and tickets can be purchased at the start of the tour. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, visit during a weekday and take the first tour of the day.
Also, bring comfortable shoes for walking, as the stops require a fair bit of walking to explore.
11. Samsung Innovation Museum
A modern museum showcasing Samsung’s technological advancements and innovations throughout history.
What to see or do: Explore Samsung’s technological journey through exhibits featuring mobile devices, home appliances, semiconductors, and more. Visitors can enjoy interactive displays, virtual reality experiences, and a variety of multimedia presentations.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is the Wall of Galaxy, an incredible installation featuring hundreds of Samsung Galaxy smartphones arranged to form a mesmerizing display.
Insider travel tips: The Samsung Innovation Museum is located in Hwaseong, which is about an hour’s drive from Seoul. Admission is free, and audio guides are available in multiple languages.
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore the museum and all of its exhibits, particularly the sections devoted to emerging technologies and the history of smartphones.
12. Suwon Convention Center
The Suwon Convention Center is a multi-purpose convention and exhibition center located in the city of Suwon. It is known for its modern facilities and host of events and exhibitions that take place here.
What to see or do: Visitors can see and experience various exhibitions, events, and concerts held at the convention center. The center has a total area of 22,847 square meters with exhibition halls, conference rooms, and other amenities.
Don’t miss: The outdoor space is the ideal spot to take in some fresh air and enjoy the view. The center also features a beautiful garden, artificial waterfall, and a small artificial lake.
Insider travel tips: The center is well-connected through public transport and is only a 10-minute walk from the nearest metro station, Suwon City Hall Station.
Visitors can make use of the center’s various amenities such as the cafeteria, restaurant, convenience store, and a VIP lounge.
It is recommended to check the event schedule in advance and book tickets for any shows or concerts in order to avoid any disappointment on your visit.
13. Suwon World Cup Stadium
Suwon World Cup Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in the city of Suwon, South Korea. It was built for the 2002 FIFA World Cup and can accommodate over 43,000 people.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the stadium, which includes access to the locker room, the player’s tunnel, and the pitch itself.
The tour also offers an opportunity to explore the stadium’s facilities and learn about its role in sports and cultural events in Korea.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to catch a football game or concert at the arena.
The stadium has hosted a variety of events such as concerts of famous Korean groups, K-League soccer games, and other sports tournaments.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early for a tour or an event to avoid the crowds and get the best seats.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and hats for afternoon events during summer, and coats and blankets for evening events during winter as the temperature drops.
14. Ajou University Museum of Art
The Ajou University Museum of Art is a contemporary art museum located in Hwaseong, South Korea.
What to see or do: The museum features a variety of exhibitions and collections of modern and contemporary Korean art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. Visitors can also enjoy cultural events and educational programs, such as artist talks and workshops.
Don’t miss: One of the main attractions of the museum is its outdoor exhibition space, which showcases large-scale sculptures and installations that are integrated into the natural landscape.
Insider travel tips: The museum is easily accessible via public transportation, with a bus stop located right outside the entrance.