Gyeonggi, south of Seoul · South Korea
An 18th-century fortress wall you can walk all the way round, gates, watchtowers and a palace, a short train ride south of Seoul.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC0
Hwaseong Fortress was built in the 1790s by King Jeongjo of the Joseon dynasty, who wanted a new city to honour his father and to strengthen the royal power. It took about two years to build, and was designed by scholars who studied Chinese and Western military engineering, with stone and brick walls, four main gates, watchtowers, bastions and a pavilion for signalling with fire. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and much of it has been restored using detailed records kept at the time.
The wall runs for about 5.7 km around the old part of Suwon, and it can be walked in two or three hours. The route passes gates such as Paldalmun in the south and Janganmun in the north, and offers views across the modern city. Inside the wall, Haenggung is a temporary palace where the king stayed on his visits, and there are archery ranges and a martial-arts performance.
Suwon lies about 30 km south of Seoul, so it is one of the easiest day trips from the capital, by subway or train in under an hour. It is also famous for its fried chicken and a lively market around the walls, and a day is enough for the wall, the palace and lunch.
Why visit
Hwaseong is the easiest historic day trip from Seoul, and a good place for a walk.
About 5.7 km of wall to follow.
Elegant military architecture.
Haenggung Palace.
Under an hour by train.
Suwon's fried chicken and markets.
Main attractions
The fortress is a loop, so choose your start.
A 5.7 km wall of stone and brick with battlements, walkable in whole or in part, with views over the old and new city.
Tip Walk clockwise from Paldalmun.
A palace where King Jeongjo stayed while visiting his father's tomb, restored after the 1990s.
Tip Watch the martial arts performance.
The grand south gate of the fortress.
Tip A good starting point.
The west and north gates, with impressive walls.
Tip Photograph at golden hour.
Try traditional archery.
Tip Short lesson.
A small train that tours the walls.
Tip Good for tired legs.
Things to do
Suwon is for walking, watching and eating.
Take two to three hours.
Tip Start early.
Shoot a traditional bow.
Tip Go with a group.
A performance of martial arts.
Tip Check the schedule.
Crispy fried chicken.
Tip Visit the chicken street.
The gates are lit after dark.
Tip Stay for sunset.
Learn about the fortress.
Tip Free.
Local food
Suwon is known for its fried chicken and galbi.
Grilled marinated beef ribs.
Where to try it Restaurants near the wall.
A whole chicken fried in a pan.
Where to try it Paldalmun chicken street.
Seasonal snacks.
Where to try it Market stalls.
Cold noodles and dumplings.
Where to try it Restaurants near the market.
A hearty soup.
Where to try it Local restaurants.
Accommodation
Most people visit as a day trip from Seoul.
Transport
Suwon is about 30 km south of Seoul.
Walk the wall, or use a trolley.
When to go
Suwon has the same climate as Seoul.
Cherry blossom and fresh leaves.
Hot and humid.
Golden leaves.
Cold, but clear.
Worth planning around: The hottest summer days.
Itinerary
The wall, the palace and lunch.
A loop.
Travel tips
A few tips help you enjoy Suwon.
FAQ
Yes. It is easy and rewarding.
Two to three hours.
Subway or train from Seoul in about an hour.
Yes, it was listed in 1997.
Yes, it is a loop.
April, May and October.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Suwon, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Seoul Capital Area, north-west South Korea, South Korea
South Korea's capital, with Joseon palaces, Bukchon Hanok Village, temples, markets, K-culture districts, night views from N Seoul Tower and some of the best food in Asia.
Don't miss Gyeongbokgung Palace at opening time, with the mountains behind and a hanbok-dressed crowd walking through its gates.
Explore Destination — SeoulGyeonggi and Gangwon, north of Seoul, South Korea
The Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea, with tunnels, the Dora Observatory, Imjingak and, when open, the Joint Security Area at Panmunjom, visited on guided tours from Seoul.
Don't miss Looking across the border from an observatory at a landscape the two Koreas have watched each other across since 1953.
Explore Destination — The DMZ and PanmunjomNorth Gyeongsang, inland east, South Korea
A UNESCO-listed clan village on the Nakdong River with thatched and tiled houses, Byeongsan Confucian Academy, the mask dance, Andong soju and jjimdak chicken.
Don't miss Watching the Hahoe mask dance beside old thatched houses, with the river curving around the village.
Explore Destination — Andong and Hahoe Folk VillageRead next
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