Suwon, South Korea-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Gimpo International Airport or Seoul Incheon International Airport and take a bus or train to Suwon Station ( approx. 30-40 minutes)
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Suwon Hwaseong Folk Museum (free admission) to learn about the city’s history and culture
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Ggot-jang, a popular restaurant serving traditional Korean street food
  • 1:30 PM: Explore the Janganmun Gate, one of the four major gates of the Hwaseong Fortress (admission fee: 1,000 KRW)
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the nearby Bongsan Folk Village (free admission) to see traditional Korean houses and farming practices
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Bulgogi House, a restaurant serving high-quality beef dishes
  • 9:00 PM: Check-in at Hotel Shinsegae Suwon, a 4-star hotel with modern amenities

Day 2: Hwaseong Fortress

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day by visiting the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (admission fee: 1,500 KRW)
  • 10:30 AM: Explore the surrounding Hwaseong Fortress (admission fee: 2,400 KRW), which includes the Paldal Gate and the Hyowonnuwon Pavilion
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Tosokchon, a restaurant serving traditional Korean dishes near the fortress
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Suwon Museum of Art (free admission) to see exhibits on Korean art and culture
  • 4:00 PM: Take a stroll along the scenic Hwaseong Riverwalk
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Korean BBQ House, a restaurant serving high-quality meats

Day 3: Jjimjilbangs and Local Markets

  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Sudokwon Terminals, a large jjimjilbang (Korean spa) with indoor pool, sauna, and other facilities (admission fee: 15,000 KRW)
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Jinmee Market, a local market selling fresh produce, meat, and seafood
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the nearby Ggot-dong Traditional Market (free admission) to see traditional Korean goods and souvenirs
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the Suwon City Hall (free admission) to see the city’s government building and surrounding park
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Seoul-style Street Food, a restaurant serving popular street food dishes

Day 4: Suwon Tower and Nearby Attractions

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Suwon Tower (admission fee: 6,000 KRW), which offers panoramic views of the city
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Yongdusan Park, a scenic park with walking trails and picnic areas (free admission)
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Pizza Restaurant, a popular spot serving Western-style food
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Suwon Tower Museum (admission fee: 3,000 KRW) to learn about the tower’s history and construction
  • 5:00 PM: Enjoy shopping at Ggot-dong Shopping Street, a local market selling souvenirs and traditional goods

Day 5: Day Trip to Seoul

  • 9:00 AM: Take a train or bus to Seoul Station (approx. 30-40 minutes)
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace (admission fee: 3,000 KRW), one of the largest and most impressive palaces in Korea
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Bibimbap Restaurant, a popular spot serving high-quality rice bowls
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the nearby National Folk Museum (free admission) to see traditional Korean houses and artifacts
  • 5:00 PM: Return to Suwon by train or bus

Day 6: Local Markets and Shopping

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Ggot-dong Traditional Market (free admission) to see local produce, meat, and seafood
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Suwon City Market, a large market selling souvenirs and traditional goods
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Local Street Food, a popular spot serving affordable Korean dishes
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Suwon Museum of History (free admission) to learn about the city’s history and culture
  • 5:00 PM: Enjoy shopping at Ggot-dong Shopping Street

Day 7: Departure

  • 9:00 AM: Check-out from Hotel Shinsegae Suwon
  • 10:00 AM: Visit any last-minute attractions or shops in the city
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at a local restaurant
  • 2:00 PM: Depart for the airport or your next destination

Things to Know

  • Language: Korean is the official language, but many locals speak some English.
  • Currency: South Korean won (KRW) is the local currency.
  • Weather: Suwon has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters.
  • Safety: Suwon is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Transportation

  • Airport Bus: From Gimpo International Airport or Seoul Incheon International Airport to Suwon Station (approx. 30-40 minutes)
  • Train: From Seoul Station to Suwon Station (approx. 30-40 minutes)
  • Taxi: Available throughout the city

Tips and Recommendations

  • Dress Code: Modest dress is recommended when visiting temples or other cultural sites.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service.
  • Language App: Download a translation app to help with language barriers.
  • Cashless Payments: Many businesses now accept cashless payments, such as credit cards and mobile payments.

Other Things of Interest

  • Suwon Folk Village: A traditional village showcasing Korean culture and architecture (free admission)
  • Yeongdong Market: A local market selling fresh produce and seafood
  • Ggot-dong Shopping Street: A popular shopping street with souvenirs and traditional goods

Note: Prices are subject to change, and this itinerary is just a suggestion. Be sure to check for any updates or changes before your trip.