Written by Dilara DEMIR
It’s 9:12am, we still have the pillow mark on our cheek, and yet… an absolutely iconic day awaits us in Suwon. The name alone clicks like a Fenty lip gloss. So we slip on our sneakers, put on our best outfit, and off we go for an adventure of chicks, Korean vibes and feel-good attitude.
First stop: K-Drama locations (yes, you’re allowed to fangirl)!
1. Our Beloved Summer
We’re off to a great start. The setting for this nostalgic, romantic drama isn’t just fiction: you’re really walking through the places where Choi Woong and Yeon-su left their hearts. Cobbled street, little stalls, “summer memory” atmosphere – it makes you want to get out a sketchbook and declare yourself awkwardly.
2. Lovely Runner
Backstreets, parks and that little corner of Suwon where you’d think you were in a scene between Im Sol and Ryu Sun-jae. Spoiler: no time travel for us, but time does stop for a moment (poetic, isn’t it?).
3. Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Now we’re getting to the heart of the matter. We passed through the courthouse and the neighborhood where Woo Young-woo (Woo to the Young to the Woo) lived his life of genius. Emotion guaranteed. We almost cried (with happiness, of course), especially in front of a kimbap restaurant where we could have sworn we saw his father.
Next: Royal visit to Hwaseong Palace :
Arrival in style at Suwon Hwaseong Palace.
Monumental, historic, magnificent. And then, surprise!
Statues and scenes recreated with life-size figurines (and amazing traditional costumes) recount the great historical events of the Joseon dynasty.
You learn a few things, take selfies like a Korean queen, and… yes, there are horses, swords and even a little shiver when you hear the epic background music.
And then… the changing of the guard show.
Drums, shouts, armor and stylish guys marching like in an episode of Kingdom but without the zombies. We thought we were princesses sent by Netflix.
A quiet break at the Starfield Library, shopping and girly strolls in the mall :
Head for Suwon’s Starfield Library, aka the holy temple of literate Instagrammers.
A cathedral of books, sky-high shelves and cosy/luxurious vibes. Reading? Not to much.
But we take way too many photos, and pose with a latte like we’re writing a best-selling novel.
Chill atmosphere, pop music and shopping with friends (code: try everything, buy little, comment on everything).
Cute T-shirts, kitsch accessories, Korean gadgets, strawberry snacks…
