Capital of the Gyeonggi Province, Suwon is a lively city with plenty to see and do making it easily worthy of a couple of day’s visit. Located just thirty kilometres south of Seoul, Suwon is also a great option for a day trip without too much travel time if you’re based in Seoul.
One of the biggest draws is Suwon’s Hawseong Fortress. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hwaseong encircles the city and boasts panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. Originally built in the later years of the Joseon Dynasty between 1794 and 1796, the fortress unfortunately suffered the same fate as much of the country during the Korean War. Once considered irreparable, thankfully substantial reconstruction work in the 1970s has saved Suwon from becoming another faceless city.
The walls of the fortress are a touch over five and a half kilometres, with four major gates to mark each direction with several smaller ones straddling any waterways. Given the length of the walls, it pays to allow a good three or so hours. In summer, I’d give it a bit longer so you can take breaks to cool down… and in winter, so you can take breaks to warm up! As the fortress intertwines with the city (which has long since spilt out of its walls) you’ll come across markets, temples, and plenty of places to eat so allow yourself a little longer if you fancy hopping on and off as you go. 
It costs 1,000W to walk the city walls. They are open from 9am till 6pm (5pm in winter). Suwon city can be reached from Seoul in less than an hour by bus, train or subway – the nearest subway station being Suwon on line one. Buses also run from other cities across the country.
Keep an eye out for some more Suwon sights coming up soon! Where have you explored recently?
The pictures are great, this looks like an amazing place to visit really great history that have been preserved Lucy
Thanks:) It’s quite incredible because you manage to get a feeling of what it would have been like, combined with the sense of how much it has grown and changed with the old and new being so intermingled.
Suwon sounds like such an interesting place to travel! I love your shot of the city looking through a dark alley/cave/window (not sure which one!). My guy and I have dreamed of going to Seoul… if we ever make it, I’ll have to add Suwon to the travel itinerary :)
It’s looking through a gap in the wall!
Ahh amazing, definitely try to include Seoul and Suwon if you get to go. I’ll be sharing another post on Suwon soon actually, there are a few reasons to visit there! Having said that, there are so many places I would recommend in South Korea so be sure to throw some questions my way if you’re planning a trip there :)
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