Hwaseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the late 18th century by King Jeongjo to honor his father. It’s famous for its innovative military architecture, combining Eastern and Western defensive techniques, and represents the pinnacle of Korean fortress design.
Distance from Seoul & Getting There
Distance: 30km south of Seoul (about 1 hour by train)
From Seoul to Suwon
Best Option – Subway Line 1:
- Take Line 1 (Blue) to Suwon Station
- Duration: 1 hour from Seoul Station
- Cost: ₩1,370 with T-money card
- Runs every 5-10 minutes
Alternative – KTX/ITX:
- Faster but more expensive (₩3,000-8,000)
- 30-40 minutes from Seoul Station
From Suwon Station to Hwaseong Fortress
Walking: 10-15 minutes to main entrance (Paldalmun Gate)
Bus: Take bus #11, #13, or #36 (5 minutes, ₩1,200)
Taxi: 5-minute ride (₩3,000-4,000)
Entrance Fees & Opening Hours
Entrance Fees
Adults: ₩1,000 (less than $1!)
Students: ₩700
Children: ₩500
Museum combo ticket: ₩3,500
Opening Hours
Daily: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (March-October)
Winter: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (November-February)
Closed: No regular closing days
Note: Some gates and structures may have different hours
Hwaseong Fortress History (Quick Version)
Built: 1794-1796 (late Joseon Dynasty)
Builder: King Jeongjo
Purpose: Honor his father Prince Sado and create a new capital
Length: 5.7km of fortress walls
UNESCO Status: Designated in 1997
Unique feature: Combined traditional Korean and modern military architecture
Things to Do in Suwon
At the Fortress
- Walk the fortress walls (2-3 hours for full circuit)
- Visit the four main gates: Paldalmun, Janganmun, Hwaseomun, Changnyongmun
- Hwaseong Museum – Learn fortress history
- Archery experience at traditional ranges
- Guard changing ceremony (weekends at Paldalmun Gate)
Around Suwon
- Hwaseong Haenggung Palace – King’s temporary residence
- Suwon Chicken Street – Famous for dakgalbi
- Yeongtong Lake Park – Beautiful walking trails
- Korean Folk Village (nearby, separate trip)
Here you can explore the Bulguksa Temple and if you want to explore Korea thoroughly and visit more temples, you can find a list of the 20 best and most famous Buddhist temples here.
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress at Night
Night Illumination: The fortress is beautifully lit after sunset
Best spots for night photos:
- Paldalmun Gate area
- Seonamammun Gate
- Hwahongmun Gate (over the stream)
Safety: Well-lit paths make evening visits safe and romantic
Tip: Visit during summer for extended daylight hours
Best Visit Strategy
Recommended duration: Half-day (4-5 hours including travel)
Best starting point: Paldalmun Gate (closest to Suwon Station)
Walking route: Clockwise around the fortress for easier navigation
Best photo time: Late afternoon for golden hour lighting
Quick Tips for Your Visit
What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes (lots of stairs!)
Best season: Spring (cherry blossoms) or autumn (fall colors)
Food: Try Suwon galbi (Korean BBQ) – the city’s specialty
Language: English signage available at major points
Photography: Allowed everywhere, perfect for Instagram
Pro tip: Combine with Hwaseong Haenggung Palace (₩1,500) for a full historical experience – they’re within walking distance of each other.