Suwon South Korea 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Suwon, South Korea

Day 1: Arrival & Hwaseong Fortress

  • Arrival: Welcome to Suwon! Check into your hotel (recommendations below). Freshen up and get ready to explore.

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1796. Explore the fortress walls, gates, and pavilions.

  • Lunch: Grab a bite at “Dakgalbi Gat Nine”, famous for its spicy stir-fried chicken.

  • Afternoon: Visit Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, the royal palace used during the Joseon Dynasty. Explore its beautiful gardens and architectural wonders.

  • Evening: Stroll around Paldalsan Traditional Market for some shopping and local street food.

Day 2: Suwon Industrial Complex (SIEC) & Suwon Silicone Valley

  • Morning: Visit the Suwon Industrial Complex (SIEC), home to numerous high-tech companies and a hub of innovation. You can also check out Suwon Silicone Valley, Korea’s first silicon valley.

  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at “Sikdang Gohyang”, known for its Sujeonggal (bronzewater chicken).

  • Afternoon: Head to the Suwon Astronomy Observatory to learn about Korean astronomy and stargaze if the weather permits.

  • Evening: Explore Suwon’s vibrant nightlife in areas like Dongcheon-dong or Gwanggyo-dong.

Day 3: Suwon Hwaseong Museum & Paldalsan Traditional Market

  • Morning: Visit the Suwon Hwaseong Museum to learn more about the history and culture of Suwon.

  • Lunch: Try “Japchae Jangsu” for a delicious dish of sweet potato noodles with assorted vegetables.

  • Afternoon: Spend your afternoon shopping and trying local snacks at Paldalsan Traditional Market. Don’t forget to visit the traditional tea house, “Chunjin Tea House”.

  • Evening: Relax and unwind at a jimjilbang (Korean spa) like Dragon Hill Spa or SPA Land in Suwon.

Day 4: Suwon City Hall Square & Suwon Zoo

  • Morning: Visit Suwon City Hall Square, a modern landmark with beautiful architecture and often hosting various events and performances.

  • Lunch: Head to “Yeonggyo Jjimdak”, famous for its steamed chicken.

  • Afternoon: Spend your afternoon at the Suwon Zoo, home to over 300 species of animals.

  • Evening: Explore Suwon Art Park and enjoy a peaceful evening amidst beautiful art installations.

Day 5: Departure & Last Minutes

  • Morning/Afternoon: Spend your last hours in Suwon shopping for souvenirs or revisiting your favorite spots. If time permits, you can also explore the Buddhist Temple of Buseoksa.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a farewell meal at “Sikdang Gat Nine” or any other restaurant that caught your taste buds during your stay.

  • Departure: Safe travels! Hope you had a memorable time in Suwon.

Places to Stay:

  1. Best Western Premier Suwon Hotel (Luxury)
  2. Su Hotel Suwon (Mid-Range)
  3. Gopan Guesthouse (Budget)

Transportation:

  1. Bus: Suwon has a well-connected bus network, and a single journey ticket costs around 1,250 won.
  2. Metro: The city is served by the Suwon Metro Line, with a single journey ticket costing around 1,350 won.
  3. Taxi: Taxis are widely available but can be more expensive than public transportation.

Tips:

  1. Learn some basic Korean phrases to make your trip easier and more enjoyable.
  2. Always carry cash as many small shops may not accept credit cards.
  3. Respect local customs and traditions during your visit.
  4. Don’t forget to try the local delicacy, Suwon Tteok (rice cake)!

Enjoy your trip to Suwon! 😄