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If you have done the things to do in South Korea, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Suwon.
Suwon is a treasure trove waiting to be explored, a city brimming with vibrant energy and cultural landmarks that beckon visitors from far and wide.
From its majestic fortresses to its bustling markets, Suwon offers a wealth of experiences that are sure to ignite your senses and leave a lasting impression.
So why wait?
Come and discover the many delights that Suwon has to offer!
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Suwon:
1. Hwaseong Fortress
A UNESCO-listed 18th-century fortress located in Suwon, South Korea.
What to see or do: Explore the fortress structures including gates, walls, watchtowers, and secret tunnels. Admire the beautiful architecture and the stunning views of Suwon from the top of the walls.
Don’t miss: The Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, located inside the fortress, which was used for various purposes including as a residence for the king when he visited the area.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill climb, especially if you plan to walk on the fortress walls. The fortress is also lit up at night, making it a popular destination for evening strolls.
2. Suwon World Cup Stadium
Suwon World Cup Stadium is a football stadium located in Suwon, South Korea.
What to see or do: The stadium is home to the K League 1 football team, Suwon Samsung Bluewings, and has a seating capacity of over 43,000 people.
Visitors can attend matches or tour the stadium.
Don’t miss: The impressive roof design of the stadium is a must-see. It features a series of giant white steel arcs that resemble wings, giving the stadium its nickname, “The Big Bird.
Insider travel tips: Plan to arrive early for matches to soak up the pre-game atmosphere and enjoy the various food and drink options available in the area.
The stadium is easily accessible by public transportation, including a direct subway line.
3. Suwon Traditional Market
Suwon Traditional Market is a bustling outdoor market in Suwon, South Korea, where locals go to shop for groceries, clothing, household items, and more.
What to see or do: Stroll through the market and take in the vibrant atmosphere. Along the way, you can find unique and interesting items and souvenirs to take home with you.
Don’t miss the food section of the market, where you can try delicious Korean street food and snacks.
Don’t Miss: Be sure to try the popular “ddeokbokki,” a spicy rice cake dish, and “sundae,” a Korean blood sausage. You can also find traditional Korean clothing, pottery, and other handicrafts.
Insider Travel Tips: – Try to visit the market during the daytime when it’s most lively.
4. Suwon Museum
Suwon Museum is a historical and cultural museum located in Suwon, South Korea.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits to learn about Suwon’s history and culture, including artifacts from the Joseon Dynasty.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the museum’s outdoor exhibit, which features traditional Korean houses, a pond, and a garden.
Insider travel tips: The museum is closed on Mondays, and admission is free. Audio guides are available in multiple languages for a small fee.
Visitors can also take a guided tour for a more in-depth experience.
5. KBS Suwon Drama Center
The KBS Suwon Drama Center is a state-of-the-art production facility owned by the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS).
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the center and see various sets and props used in KBS dramas.
Some of the popular sets include the medieval Joseon era palace, the streets of old Seoul, and a modern house interior used in popular dramas.
Don’t miss: Make sure to catch a live filming of a popular KBS drama if possible, as the center is a hub for many Korean dramas and television shows.
Visitors can also dress up in traditional Korean costumes and take photos as a souvenir.
Insider travel tips: The center is located in Suwon, easily accessible by public transportation from Seoul. It’s recommended to book a tour in advance, especially during peak season.
Consider buying souvenirs at the gift shop, which sells items inspired by popular K-dramas and TV shows.
6. Gwonseon-gu Office Station Transportation Museum
Gwonseon-gu Office Station Transportation Museum is a small museum located in Suwon, dedicated to showcasing the history of transportation in the city.
What to see or do: Visitors can see a variety of transportation-related exhibits, ranging from bicycles and motorcycles to buses and trains. The museum also has a small collection of vintage cars on display.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the vintage cars up close and learn about their history.
Insider travel tips: The museum is free to enter and makes for a quick and interesting stop if you’re in the area. However, it may not be worth a special trip unless you are particularly interested in transportation history.
7. Hwaseong Haenggung Palace
Hwaseong Haenggung Palace is a magnificent historical palace complex located in Suwon, South Korea. The palace was built in the 18th century and is considered a masterpiece of Korean palace architecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various rooms and halls of the palace complex, which include living quarters, administration offices, banquet halls, and more.
The palace also features beautiful gardens and pavilions, perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the traditional Korean martial arts performances that take place at the palace. Visitors can marvel at the skill and agility of the performers as they demonstrate various techniques and movements.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting during the summer, don’t miss the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, which features traditional Korean performances and cultural experiences.
And if you’re feeling hungry, head to the nearby Paldalmun Market for some delicious street food.
8. AK Plaza
A large shopping mall located in Suwon, South Korea.
What to see or do: AK Plaza offers a wide variety of shopping options, from luxury brands to local favorites. There is also a cinema, bowling alley, and arcade for entertainment.
Don’t miss: The food court on the top floor offers a diverse selection of Korean and international cuisine.
Insider travel tips: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and take advantage of the many discounts and promotions. Be sure to check out the basement-level supermarket for unique Korean snacks and souvenirs.
9. Paldalmun Gate
Paldalmun Gate is a historic gate in the city of Suwon and is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hwaseong Fortress.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the beautiful architecture and intricate detailing of the gate, which was originally built in 1794. It is a great spot for photography and offers a glimpse into the history and culture of South Korea.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Hwaseong Fortress, which was built in the late 18th century and is a remarkable example of East Asian military architecture.
Apart from Paldalmun Gate, the fortress also houses many other fascinating structures like the Janganmun Gate and the Hwaseomun Gate.
Insider travel tips: – Do visit in the evening for a stunning view of the gate illuminated with lights.
10. Gyeonggi Arts Center
A modern arts center in Suwon, South Korea, dedicated to showcasing various forms of art.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of cultural experiences including live performances, exhibitions, and outdoor art installations. The center features multiple galleries, a concert hall, a theater, and a library.
Don’t miss: The K-live hologram concert, which brings famous K-pop stars to life through cutting-edge technology. Also, the outdoor garden is a peaceful oasis that is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Insider travel tips: Check the center’s event schedule beforehand to plan your visit around live performances or exhibitions you don’t want to miss.
Make sure to take advantage of the center’s free Wi-Fi and download the Gyeonggi Arts Center app for more information and help navigating the complex.
11. Suwon Gwanggyo Lake Park
Suwon Gwanggyo Lake Park is a beautiful eco-friendly park located in Suwon City, South Korea. Spread over 111,000 square meters, this park is a perfect place for outdoor leisure activities.
What to see or do: The park has a stunning lake that is surrounded by lush trees and beautifully landscaped gardens. You can take a walk along the lakeside trails while enjoying the scenic views of the lake.
There is also a vast playground for children and a bike rental facility to tour around the park on a bike.
Don’t miss: The park is much known for its gorgeous cherry blossom trees during the spring season. In the summer, the park turns into a hub for colorful lotus flowers and other botanical blooms.
You can also catch a spectacular sunset and the reflection on the lake is truly mesmerizing.
Insider travel tips: – Pack a picnic and enjoy it on the grass field near the lake while soaking in the serene atmosphere.
12. Korean Traditional Archery Museum
The Korean Traditional Archery Museum is dedicated to the country’s proud heritage of archery and offers a fascinating insight into how this ancient sport has remained one of Korea’s most revered and cherished pastimes.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire an impressive collection of traditional bows, arrows, and accessories, some of which date back several centuries.
There are also informative displays on the history of Korean archery as well as interactive exhibits where you can try your hand at shooting arrows.
Don’t miss: Be sure to catch a demonstration by the skilled archers who work at the museum.
Their feats of athleticism and precision are truly amazing and provide a thrilling display that perfectly illustrates why this sport is so revered.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located in the city of Suwon, which is also home to several other historic landmarks that are worth visiting.
13. Suwon Samsung Bluewings Football Club
Suwon Samsung Bluewings Football Club is a professional football (soccer) team based in Suwon, South Korea.
What to see or do: Catch a live football match and experience the excitement of South Korean football. The team plays their home matches at the Suwon World Cup Stadium, which has a capacity of over 43,000.
Don’t miss: Keep an eye out for iconic South Korean football players like Lee Chung-yong, Koo Ja-cheol, and Yeom Ki-hun who have all played for the Bluewings in the past.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early and soak up the pre-match atmosphere in and around the stadium. Make sure to try some of the delicious stadium food and buy some team merchandise to show your support.
It’s also worth checking the fixtures in advance as the team regularly plays in continental competitions, which can attract even bigger crowds.
14. Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion
Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion is an elegant historic pavilion located on a hilltop in Suwon, South Korea. It is a well-known tourist spot that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the pavilion’s intricate architecture, artwork, and furnishings. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and take beautiful photos to capture memories.
The pavilion is best seen during the autumn season when the changing foliage colors offer a picturesque setting.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the history of the pavilion and its cultural significance. Take a stroll in the beautiful gardens that surround the pavilion and observe the traditional Korean landscaping.
Insider travel tips: – The pavilion is most crowded during weekends and holidays, so it’s best to visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
15. Independence Memorial Hall
The Independence Memorial Hall is a historical landmark located in Suwon, South Korea. It was built in 2001 to commemorate the country’s independence from Japanese colonial rule.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the hall and learn about Korea’s fight for independence through various exhibits and displays. The hall also houses a large auditorium for conferences and events.
Don’t miss: Make sure to see the outdoor statue of General MacArthur, who played a crucial role in Korea’s independence movement during World War II.
The statue is located just outside the hall.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the annual Independence Day ceremony on August 15th for a unique cultural experience.