Hello! This is my first blog post on my new blog!

Recently (on November 4, 2024), I visited Suwon Hwaseong, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Korea.

Thanks to my friend who did a "pre-exploration" the day before, I was able to enjoy a perfect autumn foliage day trip without much effort—just following along and taking photos.

As someone living in Seoul, I’ve always appreciated the city’s unique charm and abundance of traditional Korean cultural spots.

However, Seoul can feel overwhelming at times with its dense crowds and towering buildings, leaving little room for wide-open spaces to breathe and relax. If you’re like me and crave a break from the bustling city life, I highly recommend visiting Suwon Hwaseong Haenggungdong.

This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a refreshing escape with its expansive fortress walls, serene nature paths, and historic landmarks.

To help you decide whether this destination is right for you, I’ve included plenty of photos I personally took during my trip.

Hopefully, they’ll inspire you to plan your own visit!

Today, I’ll share the must-visit spots in Suwon Haenggungdong that I personally explored. I’ll also include the order of my travel itinerary along with Naver Map links for your convenience!

(Note: This itinerary might be a bit packed, so if you’re planning a more leisurely date course, make sure to check out the ⭐️ recommended must-visit points at the end.)

Let’s get started!! 😊

How to Get to Suwon from Seoul

Getting to Suwon from Seoul depends on which part of the city you’re coming from, as there are multiple convenient transportation options available. Here’s a quick overview of the main ways to travel:

1. Train (Korail Mugunghwa or Nooriro) / KTX (High-Speed Train)

Depart from Seoul Station or Yongsan Station and stopping at Suwon Station.

2. Subway (Line 1)

Take Subway Line 1 (Dark Blue Line) heading toward Sinchang or Cheonan, which stops at Suwon Station.

3. Bus

From Sadang Station, take red buses like 7770 or 7001, which go directly to Suwon’s Janganmun Gate area.

4. Taxi or Car

Taxis or personal vehicles offer a direct route to Suwon but are more expensive than public transportation.

How I went?

Personally, I took the red bus from Sadang Station, which was a convenient and straightforward way to reach Suwon without any transfers. If you’re near Sadang, I highly recommend this option for a smooth start to your trip!

Why Visit Suwon Hwaseong Haenggungdong?

• Escape the Crowds: Compared to Seoul’s busy streets, Suwon Hwaseong offers a peaceful atmosphere with fewer people.
• Open Spaces: The fortress walls and surrounding areas provide a sense of openness that’s hard to find in the city.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Immerse yourself in history by exploring one of Korea’s most iconic cultural landmarks.
• Autumn Foliage & Scenic Views: If you visit in autumn, the vibrant colors make the experience even more magical.

Now that you know why this place is worth visiting and how to get there, let me take you through my personal itinerary!

Explore Suwon Hwaseong: My Step-by-Step Walking Itinerary

# Starting at Dongbuk Gongsimdon

📍 Dongbuk Gongsimdon on Naver Map

For those coming via the red bus from Sadang Station in Seoul, this is a great starting point for your outing!

I met up with my friend here and took a photo in front of the Suwon Hwaseong UNESCO World Heritage monument (it’s just a short walk inside from Dongbuk Gongsimdon).

# The Lone Ginkgo Tree

After leaving the fortress walls, I followed this 📍 pathway on Naver Map.

I arrived at The Lone Ginkgo Tree—a perfect photo spot during autumn!

# The Path to Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion

Walking along the scenic upper path surrounded by colorful leaves and quaint houses, we continued toward Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion.

After passing through the picturesque silver grass trail and climbing along the fortress walls,

I caught an amazing view of Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion and Yongyeon Pond through gaps in the fortress walls.

My friend gave me a great tip:

"The view from above is way better than from below!” 

Without her advice, I’d probably have kept marching straight ahead, completely missing this gem of a spot. 

# Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion & Yongyeon Pond

📍 Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion on Naver Map

There’s a small gate connecting Banghwasuryujeong to Yongyeon Pond!

Yongyeon Pond was absolutely gorgeous from below as well. Both perspectives are worth seeing!

# Heading Toward Janganmun Gate + Scenic Cafe Break

📍 Janganmun Gate on Naver Map

On a day with beautiful clouds, Janganmun Gate looked breathtaking.

I took a break at 팔레센트 paletscent, a rooftop cafe with stunning views of Janganmun Gate.

📍 팔레센트 paletscent Naver Map

Highly recommend this cafe for its cozy atmosphere and photo-worthy rooftop space! 

# Hwaseomun Gate

📍 Hwaseomun Gate on Naver Map

After resting, it was time to walk along the fortress walls again toward Hwaseomun Gate. The views of the shops below were charming as I made my way there.

# Haengnidan-gil & Haenggungdong Cafe Street

We explored Haengnidan-gil (the main road in front of Hwaseomun Gate) and wandered through its charming alleys.

This newly developed area is filled with trendy cafes and shops that exude modern vibes mixed with traditional charm.

My favorite part? The trampoline at Kkumjaram Children’s Playground—We adults also need some dopamine-filled fun.

# Hwaseong Haenggung & Hwalyeongjeon-gil

📍 Hwaseong Haenggung on Naver Map

We eventually arrived at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, a historic site rich in cultural significance. While we didn’t go inside (Yes, there’s an entrance fee to enter Hwaseong Haenggung. It's about 1$!), we decided to take a more relaxed approach and wandered along Hwalyeongjeon-gil instead.

The low hanok buildings with mountains in the background created such an open and peaceful vibe—it was beautiful!

# Gongbang Street

This street felt like stepping back in time with its traditional craft shops and old wells. It was so much fun wandering here and discovering little surprises around every corner.

# Paldalmun Gate

📍 Paldalmun Gate on Naver Map

There sure are a lot of gates...

Paldalmun stands right in the middle of a busy road—not exactly pretty but still worth seeing for its historical significance.

Afterward, we headed back toward Haenggungdong.

# Dinner at Dal Dalhan Kitchen

📍 Dal Dalhan Kitchen 달달한부엌 on Naver Map

We stopped for dinner at 달달한 부엌 Dal Dalhan Kitchen, a cozy restaurant known for its warm Korean home-style meals. 

Their yukhoe bibimbap (beef tartare rice bowl) was delicious and comforting—just the energy boost we needed to continue our adventure.

As we left, the sky began to glow with soft yellow hues of twilight. 🌅

# Hwaseo Park – The Grand Finale

📍 Hwaseo Park on Naver Map

Our last stop was Hwaseo Park, and let me tell you—this place is absolutely stunning.

As we arrived, the sunset was already painting the sky with beautiful hues, and I couldn’t help but admire how gorgeous everything looked. Honestly, I’d been saying “Wow, this is so beautiful!” all day long, but at Hwaseo Park, I felt like I was saying it every five seconds.

The sunset over the fortress walls, silver grass swaying in the breeze, and autumn-tinted trees created an unforgettable scene.

We couldn’t resist capturing the moment—my friend and I ended up filming ourselves jumping and spinning in the middle of the grass field. 

After soaking in the beauty of the park, we followed a path that led us back to the fortress walls. 

This was truly one of those places that made me want to roll around on the ground in happiness (figuratively speaking… or maybe not). If you visit Suwon Hwaseong Haenggungdong, Hwaseo Park is a must-see!

# Returning to Janganmun Gate and Heading Home

📍 Janganmun Gate on Naver Map

After finishing my exploration, I returned to Janganmun Gate to catch the red bus back home.

To be honest, Janganmun at night wasn’t as visually appealing as I had hoped—the lights were too bright and washed out the gate’s features.

After taking one last look, I hopped on the red bus near the Janganmun Gate.

Exhausted from walking around all day without much rest, I ended up dozing off on the ride home—almost missing my stop.

But isn’t that just proof of how much fun I had? 😊

Tips for Your Trip

• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking most of the day.
• Bring a camera or smartphone to capture stunning views and historic landmarks, and don’t forget to pack a portable charger—you’ll likely want to take lots of photos!
• Check the weather forecast and plan your visit on a sunny day, as most of the activities involve outdoor exploration.

Best Spots Summary (⭐️ = Highly Recommended)

📍 Dongbuk Gongsimdon
📍 Lone Ginkgo Tree
📍 Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion ⭐️⭐️⭐️
📍 Janganmun Gate
📍 Hwaseomun Gate
📍 Haengnidan-gil & Alleys ⭐️
📍 Hwaseong Haenggung (Exterior) ⭐️⭐️
📍 Gongbang Street
📍 Paldalmun Gate
📍 Hwaseo Park ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Conclusion

Suwon Hwaseong Haenggungdong is a destination where history, culture, and natural beauty come together seamlessly. During my day trip, I had the chance to explore iconic landmarks, uncover hidden gems, and take in scenic views that left me with unforgettable memories.

Whether it’s

walking along the fortress walls,

wandering through vibrant streets like Haengnidan-gil,

or soaking in the autumn colors at Hwaseo Park,

there’s truly something for everyone here.

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from Seoul’s bustling city life or a perfect autumn getaway, Suwon Hwaseong Haenggungdong is a must-visit.

So grab your walking shoes, plan your route, and prepare to immerse yourself in one of Korea’s most charming destinations. I hope this guide helps you create your own unforgettable adventure! 😊