A Satisfying Trip to Suwon, South Korea
Traditionally known as "The City of Filial Piety,” Suwon, South Korea is a sprawling metropolis with forts that are listed in the World Heritage Sites. Most notable is the Hwaseong Fortress, a temporary palace built in 1796 by King Jeong-jo. Only 30 kilometers from Seoul, the city can be reached by subway. Aside from its historical attractions, Suwon is also famous for its culinary specialty, the galbi or short ribs. The Cheongju International Airport serves the Suwon area as well as the cities of Daejeon and Sejong.
Best Time to Visit
There is never a bad time to visit Suwon but it is advisable for you to plan your trip to match with what you want to see and do. But if you have to choose, here are your options: Between April and May and September to October, Suwon enjoys a perfect weather as well as few tourists. While the months of June and Augustare magnets that lure most tourists. This also means higher cost in hotel and airfare. Plan your visit to coincide with the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, held in October at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. It features martial arts performances and a world's traditional costume festival.
What to Do & Area Attractions
You can explore Suwon on foot starting with the Suwon Hwaseong Museum with impressive exhibits on the history of the Suwon Fortress. Visit the Yeongdong and the Jidong Markets for some local flavor then walk to the Beomnyunsa Temple. You can go farther to Yungnung Royal Tombs, which is thirty minutes away and see the tombs of Prince Jangjyeon and Princess Hong. For your night cap, the luxurious Ramada Plaza Suwon, and the Novotel Ambassador Suwon are all conveniently located across the city for easy access to all the attractions.