Suwon, South Korea Travel Guide: Perfect Day Trip Itinerary

If you’re looking for a destination outside Seoul that’s rich in culture, history, and local flavors, Suwon is the perfect day trip. Just an hour away from Seoul, this city is home to the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress, which, for me, is a must-visit. Here’s your complete Suwon travel guide and itinerary for a day trip.

Things to Know Before You Go

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best times to visit Suwon. The weather is mild, flowers bloom in spring, and the autumn foliage makes the fortress walls even more picturesque. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter gets very cold, though it’s still manageable.

We visited Suwon during March, which is almost Spring, and it was during good weather.

Money

South Korea uses the Korean Won (KRW). Credit cards are widely accepted in Suwon, but having some cash on hand is useful, especially in traditional markets and small restaurants.

Basic Phrases & Languages

• Hello: Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요)
• Thank you: Gamsahamnida (감사합니다)
• How much?: Eolmayeyo? (얼마예요?)

Most people in Suwon understand basic English, especially near tourist sites, but learning a few phrases makes your trip smoother. It will also help you connect to the local community more.

Safety

Suwon, like most of South Korea, is very safe for travelers. Pickpocketing is rare, and public transport is reliable. Just be cautious in crowded markets or at night when streets are quieter. But overall, it feels really safe. Some locals, especially the older ones, were very nice as well.

We encountered an older man asking where we were from in English. It was such a cute and quick conversation.

Planning Your Trip to Suwon

Visa

Most travelers can enter South Korea visa-free for 30–90 days, depending on nationality. Check the updated visa requirements before your trip.

For Filipinos, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa in advance through the Korean Embassy in Manila or accredited travel agencies. Processing usually takes 7–14 working days. As of 2024, South Korea has also started rolling out an electronic travel authorization (K-ETA) for some categories, so check if you qualify.

I highly recommend applying 1-2 months in advance.

If you are a freelancer, I created a quick guide on how I applied for my visa in Cebu.

Transport

• From Seoul to Suwon: The fastest way is by KTX train from Seoul Station (around 30 minutes). Alternatively, take Line 1 of the Seoul Subway (about 1 hour).
• Getting around Suwon: Public buses are frequent, but walking is a great way to explore the fortress area. Taxis are affordable for short distances.
• T-Money Card or WOWPASS Card: A reloadable transportation card that works for subways, buses, and even convenience stores across South Korea. Highly recommended if you’re taking multiple trips—just tap in and out for hassle-free travel.

Accommodations

Since Suwon is perfect for a day trip, many travelers don’t stay overnight. However, if you want to explore more, they have plenty of guesthouses and hotels near the station and fortress.

Tours & Activities

If you want a more guided experience, you can book tours that cover Suwon and nearby attractions. Personally, I use Klook to book activities and tours because it’s easy, affordable, and reliable.

Klook.com

How to stay connected?

Most travelers use eSIM in Korea since it’s super convenient—you can buy it online before your trip and connect as soon as you land.

I personally prefer using pocket Wi-Fi so my phone battery doesn’t drain too fast. It’s also great when you’re traveling with friends because you can share the connection.

You can buy your eSIM through the link below for easy setup before your trip:

Things to Do in Suwon

Hwaseong Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage)

If there’s one place you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Suwon, it’s Hwaseong Fortress. This massive fortress wraps around the city and was built in the late 18th century by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty.

Fun fact: he built it not just for defense, but also to honor his father and move the capital to Suwon (though that plan didn’t fully push through).

What makes this fortress so cool is how well it’s preserved. In fact, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique blend of Eastern and Western military architecture. You’ll notice the walls stretch for about 5.7 kilometers and are dotted with watchtowers, secret gates, and pavilions. Walking along the wall gives you sweeping views of Suwon and the surrounding mountains.

I personally loved how lively the fortress area felt. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a cultural performance or archery demonstration.

The four main gates of Hwaseong Fortress are:

• Paldalmun (South Gate) – The main and most prominent gate, located near Suwon’s city center.
• Hwaseomun (West Gate) – Known for its unique half-moon-shaped outer wall (ongseong) for added defense.
• Changnyongmun (East Gate) – Offers a scenic view of the surrounding hills and fields.
• Janganmun (North Gate) – The largest fortress gate in Korea, symbolizing strength and protection.

K-drama fun fact: You might recognize Paldalmun Gate from a few episodes of Twenty-Five Twenty-One. In the drama, it’s shown as a bus stop, but in real life, it’s not actually one—it’s a historical gate right in the middle of Suwon.
Location: 320-2 Yeonghwa-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Tip: Wear comfy shoes because the fortress involves a lot of walking and some steep parts. If you’re short on time, focus on the main gates or check out Seojangdae Command Post for the best views.

We got to visit 3 out of 4 gates and it was such a looong walk, but totally worth it!

Hwaseong Haenggung Palace

Right inside Suwon’s fortress walls, you’ll find Hwaseong Haenggung Palace. The largest temporary palace from the Joseon Dynasty. “Haenggung” basically means a palace the king would use when he was away from the capital. King Jeongjo used this one quite a lot when visiting Suwon, especially because it was close to his father’s tomb.

Today, the palace has been beautifully restored, so you can walk through the grand gates, throne halls, and living quarters.

K-drama fun fact: Hwaseong Haenggung Palace was one of the filming locations for the hit drama Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum). So walking through the courtyards might give you a little déjà vu if you’ve seen the series.

Sometimes they hold cultural performances here, like traditional dances or martial arts demonstrations, which make the experience even better.

Entrance Fee: ₩1,500 for adults, ₩700 for children
Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Suwoncheon Stream

If you want a slower, more relaxing part of your trip, take a walk along Suwoncheon Stream. This stream flows right through the city and is beautifully integrated into the fortress. It’s especially nice in the evening when the pathways light up, and locals come out for a stroll.

I really enjoyed our walk here. A lot of people come to jog, and there are chairs around, so you can definitely stop, sit, and just relax.

One of the coolest spots here is Nam Su Mun (South Water Gate). It’s the only water gate in Hwaseong Fortress and was built to let the Suwoncheon stream flow through the fortress walls. Back in the Joseon Dynasty, it was cleverly designed so that the city’s defenses stayed strong while still allowing water to pass through. Today, it’s a peaceful little landmark where you can snap photos of the stream framed by the gate.

Starfield Library Suwon

If you love aesthetic spots, drop by the Starfield Library Suwon inside the Starfield Mall. It’s that famous library with the giant bookshelves you’ve probably seen online, especially on TikTok 😆.

There’s also another Starfield Library in COEX Mall Seoul, but this one in Suwon is less crowded and just as beautiful.

It’s free to enter and perfect for a quick photo stop or coffee break before heading back to Seoul. Try to go on a weekday since it gets busy on weekends.

We actually missed this spot because we did not have enough time. 😅

K-Drama Filming Locations in Suwon

If you love K-drama and you want to visit some of the filming locations. Here is a list of K-drama locations you might want to check out if you have more time in Suwon.

• Extraordinary Attorney Woo
  • Woo Young Kimbap Shop / Kajaguruma
    • Location: 61 Sinpung-ro 23beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon
• Lovely Runner
  • Im-Sol’s House / Mong Ted Cafe
    • Location: 14 Hwaseomun-ro 48beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon
  • Sunjae’s House
    • Location: Hwaseomun-ro 48beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon
• Our Beloved Summer
  • Choi Woong’s House / Haenggung Party
    • Location: 09-1 Jangan-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon
  • Kook Yeon-soo’s House / Jidong Mural Village
    • Location: 75-5 Changnyongmun-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon
• The King: Eternal Monarch
  • The library where Lee Gon and Jeong Tae-eul meet in Episode 2 is Hallim Library (Suwon)
    • Location: 32-52 Dongsuwon-ro 25beon-gil, Gwonseon-gu, Suwon
• Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
  • The garden is memorable for scenes like the one where IU’s character sings to the 10th prince.
    • Location: 399 Dongsuwon-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon

Food & Cafes to try in Suwon

• Dolfanjjajang Jjama – I wanted to try lunch here, but they only take reservations.
• Temporary Palace Aewol – We had lunch here instead, and it was delicious! The place had a calm, traditional vibe.
• Cafe Dohwa – Stopped by for coffee before heading back to Seoul. Cozy spot with good desserts.
• Gyeongandang Cafe – This cafe was on my list because it has beautiful interiors and a nice view of the fortress. Maybe I can visit next time!

Personal Experience in Suwon

We went from Seoul to Suwon around 11:30 a.m., a bit late for a day trip, but still worth it. Our plan was simple: eat, explore, and enjoy.

Even with a late start, it was such a nice, slow-paced escape from Seoul.

Watch the vlog above to see exactly how our day in Suwon went!

Pin for later!

My Travel Faves!

🌎 Safetywing: For travel insurance

✈️ Google Flights: For finding flight deals

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

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☀️ Klook: For tours and activities

📷 Canon G7X Mark II: My travel camera

🧳 Luggage: My favorite luggage

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