Suwon, South Korea 7 Day Itinerary

Suwon 7-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Hwaseong Fortress

  • Arrive at Incheon International Airport and take the Airport Railroad (AREX) to Suwon Station.
  • Check-in at a recommended hotel (e.g., Makers Hotel, Suwon City Hall, or Suwon Ibis Styles).
  • Visit Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its five main gates and the Haenggung Palace.
  • Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang, famous for their ginseng chicken soup.
  • In the afternoon, visit Paldalsan Traditional Market for local snacks and souvenirs.

Day 2: Hwaseong Museum & Suwon Hwaseomun Prison Museum

  • Start your day with breakfast at a local café like The Cafe Inside or D’Two Patisserie.
  • Visit the Hwaseong Museum to learn more about the history and culture of Suwon.
  • Lunch at Chungjangdong Makgeolli Town, where you can try traditional Korean rice wine.
  • In the afternoon, explore the Suwon Hwaseomun Prison Museum, which offers a glimpse into Korea’s modern history.
  • Dinner at Tosokchon Ilkwansang, another branch of the famous ginseng chicken soup restaurant.

Day 3: Suwon Paldalsan Traditional Market & Suwon Arts & Folk Museum

  • Spend the morning exploring Suwon Paldalsan Traditional Market in more depth, trying various street foods and shopping for souvenirs.
  • Lunch at a local eatery within the market.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Suwon Arts & Folk Museum to learn about Korean arts and crafts.
  • Dinner at a local Chinese restaurant like Wonton Gomtang Wang in Suwon Chinatown.

Day 4: Lee Moon-geun Art Studio & Paldalsan Ghost Market

  • After breakfast, visit the Lee Moon-geun Art Studio to see the works of one of Korea’s most famous modern painters.
  • Lunch at a local Japanese restaurant in Suwon Chinatown.
  • In the afternoon, explore the Paldalsan Ghost Market, a large antique market with various items ranging from furniture to small trinkets.
  • Dinner at a local Korean BBQ restaurant like Bulgogi Village.

Day 5: Suwon Zoo & Suwon Joseon Dynasty Folk Village

  • Start your day early at the Suwon Zoo, home to over 300 species of animals.
  • Lunch at a nearby local restaurant.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Suwon Joseon Dynasty Folk Village to experience life during the Joseon Dynasty.
  • Dinner at a traditional Korean restaurant like Hansikgaeul in Suwon Nammun Market.

Day 6: Suwon Hangaram Art Museum & Explore Suwon’s Nightlife

  • Spend your morning at the Suwon Hangaram Art Museum, featuring works by contemporary Korean artists.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant offering traditional Korean dishes like bibimbap or dakgalbi.
  • In the afternoon, take a stroll around the beautiful Paldalsan Park and relax before exploring Suwon’s nightlife.
  • Dinner at a local pub or bar in Suwon Chinatown or Nammun Market.

Day 7: Departure

  • Enjoy your last breakfast in Korea, and depending on your departure time, you might have some free time to revisit favorite spots or buy any remaining souvenirs.
  • Head to Suwon Station and take the AREX to Incheon International Airport for your flight home.

Things to Know:

  • The AREX operates every 40 minutes, so plan your trips accordingly.
  • Korean won (KRW) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities but carry cash for smaller stores and markets.
  • English proficiency varies; it may be helpful to use translation apps or hire a guide.
  • Tipping is not customary in Korea, as service charges are often included in the bill.
  • Respect local customs, traditions, and etiquette to ensure an enjoyable visit.