Things To Do
in Suwon
Suwon is a vibrant city located in South Korea, known for its rich history and cultural significance. It is home to Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which offers insight into Korea's architectural achievements. The city boasts a dynamic blend of traditional and modern elements, with bustling markets, trendy cafes, and historic landmarks coexisting harmoniously.
Suwon is also famous for its annual events, such as the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, which celebrate the city's heritage and creativity.
- "안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)" - Hello
- "고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida)" - Thank you
- "실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)" - Excuse me
- "죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)" - I'm sorry
- "얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?)" - How much is it?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the fortress walls, taking in the beautiful views of the city.
Visit the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace located within the fortress. Explore its historical architecture and beautiful gardens for a serene afternoon.
Dine at a local Korean restaurant and try some traditional dishes like Suwon’s famous galbi. After dinner, enjoy a walk around the fortress to see it illuminated at night.
Visit the Korean Folk Village to experience traditional Korean culture and architecture. Take part in various cultural performances and craft workshops.
Have lunch at the village and taste local delicacies. Continue exploring the village and enjoy traditional games and activities.
Return to Suwon and explore the vibrant market scene. Sample street food and shop for unique local crafts.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites such as Hwaseong Fortress and traditional Korean architecture.
- Vibrant local markets and delicious Korean cuisine, offering a variety of dining experiences.
- Good transportation infrastructure, including access to Seoul via subway and bus, making commuting convenient.
- Strong educational institutions and universities, making it an attractive place for students.
- Pleasant parks and recreational areas, including the scenic Suwoncheon Stream and top-notch leisure facilities.
- Higher living costs compared to other smaller cities in South Korea, especially in housing.
- Traffic congestion during peak hours, particularly for commuters traveling to Seoul.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors compared to larger cities like Seoul.
- Hot and humid summers, which may be uncomfortable for some residents.
- Language barrier for non-Korean speakers, as English is not widely spoken among the older population.
Best Activities in Suwon
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the ancient fortress with its impressive architectural features and scenic surroundings.
Visit the museum to learn about the history and culture of the Suwon area.
Enjoy hiking trails and beautiful scenery around the picturesque Gwanggyo Lake.
Engage in various outdoor activities including cycling, picnicking, and strolling in the park.
Places to Visit in Suwon
Visit one of these nice places.
A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views of the surrounding area.
Offers a panoramic view of the entire city of Suwon.
Scenic park with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
Food in Suwon
Suwon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A delicious mix of rice, vegetables, egg, and spicy gochujang sauce, usually served in a hot stone bowl. Try it at Sik Gaeak, a popular restaurant in Suwon.
Must-Try!
Grilled marinated beef short ribs that are tender and savory. Visit Daepohang Galbi Town for an authentic experience.
This local specialty features marinated beef ribs grilled over charcoal. Check out Myeongjae Galbi for a memorable Suwon Galbi dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore this bustling market offering a wide range of street food like Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Twigim (assorted deep-fried snacks), and more.
Discover a variety of traditional Korean street foods like Sundae (blood sausage), Eomuk (fish cakes), and hotteok (sweet pancakes).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Suwon, it is important to show respect for elders through gestures such as bowing and using formal language.
When entering a Korean home or certain traditional establishments, it is customary to remove your shoes as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
When dining in Suwon, it is polite to wait for the eldest or most senior person to begin eating before starting your meal.
Safety
Tipping in Suwon
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is generally not expected in Suwon, Korea, South. In restaurants, hotels, and other service establishments, the bill usually includes a service charge, so tipping is not necessary. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small token of appreciation will be appreciated.
In Suwon, Korea, South, cash is widely used for small transactions, but credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments and tourist areas. Contactless payment methods and mobile payment apps are also gaining popularity. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller businesses and street vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Suwon, Korea, South is in spring (April and May) when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the weather is mild.
Expect hot and humid weather in summer (June to August) with occasional rain showers. However, this is also when festivals and events take place in Suwon.
Autumn (September to November) is another good time to visit Suwon, Korea, South, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage as the leaves change color.
Winter (December to February) can be cold, but it's a great time to experience traditional Korean winter activities and see the city covered in snow.
Suwon at Night
Hiking in Suwon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large national park that offers a variety of trails with stunning views, rich biodiversity, and historical sites.
A scenic park featuring historical fortress walls, diverse trails, and beautiful vistas overlooking the surrounding areas.
A family-friendly park with walking and hiking paths alongside the lake, offering a relaxing outdoor experience.
A popular hiking spot that features a moderate trail leading to the summit, offering panoramic views of the city and mountains.
A tranquil hiking destination with various trails, rich in flora and fauna, and a great place for nature lovers.
Aiports
How to reach Suwon by plane.
Located approximately 80 km from Suwon, Incheon International Airport is the main international airport serving Seoul and the surrounding areas. It handles a large volume of international flights and is known for its modern facilities.
Situated about 55 km from Suwon, Gimpo International Airport primarily handles domestic flights along with a number of international flights. It is closer to the city and serves as a secondary international gateway to Seoul.
Approximately 35 km southwest of Suwon, Pyeongtaek International Airport serves military and some civilian flights. It is less frequented compared to Incheon and Gimpo but has been developed to support growing air traffic.
Located about 120 km from Suwon, Cheongju International Airport offers international flights mainly to China and domestic flights within Korea. It serves the North Chungcheong Province region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnicity in Suwon, comprising the largest demographic group, predominantly speaking Korean and following various cultural practices.
A significant group in Suwon, including individuals from countries like Vietnam, China, and the Philippines, often engaged in manufacturing and service industries.
Students from various countries who come to Suwon for education, contributing to the cultural diversity of the city.
Foreign professionals living in Suwon for work, representing various countries and contributing to the local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Suwon, with the city being home to the Suwon Samsung Bluewings, a professional soccer team in the K League.
Baseball enjoys significant popularity in Suwon, with local teams and leagues fostering a strong community following.
Basketball is widely played and followed in Suwon, with various amateur teams and school competitions taking place throughout the year.
As the birthplace of Taekwondo, Suwon has numerous training centers and schools that promote this traditional martial art, making it very popular among locals.
Volleyball is played in schools and communities throughout Suwon, with both men's and women's teams competing in local leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Suwon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Several restaurants and cafes in Suwon offer vegetarian dishes, such as Buddhist temple cuisine at Baegyangsa Temple.
Look for vegan-friendly eateries like Plant in Suwon, which serves an array of plant-based Korean dishes.
Some restaurants in Suwon are attentive to gluten-free requirements, for instance, Sarangchae House offers gluten-free Bibimbap and other dishes.