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Suwon Hwaseong Fortress & Getting There | Gyeonggi, South Korea

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage) 수원화성 & Attractions Nearby

경기 수원시 팔달구 장안동 334 | 334 Jangan-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (of Hwaseomun Gate)

open all year round

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress - Admission Fees

Free

From Seoul

  • On Seoul Subway: Suwon Station (line 1/Suin Bungdang Line, exit 4/7/9)

💡53 mins from Seoul Station on line 1, 61 mins from Myeongdong Station with 1 line transfer. ₩2,100.

OR

  • On ITX/KTX/Mugunghwa high speed trains by KORAIL: Suwon KTX Station (exit 1)

From Seoul Station, take ITX Train (recommended, 31 mins, ₩4,800 ) / Mugunghwa Train (less frequent, 36 mins, ₩2,700) / KTX Train (more expensive, 33mins, ₩8,400)Check train timing, pricing & online reservation.

From Suwon KTX Station, walk towards exit 1 of the building and go down the escalator on the left. Turn left and walk towards metro station's exit 4 at street level.

💡Go down the stairs of exit 4 to cross the underpass to the other side of the road for Bus Stops 1 & 2

💡Suwon Information Center is near exit 4.

From Suwon Station (Suwon, Gyeonggi)

for Hwaseomun Gate (of Hwaseong Fortress):

From Suwon Station, you can take the bus from either of the 3 bus stops nearby:

  • Bus Stop 1 (near exit 7, many bus options ): Take bus# 66, 66-4, 60, 5, 7-1, 7-1A, 7-2, 82-1, 301, 310, 400A, 777, 900 (9 mins), ₩1450 OR

  • Bus Stop 2 (across the underpass of exit 4, bus fare is slightly more expensive): Take bus# 1007, 2007, 7770 (9 mins), ₩2,800 OR

  • Bus Stop 3 (in front of Novotel Ambassador Suwon/75m straight from exit 4, next bus stop is Bus Stop 1): Take bus# 66, 66-4, 60 (14 mins), ₩1450

Get off at Hwaseomun Gate•Jangan Park 화서문•장안공원 stop and walk back towards Hwaseomun Gate. 1 min walk.

💡Public toilet is 60m on your right (along the road) after you get off the bus.

💡Tourist Information Center is straight along the road just after Hwaseomun Gate.

💡There is a 7-Eleven store next to the Tourist Information Center.

For Hwaseong Haenggung Palace:

From Suwon Station's subway exit 9, walk 150m straight ahead for the bus stop. ​

  • Take bus# 13 or 35 and get off at Paldal-gu Office•Hwaseong Haeunggung Palace•Suwon Holy Site 팔달구청•화성행궁•수원성지 stop. 10 mins ride. Cross the road & walk back towards the palace. 6 mins walk.

💡The bus stop is after the palace.

OR

  • Take bus# 11 or 400 and get off at Paldalmun Gate 팔달문 stop. 10 mins ride. Walk 180m ahead and cross the road for the palace.

💡The bus will turn right in front of the palace after Paldalmun Gate stop.

OR

From bus stop in front of Novotel Ambassador Suwon​:

  • Take bus# 13 and get off at Paldal-gu Office•Hwaseong Haeunggung Palace•Suwon Holy Site 팔달구청•화성행궁•수원성지 stop. 14 mins ride. Cross the road & walk back towards the palace. 6 mins walk.

💡The bus stop is after the palace.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress makes a worthy day trip from Seoul, complements with other popular attractions all within walking distance like the palace, famous chicken street, chic cafes & restaurants, mural villages, cultural shopping streets, museums, mountain summit and seasonal festival celebrations.

Historical Background

Located in Gyeonggi Province, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was built over 2 years and 9 months (January 1794 - September 1796) by King Jeongjo (1752-1800) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) for defensive purposes and relocation of his father's (Crown Prince Jangheon/Sado) tomb to Hwaseong, near Suwon.

 

Though many parts of the fortress were damaged during the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945) and Korean War (1950-53), they are repaired and restored based on Hwaseong Seongyeok Uigwe (The Construction Records of Hwaseong Fortress) since 1975.

The restored Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 12 December 1997 for its historical value and architecture excellence.

Map Orientation of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, 4 Main Gates & Military Structures

Map Orientation of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress stretches 5.74km long, forming a loop enclosing the center of Suwon City. All the popular attractions (e.g. palace, mural villages, museums, cafes & restaurants) are bounded within the fortress wall.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress -  Map | Gyeonggi, Korea

4 Main Gates of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

There are 4 main gates of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, namely:

  • Hwaseomun Gate (west)

  • Janganmun Gate (north)

  • Changnyongmun Gate (east)

  • Paldalmun Gate (south)

Other Key Military Structures along Hwaseong Fortress

Besides the 4 main gates, there are other key military structures that you can look out for during your walk along the fortress wall.

  • Secret Entrance (ammun in Korean) - an emergency passage used to bring supplies and food into the fortress, without being noticed by the enemy. Total: 5.

  • Guard Pavilion (poru) - an outwardly projecting structure topped with a pavilion that functioned as soldiers' lookout. Total: 5.

  • Artillery Pavilion (poru) - an outwardly projecting pavilion structure where artillery is installed inside for use in attacking the enemy. Total: 5.

  • Corner Pavilion (gangnu) - built on high ground of the fortress to watch the surrounding area and also used for leisure. Total 4.

  • Command Post (jangdae) - the center where the military commander would direct soldiers during military drills and war. Total 2.

  • Bastion (chi) - a structure projecting outward from the fortress wall, designed to attack approaching enemies from the side. Total: 10.

  • Watchtower (gongsimdon) - for monitoring the surroundings and attacking enemies. Originally 3 watchtowers but only 2 remain today.

  • Archery Platform (nodae) - a tall structure from which the enemy could be attacked with mechanical bows. Total: 2.

  • Beacon Tower (bongdon) - for sending emergency signals using smoke. Total: 1.

💡There are information signs that explain about each military structure and their history along Hwaseong Fortress.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress - Walking Courses & Highlights

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Walking Courses

By strolling along the fortress built on higher ground, you can enjoy its magnificent construction together with the beautiful surrounding.

 

As a guide, the complete Suwon Hwaseong Fortress walking course, passing through the 4 main gates takes about 3 hours. Separately, it takes about 20 mins to walk from Janganmun Gate (north) to Paldalmun Gate (south) along the main road, Jeongjo-ro.

You can choose your preferred sections of Hwaseong Fortress to visit based on your time availability, attractions preferred and fitness level.

Section 1: Hwaseomun Gate, Hwaseo Park, Jangangmun Gate to Hwahongmun Floodgate

  • most popular section of the fortress

  • easy walking course

  • chic cafes & restaurants along the fortress wall

  • 4 Tourist Information Centers along the walking course

❧ Hwaseomun Gate • Hwaseomun Tourist Information Center

Hwaseomun Gate is the easiest gate to get to from Suwon Station and a recommended first stop on your day trip to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. You will see Hwaseong Fortress from the bus stop with nearby public toilets, Tourist Information Center and convenience store.

Hwaseomun Gate was comparatively well-preserved and designated as Korea's Treasure No. 403 in 1964. The gate when viewed together with the tall Seobukgongsimdon (Northwestern Watchtower) is an iconic sight of Hwaseong Fortress.

💡Though Hwaseomun Gate means 'West of Hwaseong Fortress', it is technically located in the northwest of the fortress.

❧ Hwaseo Park

Hwaseo Park, located on on right side of Hwaseomun Gate is famous for its long stretch of silver grass in Autumn. The silver grass together with Hwaseong Fortress and Seobukgangnu (Northwestern Pavilion) in the background is a popular photo spot.

❧ Trail & Sights from Hwaseomun Gate to Jangangmun Gate

The walk from Hwaseomun Gate to Jangangmun Gate is an easy one on level ground, passing by the guard pavilion, artillery pavilion and guard post.

💡The three-storey Bukseoporu (Northwestern Artillery Pavilion) is the tallest among the five artillery pavilions of Hwaseong Fortress. The lower two storeys were made for firing artillery or guns and the upper pavilion for soldiers to watch and attack the enemy.

Outside the fortress wall is Jangan Park where you can see the daily lives of local residents gathering for chess, exercising or walking their dogs. You can also take a break at the many chic cafes and restaurants below the inner wall of the fortress.

 

💡For panoramic view of Hwaseong Fortress, pick a rooftop cafe or restaurant.

❧ Janganmun Gate

Janganmun Gate, the northern gate is the most magnificent structure of Hwaseong Fortress. The name 'Jangan' means 'Perpetual Peace'. This is the main gate King Jeongju would pass through when arriving from Hanyang capital city (Seoul) in the north.

💡The wooden pavilion of Janganmun Gate was destroyed during the Korean War and was reconstructed in 1975.

💡From Janganmun Gate, the main road, Jeongjo-ro runs straight to Paldalmun Gate (south gate), passing by Hwaseong Haenggung Palace.

❧ Trail & Sights from Janganmun Gate to Hwahongmun Watergate

❧ Hwahongmun (Northern Watergate)

Hwahongmun Watergate was built on top of Suwoncheon Stream, a main stream of Suwon.

As you approach Hwahongmun Watergate, the view together with Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion at the hilltop is particularly scenic. You can also enjoy the majestic grandeur of the watergate architecture from the steam.

💡Hwahongmun Watergate was destroyed by floods and rebuilt several times.

❧ Suwoncheon Stream • Hwahongmun Tourist Information Center

Suwoncheon Stream runs parallel to the main road, Jeongjo-ro and across the center of the Hwaseong Fortress. You can enjoy leisurely walk along the stream, passing through the town with Hwahongmun Tourist Information Center near the watergate.

Section 2: Hwahongmun Watergate, Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, Yeonmudae to Changnyongmun Gate

  • popular with locals for kite flying & picnics

  • location for Flying Suwon, Korean Archery Experience, Hwaseong Tourist Train & Cultural Heritage Media Art Festival (autumn)

  • easy walking course

  • Yeonmudae Tourist Information Center

❧ Banghwasuryujeong (Northeastern Corner Pavilion)

Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion is built on the high ground of Hwaseong Fortress to watch the surrounding area and for leisure. The beautiful view of Yongyeon Pond with Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion in the background is a popular photo spot.

❧ Military Structure Highlights (Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion to Changnyongmun Gate)

❧ Yeonmudae (Eastern Command Post)

Yeonmudae means 'place for training martial arts' and is one of the only two command posts in Hwaseong Fortress.

💡If you come down a little from Yeonmudae, there is a ticket office (for tourist train and archery), cafe and tourist information center. With a big public parking lot nearby, Yeonmudae has been a popular base for locals on their visits to Hwaseong Fortress.

 Around Yeonmudae: Yeomudae Ticket Office • Yeonmudae Tourist Information Center

Address of :

a) Yeomudae Ticket Office: 경기도 수원시 팔달구 창룡대로103번길 20 | 20, Changnyong-daero 103beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

b Yeonmudae Tourist Information Center: 경기도 수원시 팔달구 창룡대로103번길 8 | 8, Changnyong-daero 103beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 

At Yeonmudae Ticket Office, you can purchase the tickets for Suwon Hwaseong Tourist Train and Korean Archery Experience.

Next to the ticket office is a building with Yeonmudae Tourist Information Center (1F), Korean Archery Experience (1F), Yeonmujeong Cafe (2F), Yeonmujeong Snack Bar (1F) and Yeonmujeong Restaurant (B1).

a) Suwon Hwaseong Tourist Train (Circular Route) @Yeonmudae

operating hours: 9:40 - 17:00, every 20 mins. not operating on snowy or rainy days. full schedule

ticket prices: ₩4,000 adult, ₩2,500 youth, ₩1,500 child

circular route: Yeonmudae ▶ Hwahongmun Watergate (can get off) ▶ Janganmun Gate ▶ Hwaseomun Gate (can get off)  ▶ Hwaseong Haenggung Palace (can get off) ▶ Yeonmudae

Suwon Hwaseong Tourist Train (/Hwaseong Tourist Trolley or Hwaseong Royal Train) brings travellers around the main tourist spots of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. It is modelled after the car of Emperor Sunjong and King's palanquin of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

💡You can get off at various stops but reboarding is not allowed.

💡Boarding for the other train route, 'Tourist Route' starts at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace.

b) Korean Archery Experience @Yeonmudae

operating hours: 9:30 - 17:30 (Mar-Oct) / 9:30 - 17:00 (Nov-Feb), every 30 mins, breaktime 12:00 - 13:00. timetable

usage fee: ₩2,000 for 10 shots per session

You can experience traditional Korean Archery at Yeonmudae where soldiers of King Jeongjo practiced and trained martial arts.

 

💡During Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), only the King can use the bear as the target.

❧ Changnyongmun Gate

Changnyongmun Gate is the east gate of Hwaseong Fortress with the meaning of 'Blue Dragon', an auspicious, mythological guardian animal of the east. The large flat area inside the gate was used as training ground for soldiers.

This gate is popular for helium balloon ride, kite flying and autumn's media art show.

 

💡The gate's wooden pavilion was destroyed during Korean War (1950-53) and was reconstructed in 1976.

a) Flying Suwon @Changnyongmun Gate

address: 경기도 수원시 팔달구 경수대로 697 | 697, Gyeongsu-daero, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 

operating hours: 12:30 - 21:30 (weekdays) / 11:00 - 22:00 (weekends & public holidays), last flight 30 mins before closing, 10 mins ride

ticket prices: ₩20,000 adult, ₩18,000 youth, ₩17,000 child

official website: www.flyingsuwon.com

Flying Suwon is a helium-filled (non-explosive & safe) balloon of 32m high and 22m wide. You can enjoy beautiful day or night scenery of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress from an altitude of 70-150m.

💡This is not a hot air balloon that float to places. It is moored to a fixed location with the balloon going up/down, secured by cable during the ride.

b) Kite Flying & Picnics @Changnyongmun Gate

Kite flying and picnics at the huge empty field outside Changnyongmun Gate is very popular, particularly for families with kids.

💡If you wish to join in the fun of flying a kite with the historic Hwaseong Fortress in the background, you can purchase one from the snack bar at Yeonmudae Tourist Information Center.

c) Cultural Hertiage Media Art Show @Changnyongmun Gate (Autumn Only)

operating hours: Oct to early Nov, several sessions from 19:00 - 22:00. 20 mins per session. latest schedule

admission fee: free

The popular Cultural Heritage Media Art Show has been organised annually since 2021 with amazing media arts display and music, intertwined with stories of King Jeongjo.

There are also an interactive media art space and photo zones where visitors can enjoy up close with the media arts in exhibition.

Section 3: Changnyongmun Gate to Paldalmun Gate

  • less travelled

  • easy walking course

❧ Military Structures Highlights (Changnyongmun Gate to Paldalmun Gate)

The section from Changnyongmun Gate to Paldalmun Gate is less travelled and generally for visitors who are completing the full Hwaseong Fortress circuit.

 

Nonetheless, there are quite a number of military structures along the fortress from artillery pavilion, guard pavilions, bastions, corner pavilion to the only beacon tower, Bongdon in Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.

💡Bongdon consists of five chimneys made of bricks. The emergency smoke signal from Bongdon was immediately visible at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace where the local magistrate resided.

❧ Paldalmun Gate

Of the four main gates of Hwaseong FortressPaldalmun Gate is the only gate not connected to the fortress wall on both sides due to road expansion.


💡Paldalmun Gate, the south gate was comparatively well-preserved and designated as Korea's Treasure No. 402 in 1964.

a) Traditional Markets @Paldalmun Gate

In the olden days, goods from the southern regions of Chungcheong and Jeolla Provinces passed through Paldalmun Gate for their onwards journey north to Hanyang, the capital city. As such, the area around Paldalmun Gate was always busy with crowds, markets and taverns.

Till today, there are several markets (e.g. Nammun Rodeo Market, Paldalmun MarketSuwon Yeongdong Market and Jidong Market) operating near Paldalmun Gate.

 

To attract young people and tourists to the market, 28 Youth Mall was opened on the 2F of Suwon Yeongdong Market with food, desserts and crafts stores operated by young people. Separately, the food alley in Jidong Market is famous for its Sundae (also known as Soondae, Korean blood sausage) restaurants and widely referred as Sundae (/Soondae) Town.

Section 4: Paldalmun Gate, Paldalsan Mountain to Hwaseomun Gate

  • summit of Paldalsan Mountain

  • moderate walking course

  • 2 Tourist Information Centers

❧ Trail & Sights from Paldalmun Gate to Top of Paldalsan Mountain

The trail for western section of Hwaseong Fortress starts uphill from Paldalmun Tourist Information Center, stretches over the top of Paldalsan Mountain with beautiful nature scenery, diverse military structures and Seojangdae Tourist Information Center.

❧ Cherry Blossom Hot Spot in Spring @Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Along the stairs to the summit of Paldadsan Mountain, there is a pedestrian-friendly and cherry blossom-lined road (i.e. Paldalsan-ro) famous for cherry blossom viewing in Spring.

💡You can take Suwon Hwaseong Tourist Train (Tourist Route) from Hwaseong Haenggung Palace to this road too.

💡The fortress wall with the arch is a famous K-drama filming location (e.g. 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One') and a popular photo hot spot.

💡You can also see spot cherry blossoms at Hwaseomun Gate, Hwahongmun Watergate, Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion and Changnyongmun Gate along Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.

❧ Paldalsan Mountain - Summit (128m)

At the summit of Paldadsan Mountain is the only other command post (Western Command Post) and archery platform (Western Archery Platform) in Hwaseong Fortress. The mountaintop offers panoramic view of the entire fortress and the surrounding city, including view of Hwaseong Haenggung Palace.

❧ Trail & Sights from Paldalsan Mountain to Hwaseomun Gate

From Paldalsan Mountain's summit, it is an easy and scenic descend to Hwaseomun Gate of Hwaseong Fortress

Night Scenes of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress offers a mysterious scene at night with trail lights along the fortress wall for an unique walking experience.

Attractions Nearby

Hwaseong Haenggung Palace ✦ Suwon Hwaseong Tourist Train ✦ Haenggungdong Mural Village

✦ Suwon Workshop Street ✦ Suwon Chicken Street

Hwaseong Haenggung Palace (/Hwaseong Temporary Palace)

operating hours (day): 9:00 - 18:00, last admission 30 mins before closing time

operating hours (night): 18:00 - 21:30 (May - Oct only, Wed-Sun, excluding 'Culture Day'), last admission 30 mins before closing time. exact dates

admission fees: ₩1,500 for adult, ₩1,000 youth, ₩700 child. free admission for child below 6, senior above 64, wearing hanbok and last Wednesday of every month ('Culture Day').

performances: dates, timing & location (visitsuwon.or.kr)

Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, located inside Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is the most outstanding and largest temporary palace built during Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It was designated as Korea's Historic Site No. 478.

Haenggung (means temporary palace) is a place where the King stayed temporarily when travelled outside the royal capital of Hanyang. Unlike other temporary palaces built as emergency palaces in times of war (e.g. Namhansanseong Temporary Palace) or for recreational hot spring (e.g. Onyang Temporary Palace), King Jeongjo resided at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace whenever he visited his father's tomb.

Most parts of Hwaseong Haenggung Palace were destroyed during the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945). The palace was restored and opened to the public in October 2003.

 

Hwaseong Haenggung Palace is also the filming location for many famous K-dramas/movies such as Dae Jang Geum (2003, MBC), The King and the Clown (2005), Yi San (2007, MBC) and Love in the Moonlight (2016, KBS).

Captivating sights of Hwaseong Haenggung Palace when it is opened for night visiting:

Suwon Hwaseong Tourist Train (Tourist Route) @Hwaseong Haenggung Palace

operating hours: 9:50 - 16:40, hourly. full schedule

ticket prices: ₩6,000 adult, ₩4,000 youth, ₩2,000 child

tourist route: Hwaseong Haenggung Palace ▶ Yeonmudae (can get off) ▶ Hwahongmun Watergate (can get off) ▶ Hwaseomun Gate (can get off) ▶ Paldalsan Mountain (can get off) ▶ Hwaseomun Gate ▶ Janganmun Gate ▶ Hwaseong Haenggung Palace (Art Museum)

Besides Suwon Hwaseong Tourist Train ('Circular Route') that starts at Yeonmudae, 'Tourist Route' is the other route starting from Hwaseong Haenggung Palace.

Suwon Hwaseong Tourist Train is a great option to get around all key highlights of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress fast and effortlessly.

💡If you plan to get on Hwaseong Tourist Train, you can take the bus direct from Suwon Station to Hwaseong Haenggung Palace.

Haenggungdong Mural Village

Haenggungdong Mural Village is located few minutes walk from Hwahongmun Watergate. You can take a leisurely stroll along the charming alleys to explore the interesting murals and little gardens of the village.

Suwon Workshop Street (/Beautiful Haenggung-gil Road / Haengnidan-gil Street / Craft Street)

The section of the road (Haenggung-ro) that stretches 410m from Hwaseong Haenggung Palace to Paldalmun Gate is lined with handicraft stores, restaurants, galleries and cafes. It is one of the popular tourist attractions within Hwaseong Fortress.

Suwon Chicken Street

When you are in Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, the fried chicken at Suwon Chicken Street is a must-eat! There are many restaurants here that sell only fried chicken and they are super popular in Suwon.

💡It is not technically a 'street' but an area of restaurants specialised in fried chicken dishes.

💡If you are coming from Hwahongmun Watergate, you can walk along Suwoncheon Stream. The restaurants shall be on your right. 15 mins walk.

💡Alternatively, if you are coming from Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, cross the main road (Jeongjo-ro) towards Yeomingak Bell Pavilion. Walk along the road (Changnyong-daero) at the side of the Bell Pavilion and turn right to Suwoncheon-ro upon seeing Suwoncheon Stream. 8 mins walk.

Here are the few most popular fried chicken restaurants at Suwon Chicken Street.

1

Jinmi Chicken 진미통닭

11:00 - 23:00, closed on Mondays

경기 수원시 팔달구 정조로800번길 21복사 | 21, Jeongjo-ro 800beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

🌐

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Winner of multiple culinary awards, Jinmi Chicken can be spotted easily along the road next to Suwoncheon Stream. It occupies 2 floors with just 4 chicken dishes, namely Fried Chicken, Fried Whole Chicken, Fried Chicken with Spicy Glaze and the most popular, Half & Half (Fried Chicken & Spicy Glaze).

2

Yongseong Chicken (Main Branch) 용성통닭 (본점)

11:00 - 23:00, closed on Tuesdays

경기 수원시 팔달구 정조로800번길 15 | 15 Jeongjo-ro 800beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

🌐

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Yongseong Chicken is located 1 block away on the side road of Jinmi Chicken. It occupies 2 floors of the building as well. At its entrance, you can see many logos of local TV stations that have filmed here. Their whole chicken dishes come with fried chicken feet and gizzards too.

3

Nammun Chicken 남문통닭 본점

11:30 - 22:00 (last order 21:30)

경기 수원시 팔달구 정조로800번길 16 | 16 Jeongjo-ro 800beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Nammun Chicken is located across the street from Yongseong Chicken. It occupies 3 floors with bigger seating areas on the 2-3F. It offers more chicken dishes, including side dishes (e.g. fried boneless chicken feet, bun, rice) and their craft beer (i.e. wheat-ale or barley-lager).

Suwon Station (KTX/Subway) & Nearby Attractions

Getting to Suwon Station on Seoul Subway

Getting to Suwon Station on ITX (or KTX/Mugunghwa) High Speed Trains

Around Suwon Station

Suwon Station (KTX) is an amazingly pleasing station. It is connected to Lotte Mall Suwon (Lotte Department Store, Lotte Mart & Lotte Cinema) and AZ Plaza with many shops and fabulous food options.

 

200m from Suwon Station's exit is the Suwon Tourist Information Center and a 4★ hotel, Novotel Ambassador Suwon. Across the road from the station is the popular pedestrian-friendly Suwon Station Rodeo Street with more shops and restaurants.

1 Subway Stop Away from Suwon Station

1 subway stop away from Suwon Station at Hwaseo Station (line 1) is the hottest instagrammable library in Korea, Starfield Library Suwon, located on 4th to 7th floor of Starfield Suwon.

 

Starfield Suwon is the largest shopping mall in Suwon, officially opened on 26 January 2024. This is also the first '2nd generation Starfield' targeting the trendy age group of 20s and 30s. It has brought in many experiential stores, trendy designer and food brands considered as hot places in Seongsu-dong and Hongdae in Seoul.

 

Besides having a rooftop Sky Garden and Pet Park, there is also a large indoor playground, SMOB for adults with 23 exciting activities (e.g. archery, zip line, bungee).

Recommended Accommodations in Suwon

If time permits, it is highly recommended to stay overnight in Suwon to fully explore Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and its nearby attractions at a more leisurely pace.

 

Besides the temporary palace, mural village and activities (e.g. kite flying, archery), there are several museums, chic cafes and popular local cuisine (fried chicken, Korean blood sausage, Suwon ribs Galbi and Suwon dumplings) that you can enjoy to the fullest on your stay in Suwon.

Novotel Ambassador Suwon

★★★★ | 8.6 Review Rating

Novotel Ambassador Suwon is the only hotel located conveniently next to Suwon KTX Station or 1 min walk from Suwon Station (line 1/Suin Bungdang Line, exit 4). Bus stop to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (9 mins ride) is in front of the hotel or across the road.

S Stay Hotel Suwon

★★★ | 8.3 Review Rating

S Stay Hotel Suwon is located 4 mins walk from Suwon Station (line 1/Suin Bungdang Line, exit 7, with escalator access). It is also around the corner to Suwon Station Rodeo Street, a pedestrian-friendly shopping and food street along Hyanggyo-ro.

Suwon Dono1796 Hotel

★★★ | 7.6 Review Rating

Suwon Dono1796 Hotel is located 200m to Janganmun Gate inside Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. There are many cafes and restaurants near the hotel. Bus stop to/fro Suwon Station is near the main road.

Suwon Sunstar Hotel

★★ | 8.0 Review Rating

Located near to Suwon Dono1796 Hotel, Suwon Sunstar Hotel is about 100m to Janganmun Gate inside Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. You can explore the charming streets of cafes, restaurants, craft shops and museums near the hotel too.

Suwon Stay Dalno

10.0 Review Rating

Located between Hwaseomun Gate, Janganmun Gate and Hwaseong Haenggung Palace inside Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon Stay Dalno is a hanok-style, 3-bedroom air-conditioned accommodation. The non-smoking villa features a small terrace garden, living room with flat-screen TV, fully equipped kitchen with microwave, fridge and free WiFi. Rates inclusive of breakfast.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Tourist Guide Map

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Tourist Guide Map | Gyeonggi, South Korea

Map of Bus Stops, Attractions & Recommended Hotels at Suwon Station

Suwon Station - Map of Bus Stops, Attractions & Recommended Hotels | Gyeonggi, South Korea

Map of Bus Stops to/fro Suwon Station, Recommended Restaurants & Accommodations at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

💡There are quite a number of buses along Jeongjo-ro (Suwon Hwaseong Fortress) to Suwon Station. You can use kakaomap to find out the next arriving bus to Suwon Station.

 

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress - Map of Bus Stops, Recommended Restaurants & Accommodations | Korea

KoreaToDo TOP PICKS - Tours, Activities & Discount Tickets

➥ Handpicked experiences by KoreaToDo for their uniqueness, value, popularity, price competitiveness and at times, tedious to reach by public transport.

DMZ 3rd Invasion Tunnel & Gamaksan Suspension Bridge Day Tour

DMZ 3rd Invasion Tunnel & Gamaksan Suspension Bridge Day Tour

4.9★

150m long bridge across valley

Everland 1 Day Pass (instant QR Code for entry upon booking)

Everland 1 Day Pass (instant QR Code for entry upon booking)

4.8★

a large amusement park & zoo!

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Nammun Market & Korean Folk Village Day Tour

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Nammun Market & Korean Folk Village Day Tour

new

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Nami Island, Petite France, Italian Village & The Morning Calm Day Tour

Nami Island, Petite France, Italian Village & The Morning Calm Day Tour

4.7★

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Starfield Library & Gwangmyeong Cave Tour

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Starfield Library & Gwangmyeong Cave Tour

4.8★

hottest library & UNESCO tour

Nami Island, Alpaca World & Chuncheon King Canoeing Day Tour

Nami Island, Alpaca World & Chuncheon King Canoeing Day Tour

4.7★

Top 100 Must-Visit Spots

Hwaseong Fortress, Starfield Library Suwon & Korean Folk Village Day Tour

Hwaseong Fortress, Starfield Library Suwon & Korean Folk Village Day Tour

4.8★

modern & historical tour

​​Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS): KTX Bullet Trains to Busan & others (2, 3, 4 or 5 Days)

​​Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS): KTX Bullet Trains to Busan & others (2, 3, 4 or 5 Days)

4.8★

instant pass & tourist exclusive!

 KoreaToDo recommends Klook.com, Asia leading in-destination service provider.

❀SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS❀ Handpicked Experiences

Vivaldi Park Ski World & Eobi Ice Valley Day Tour

Vivaldi Park Ski World & Eobi Ice Valley Day Tour

20 Dec - 5 Mar 2025

₩66,400

gondola✚Snowy Land✦ski✦lift pass

Cheongyang Ice Festival, Strawberry Picking & Suspension Bridge Day Tour

Cheongyang Ice Festival, Strawberry Picking & Suspension Bridge Day Tour

23 Dec - 13 Feb 2025

₩73,500

optional winter activities (e.g. snow sledding)

Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort, Eobi Ice Valley & Nami Island Day Tour

Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort, Eobi Ice Valley & Nami Island Day Tour

16 Dec - 28 Feb 2025

₩61,400

sightseeing✦sled✦ski lesson

Eobi Ice Valley, Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm Day Tour

Eobi Ice Valley, Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm Day Tour

16 Dec - 11 Mar 2025

₩71,800

incl. Morning Calm Lighting Festival

Yongpyong Ski Resort (Balwangsan Cable Car) & Samyang Ranch Day Tour

Yongpyong Ski Resort (Balwangsan Cable Car) & Samyang Ranch Day Tour

3 Dec - 20 Feb 2025

₩85,300

longest cable car to Balwangsan's peak

Maebawi Ice Wall & Snow Wondae-ri Birch Forest Day Tour

Maebawi Ice Wall & Snow Wondae-ri Birch Forest Day Tour

18 Dec - 21 Feb 2025

₩62,500

a hidden winter treasure!

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