Suwon South Korea 4 Day Itinerary

Suwon Itinerary: 4 Days of History, Culture, and Food

Day 1: Hwaseong Fortress and Traditional Experience

Morning

  • Hwaseong Fortress (): A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Korea’s most impressive fortresses. Explore the walls, gates, and museums within.
  • Take a guided tour (available in English) to learn about the fortress’s history and significance.

Afternoon

  • Visit Korean Folk Village (): A living museum showcasing traditional Korean culture. Try on traditional clothes, participate in folk games, and watch cultural performances.
  • Enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the village’s restaurants, serving dishes like bibimbap and naengmyeon (cold noodles).

Evening

  • Stay at Suwon Central Hotel or similar, conveniently located near the fortress and village.
  • For dinner, head to Myeong-dong Kyoja (), a popular restaurant serving delicious Korean-Chinese cuisine.

Things to Know

  • Hwaseong Fortress is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (April to October) and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November to March).
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the fortress and village.

Transportation

  • Take the Subway (Line 1) to Suwon Station, then transfer to Bus 2-2 or Taxi to Hwaseong Fortress.
  • Alternatively, take a tourist taxi from Incheon International Airport (around 45 minutes).

Day 2: Royal Tombs and Local Markets

Morning

  • Visit the Yeongneung Royal Tomb (): The final resting place of King Sejong, creator of the Korean alphabet. Explore the serene surroundings and learn about Korea’s royal history.
  • Take a short walk to Jangsu Market (), a bustling marketplace offering fresh produce, snacks, and souvenirs.

Afternoon

  • Head to Suwon Stadium (), home of the Suwon Samsung Bluewings football team. Even if there’s no match scheduled, you can take a guided tour of the stadium.
  • For lunch, try some street food at Jangsu Market or nearby eateries, serving dishes like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes).

Evening

  • Stay at Suwon Central Hotel or similar.
  • Enjoy a dinner of Korean BBQ at Mapo Jeong Daepo (), known for its high-quality meats and flavorful marinades.

Tips

  • Wear modest clothing when visiting the royal tomb, as it’s a sacred site.
  • Be prepared to try new foods and drinks at Jangsu Market!

Transportation

  • Take the Subway (Line 1) to Suwon Station, then transfer to Bus 2-5 or Taxi to Yeongneung Royal Tomb.

Day 3: Museums and Parks

Morning

  • Visit the Suwon Museum (): Explore exhibits on Suwon’s history, culture, and art.
  • Head to Gwanggyo Lake Park (): A scenic park with walking trails, gardens, and a beautiful lake. Rent a bike or take a leisurely stroll.

Afternoon

  • Stop by Paju Premium Outlets (), offering discounts on popular Korean brands and international labels.
  • For lunch, try some Korean-Chinese cuisine at Hwang’s Kitchen (), known for its flavorful dishes like jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles).

Evening

  • Stay at Suwon Central Hotel or similar.
  • Enjoy a relaxing evening with a stroll around Gwanggyo Lake Park or a visit to the nearby Gwanggyo Tower () for panoramic views of Suwon.

Things to Know

  • The Suwon Museum is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday).
  • Rent a bike at Gwanggyo Lake Park for a fun and leisurely experience.

Transportation

  • Take the Subway (Line 1) to Suwon Station, then transfer to Bus 2-7 or Taxi to the museum.
  • Alternatively, take a tourist taxi from Incheon International Airport (around 45 minutes).

Day 4: Shopping and Departure

Morning

  • Visit Aegeon Mall (): A large shopping center with international brands, restaurants, and entertainment options like a movie theater and arcade.
  • Shop for Korean souvenirs at the mall or nearby markets.

Afternoon

  • Head back to Incheon International Airport (around 45 minutes) for your departure flight.
  • Alternatively, extend your stay in Suwon or travel to other Korean destinations.

Tips

  • Check the mall’s website for promotions and discounts before visiting.
  • Don’t forget to try some Korean desserts, like bingsu (shaved ice dessert) or hotteok (sweet pancakes), during your trip!

This itinerary provides a mix of history, culture, food, and leisure activities in Suwon. Enjoy your travels!