Written by Maxwell F.
Just outside the bustling metropolis of Seoul lies another city, one that like its larger neighbor combines historic charm with the unparalleled modernity Korea is known for. Suwon, a city of over a million people, is not a small or insignificant city within Korea, and is home to technological giant Samsung, which serves as a major influence on the city. It also stands as the provincial capital of Gyeonggi-Do, and hosts some of Korea’s premier historic landmarks, a reminder of the city’s ongoing prevalence throughout Korean history.
Yet despite its size, the city’s proximity to Seoul causes it to be overlooked by many. The city holds a much quieter atmosphere as compared to its more bustling northern neighbor, and life in Suwon is tangibly slower. But Suwon is not lacking in areas worth visiting. From one of Korea’s best preserved historic sites, to charming parks and thriving commercial centers, Suwon is a city packed with destinations for those looking to explore Korea outside the capital. And with nearly every site easily accessible from Seoul by either bus,train, or taxi, Suwon makes for an ideal daytrip for those looking to expand beyond Seoul during their Korean travels.
Suwon is easily accessed by those staying in Seoul and neighboring areas. Both the Shin Bundang line and Seoul Metro line 1 lead directly to some of the most popular spots in the city, and a plethora of bus routes connect both the capital and its southern neighbor. Within the city, both the Metro and Bus system make navigating easy and efficient. Taxis are also widely available and can be hailed using both Kakaotaxi or Uber. The wide range of transport options combined with the close proximity of many of Suwon’s attractions means one can see much of what the city is known for in a single day trip.
1. Hwaseong Fortress
In an attempt to move the capital of Korea from Seoul to Suwon, King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty built Hwaseong Fortress to fortify the city. Built over a two year period, the 5.74km wall was heavily damaged during the Korean War. However, the fortress was restored using well preserved blueprints and now stands much as it did during the Joseon dynasty. Today, visitors can enter and exit the wall at a number of different points, allowing them to walk as much or as little of the wall as they’d like. For those covering the entire distance, 2 to 3 hours should allow for plenty of time to see the four main gates and plethora of towers and platforms that compose the fortress. Many of the stops along the fortress wall provide panoramic views of the city. One particular point of interest is the South gate, Paldalmun, notable not only for escaping the ravages of the Korean War, but also for its current isolation from the rest of the fortress. Now sitting in the middle of a traffic roundabout, the gate serves as a reminder of the rich history underlying much of Korea’s contemporary charm. Easily accessible by bus from Seoul, the Fortress offers great insight to Korea’s history, and makes for an excellent starting point for those visiting Suwon.
2. Suwon Museum of Art
Located next to Hwaseong Fortress, the Suwon Museum of Art highlights works covering a number of styles, almost all of which were created by artists local to the city. The gallery’s display of contemporary art reflects the modern culture of the city, in contrast to the nearby fortress which serves as a time capsule for a bygone era. Admission for adults is Krw 4000, a fee which must be paid in cash.
3. Starfield Suwon
Located off of Metro line 1, Starfield Suwon is a massive shopping center famed for its iconic library. Similar to COEX in Seoul, Starfield Suwon maintains a large library, ideal for photographs, but with its own distinctive layout, one that quite possibly is more impressive than its counterpart in Seoul. But the 8-story building also contains a plethora of over activities, including a movie theater and indoor sports park, and with a large food court and additional restaurants and cafes scattered throughout, plenty of dining options. Starfield Suwon also offers extensive shopping opportunities for those looking to stimulate the Korean economy, with shops selling everything from clothes and cosmetics to consumer electronics.
4. Gwanggyo Lake Park
Located directly off the Shin Bundang line, Gwanggyo Lake Park is a charming slice of nature in the middle of a lively district of Suwon. With two separate lakes and numerous walking paths, the park offers a large expanse of much needed green space. The smaller of the two lakes is dotted with walking paths and bridges, and makes for an excellent spot for photos, or to simply escape the din or urban life, as it is well sequestered from the city. The larger of the two lakes is located right in the heart of Gwanggyo, a vibrant up and coming district of Suwon. With a walking path surrounding the entire lake, one can admire the surrounding city scape, illuminated at night by vibrant lights attached to sections of the bridge, or dine at one of the numerous restaurants lining the shore of the lake.
5. Aqua Planet Gwanggyo
Located a stones throw away from Gwanggyo lake park is Aqua Planet Gwanggyo, an aquarium offering a glimpse of what lies below the water’s surface. Located on the bottom level of a shopping complex, Aqua Planet Gwanggyo is significantly smaller than the better known Lotte and COEX aquariums, but this also means far less traffic. It is not beyond the realm of possibility to have the aquarium nearly to yourself, allowing visitors to take in the exhibits at a more leisurely pace compared to other aquariums. And though the exhibits are smaller than other aquariums in the region, they are not of any lower quality than those seen in COEX or Lotte. Admission is 26000 KRW for adults, and tickets are easy to purchase on site.
These attractions provide something for everyone, and can all be visited comfortably on the same day. With all these locations being directly accessible from Seoul, and all easily interconnected by Suwon’s public transportation system. The city provides an excellent opportunity to explore some of Korea’s lesser traveled destinations, and yet remains within reach of Seoul and its associated conveniences. And while Suwon may be overlooked by some, it remains a must-see destination for those visiting Korea.
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