Suwon

Travel Guide

Suwon featuring night scenes
Suwon showing heritage elements and signage
Suwon which includes markets as well as a small group of people
Suwon showing signage as well as a couple
Suwon which includes a garden as well as a small group of people

Find UNESCO World Heritage-listed treasures and royal relics contrasted with a modern skyline in this city, famed as one of the last of its kind in South Korea.

Suwon is a historical landmark and the biggest city in the province of Gyeonggi. Almost entirely enclosed by 18th-century fortifications, Suwon’s city center showcases an astonishing fusion of old and new. Explore dazzling streets brimming with shops, venues and markets. Trace the city’s heritage back to the Joseon dynasty when you explore old city walls and fortified palace buildings, uncovering fascinating royal history and traditions as you go.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hwaseong FortressOpens in a new window provides a remarkable introduction to Suwon. Seoul’s 18th-century ruler, King Jeongjo, constructed the fort as a military stronghold and shrine to his late father. Stroll along the city walls to discover fascinating military innovations used by the fort’s architects. Find the fort’s four gateways, which point in the cardinal compass points, as well as magnificent city views from the fort’s vantage points. Paldalmun Gate showcases the fort’s strategic design and today stands sentinel in the city’s heart. The fort’s cultural and historical significance is explained at the Suwon Hwaseong Museum. Gather insights into the city’s first ruler at King Jeongjo’s residence, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace.

The city’s heritage listing has made it a sanctuary for architecture and centuries-old traditions. Explore local customs and cultures at the Korean Folk Village and the Suwon Cultural Foundation. Learn about the wider province at the Gyeonggi Provincial Museum. Despite Suwon’s rich history, the city is not stuck in the past. Cutting-edge technologies and innovative designs invented here are showcased at the Samsung Innovation Museum. Modern art takes center stage at the Nam June Paik Art Centre.

Suwon is a regional hub a short distance south of South Korea’s capital. Reach the city from SeoulOpens in a new window in less than 45 minutes by train. BusanOpens in a new window is about a 3-hour train ride away. Make a daytrip from Seoul to Suwon, with plenty to discover in this fascinating city. Alternatively, stay overnight within the old city walls and experience the hum of Suwon’s downtown district.

Where to stay in Suwon

Gyeonggi featuring a city and heritage elements

Yeongtong-gu

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Yeongtong-gu, you might make a stop by sights like Gwanggyo Lake Park and Samsung Innovation Museum.

Yeongtong-gu
Suwon showing a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

Ingye-dong

While you're in Ingye-dong, take in top sights like Suwon City Hall and jump on the metro at Suwon City Hall Station to see more of the city.

Ingye-dong
Suwon showing a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

Paldal-gu

If you're spending time in Paldal-gu, check out sights like Paldalmun Gate or Hwaseong Palace and hop on the metro to see more the city at Suwon City Hall Station or Hwaseo Station.

Paldal-gu

Seryu-dong

Even though there aren't top sights in Seryu-dong, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Suwon City Hall. Jump on the metro at Seryu Station to see more of the city.

Seryu-dong
Default Image

Guun-dong

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Guun-dong and surrounding area, you can visit Hwaseong Palace and Suwon Baseball Stadium.

Guun-dong
Default Image

Imok-dong

While Imok-dong might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mr. Toilet House and Suwon Baseball Stadium.

Imok-dong
Four Points By Sheraton Suwon
Four Points By Sheraton Suwon
4 out of 5
27 Hyowon-ro 307 beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi
The price is CA $169 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
CA $169
CA $186 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Suwon. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Gwanggyo Lake Park and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (258 reviews)
"It was a great hotel. I was satisfied with everything. I will visit Suwon again next time"

Reviewed on Jun. 8, 2025

Four Points By Sheraton Suwon
Courtyard by Marriott Suwon
Courtyard by Marriott Suwon
4 out of 5
320, Gwanggyohosugongwon-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi
The price is CA $199 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
CA $199
CA $219 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Suwon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Gwanggyo Lake Park and Avenue ...
9/10 Wonderful! (609 reviews)
"The staff were very accommodating and lovely. They allowed for a later checkout without issues. The room was spacious and very clean. The hotel is well located with lots of shopping and walking nearby."

Reviewed on Apr. 30, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Suwon
ibis Suwon Ambassador
ibis Suwon Ambassador
3.5 out of 5
132, Kwonkwang-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi
The price is CA $105 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
CA $105
CA $115 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Suwon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (919 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on Jun. 13, 2025

ibis Suwon Ambassador
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
HOMES Stay Suwon
HOMES Stay Suwon
4 out of 5
116 Ingye-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi
Stay at this 4-star residence in Suwon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Gwanggyo Lake Park and KBS Suwon ...
9/10 Wonderful! (69 reviews)
"Staffs are nice. We couldn't control the AC."

Reviewed on May 24, 2025

HOMES Stay Suwon
3-bedroom Urban Hideaway in enjoyable Suwon-si
3-bedroom Urban Hideaway in enjoyable Suwon-si
suwon-si
Stay at this vacation home in Suwon. Enjoy laundry facilities, cable/satellite TV service, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Gwanggyo Lake Park and Hwaseomun ...
3-bedroom Urban Hideaway in enjoyable Suwon-si
Charming 2-bedroom house in pleasant Suwon with AC, WiFi
Charming 2-bedroom house in pleasant Suwon with AC, WiFi
Suwon
Stay at this vacation home in Suwon. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Gwanggyo Lake Park and Hwahongmun Gate are located ...
Charming 2-bedroom house in pleasant Suwon with AC, WiFi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Suwon