Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Nature park
★ 4.9 (8K+ reviews) • 35K+ booked
Discover the enchanting Suwon Hwaseong Fortress in Gyeonggi-do, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site that offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Built between 1794 and 1796 by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty, this fortress stands as a testament to his filial piety and vision for a prosperous city. Encompassing 130 hectares with walls stretching 5.74 km, Hwaseong Fortress not only served defensive purposes but also housed the remains of Crown Prince Jangheon. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a picturesque getaway, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress promises an unforgettable experience. This stunning example of 18th-century military architecture is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of historical significance, architectural marvels, and cultural richness.
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320-2 Yeonghwa-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

The best of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Tickets & Tours

Hwaseong Fortress/Starfield Suwon Library/Gwangmeyong Cave tour
Tours • From Seoul

Hwaseong Fortress/Starfield Suwon Library/Gwangmeyong Cave tour

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English guide
Hotel pick-up
Private tour
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (102) • 1K+ booked
From NZ$ 105.65
Starfield Library Suwon+Hwaseong Fortress+Gwangmyeong Cave
Klook's choice
Tours • From Seoul

Starfield Library Suwon+Hwaseong Fortress+Gwangmyeong Cave

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English guide
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.9 (114) • 900+ booked
NZ$ 114.49
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Night Tour from Seoul
Tours • From Seoul

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Night Tour from Seoul

English guide
Evening departure
Private tour
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 5.0 (11) • 50+ booked
From NZ$ 98.75
Gyeonggi K-Drama Filming Location Tour from Seoul
Tours • From Seoul

Gyeonggi K-Drama Filming Location Tour from Seoul

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English guide
Hotel pick-up
Private tour
Small group
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 3.0 (2)
From NZ$ 123.99
Suwon Hwaseong Day Tour from Seoul: UNESCO, Hanok, Colorful Views
Tours • From Seoul

Suwon Hwaseong Day Tour from Seoul: UNESCO, Hanok, Colorful Views

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English guide
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (167) • 1K+ booked
From NZ$ 96.25
NZ$ 102.65
Korea Folk Village & Suwon Hwaseong Day Tour from Seoul (EG Tour)
Klook's choice
Tours • From Seoul

Korea Folk Village & Suwon Hwaseong Day Tour from Seoul (EG Tour)

English guide
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (641) • 6K+ booked
NZ$ 109.50
World Cultural Heritage Tour in Seoul
Tours • Seoul

World Cultural Heritage Tour in Seoul

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English guide
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 5.0 (20) • 100+ booked
From NZ$ 53.09
Suwon hwaseong+Korean Folk Village+ Starfield library Suwon Tour
Tours • From Seoul

Suwon hwaseong+Korean Folk Village+ Starfield library Suwon Tour

Book now for tomorrow
English guide
Hotel pick-up
Private tour
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (7) • 100+ booked
From NZ$ 104.85
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Tour from Seoul
Klook's choice
Tours • From Seoul

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Tour from Seoul

Book now for tomorrow
English guide
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.9 (25) • 100+ booked
From NZ$ 79.65
Lovely Runner Solsunsubeom Suwon Tour
Tours • From Seoul

Lovely Runner Solsunsubeom Suwon Tour

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (14) • 50+ booked
NZ$ 144.95
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress + Starfield + Waujeongsa Temple from Seoul
Tours • From Seoul

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress + Starfield + Waujeongsa Temple from Seoul

English guide
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 5.0 (48) • 200+ booked
NZ$ 80.55
50 off
Sale
Korean Folk Village & Suwon Hwaseong Fortress & History Tour
Tours • From Seoul

Korean Folk Village & Suwon Hwaseong Fortress & History Tour

English guide
Free cancellation
50+ booked
NZ$ 88.59

Make it a getaway

Mono Hotel
Hotels • Gyeonggi-do

Mono Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (31)
From NZ$ 55.69
Hotel Myeong Jak
Hotels • Gyeonggi-do

Hotel Myeong Jak

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★ 3.2 (10)
From NZ$ 53.64
S Stay Hotel
Hotels • Gyeonggi-do

S Stay Hotel

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★ 4.3 (100)
From NZ$ 74.28
Dune45
Hotels • Gyeonggi-do

Dune45

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★ 3.8 (12)
From NZ$ 61.29
MALU Hotel Suwon
Hotels • Gyeonggi-do

MALU Hotel Suwon

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★ 3.9 (183)
From NZ$ 91.03
Korea Tourist Hotel
Hotels • Gyeonggi-do

Korea Tourist Hotel

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★ 3.9 (97)
From NZ$ 108.28
GALLERIA HOTEL
Hotels • Gyeonggi-do

GALLERIA HOTEL

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★ 3.2 (5)
From NZ$ 40.34
Hotel Del Lago
Hotels • Gyeonggi-do

Hotel Del Lago

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★ 2.5 (2)
From NZ$ 78.59
Browndot Hotel Suwon City Hall
Hotels • Gyeonggi-do

Browndot Hotel Suwon City Hall

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★ 4.3 (66)
From NZ$ 86.37
ibis Suwon Ambassador
Hotels • Gyeonggi-do

ibis Suwon Ambassador

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★ 4.1 (896)
From NZ$ 143.12
Suwon Story9 Hotel
Hotels • Gyeonggi-do

Suwon Story9 Hotel

Instant confirmation
From NZ$ 40.93
Haeden Hotel Highend Suwon
Hotels • Gyeonggi-do

Haeden Hotel Highend Suwon

Instant confirmation
From NZ$ 130.19

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Reviews

4.9 /5
8K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Mon compte
9 May
really friendly guide and really interesting tour of suwon!
2+
Klook User
8 May
If you’re in seoul I highly recommend you do this tour. It was a small and very private tour up to 6/7 people. Lucikly when i went with my girlfriend, it was only the two of us. My tour guide LILY WAS SO AWESOME! super knowledgeable and really knows her history with all the places we went. Lily if you’re reading this, thank you for an incredibly knowledgeable tour guide!
2+
LouiseKamFaye ****
6 May
Convenient location next to AK Plaza, plenty of food options around. Staff are English speaking. which is important for me.
2+
Klook User
7 May
Very interesting tour, our guide Stella, her colleague from the chinese group and the bus captain are very nice. We get to learn about the ancient korea, very clear explanation. Wish I could have more time at Folk Village cause it's really interesting, probably dropby another time. Watch the performance if you like cultural performance. Suwon Fortress also interesting, some up slope down slope walking involved, if elderly joining, need to prep them, otherwise can let them wait at the nearby cafe. Last part of the day, we ended at Suwon Market, nothing much special but can get some street food, timing abit short, would rather trade that with more time at Folk Village. :)
2+
Klook User
7 May
I had the best time. Our guide Ruby made the difference, her insights and knowledge of the history were superb plus she's very funny and friendly. If you want to get out of Seoul, just 1 hour away, and enjoy the magnificent views and the quiet of Suwon this tour is a MUST. From practicing archery to walking for the cutest street full of IG's coffee shops., If you love Kdramas this is your place to find film locations (including Lovely Runner's Sol's House, Twenty-five, Twenty-one, and more) all of Ruby's suggestions were a plus. The Stanfield Library is unbelievable and different from the one located at Coex. Waujeongsa Temple is magical, relaxing, and with beautiful views Highly recommend it. Thanks, Ruby!!!
2+
Klook User
6 May
My mum and I went on this tour with tour guide Juno. He was fantastic in explaining a lot of history and stories throughout our tour and answered our many questions. My mum and I weren’t too familiar with a lot of the history and so we came away having learnt a lot which added so much to our experience. We were given ample time at each attraction to explore and take many photos. Thank you so much Juno and our driver.
2+
Sara ********
5 May
We went with group of 9 and really enjoyed our trip! Weather was quite good and it was nice to see places where various TV drama and MVs were recorded :)
Klook User
5 May
I had a great time thanks to our guide 신윤주 who gave a lot of useful information on this trip and help me take some great photos though I travel alone. This trip is worthwhile since I can visit many sites in a day. Free time was given so besides Suwon Fortress, Starfield Library and Waujeongsa, I was able to visit Suwon Palace, Paldal Gate, Local Market and Local Temple around there too.
2+

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FAQs about Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

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What to know about Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Paldalmun Gate

Step through history at Paldalmun Gate, the southern sentinel of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. This majestic two-storey wooden structure, perched on a sturdy stone base, is flanked by gated platforms and shielded by half-moon ravelins. As a key entry point to the fortress, Paldalmun Gate is a stunning example of traditional Korean architecture that will transport you back to the Joseon Dynasty. Don't miss the chance to marvel at its intricate design and historical significance!

Janganmun Gate

Discover the grandeur of Janganmun Gate, the northern counterpart to Paldalmun Gate and the largest gate in Korea. This impressive two-storey structure, with its semi-circular protective wall, served as the main entrance to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. A visit to Janganmun Gate offers a fascinating glimpse into the architectural prowess of the Joseon Dynasty and the strategic importance of this historic landmark. It's a must-see for anyone interested in Korea's rich cultural heritage.

Haenggung Palace

Immerse yourself in royal history at Haenggung Palace, nestled within the walls of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. This palace complex, comprising 22 buildings, served as a royal residence for King Jeongjo during his visits to Suwon. Wander through the beautifully preserved halls and courtyards to get a sense of the opulent lifestyle of the Joseon dynasty. Haenggung Palace is a captivating destination that offers a unique window into Korea's regal past.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Hwaseong Fortress is a testament to the brilliance of 18th-century military architecture, blending the finest scientific ideas from both Europe and East Asia. It played a pivotal role in shaping Korean architecture, urban planning, and landscaping.

Architectural Marvel

Designed by the esteemed scholar Jeong Yakyong, Hwaseong Fortress is a masterpiece that merges residential and defensive features, reflecting the cutting-edge scientific knowledge of its era.

Unique Design

Hwaseong Fortress stands out from other fortresses in China and Japan by integrating military, political, and commercial functions. This innovative site layout and multifunctional design make it a unique landmark.

Historical Significance

Constructed between 1794 and 1796 by King Jeongjo to honor his father, Prince Sado, Hwaseong Fortress was part of the king's grand vision to relocate the capital from Seoul to Suwon, aiming to create a thriving and strategically important city.

Architectural Marvels

The fortress, designed by the renowned architect Jeong Yakyong, incorporates contemporary science with traditional Korean and Chinese architectural elements. The use of brick, efficient pulleys, and cranes was groundbreaking for its time.

Restoration Efforts

Hwaseong Fortress has been meticulously restored based on the Hwaseong Seongyeok Uigwe, a detailed blueprint from 200 years ago. This careful restoration has preserved its historical integrity, earning it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Local Cuisine

While exploring Hwaseong Fortress, be sure to indulge in local culinary delights such as Suwon galbi (grilled beef ribs) and traditional Korean street food available in nearby markets.

Historical Significance

During the Joseon dynasty, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress served as a key regional government center. Built to protect the city, it symbolizes King Jeongjo’s dedication to his father and his vision for a new, economically independent city.

Daily Performances

Visitors can enjoy a variety of daily performances, from traditional music and dance to martial arts demonstrations. These lively shows offer an engaging way to experience Korean culture.