Suwon Diaries: Our Hot (but Totally Worth It!) Day of Palaces, Cafes, and K-Drama Hunting!
- Jul 29
- 6 min read
Intro
You know those days where you just decide to go on an adventure, even if you know you would melt outside? Well, that was us recently, and our destination was Suwon! Although it has been 38C degrees recently in Korea, we still decided to visit this city, since its just a quick hop from Seoul, and is absolutely packed with cool stuff: ancient palaces, adorable cafes, bustling streets, and even spots you'll recognize from your favorite K-dramas. We grabbed our cameras (and maybe a few too many cold drinks) and just dove in. Seriously, we had such a blast, and we can't wait to tell you all about it. Get ready for some major travel inspo, because Suwon is a total charmer!
Getting There
Our journey to Suwon was super easy! We hopped on Bus 7770 from Sadang Station, and it was a surprisingly quick and comfortable ride, taking only about 40 minutes. The bus conveniently drops you off right near Hwaseomun Gate, one of the iconic parts of the fortress.
From there, you've got a couple of awesome options for starting your Suwon exploration. You could head straight to the majestic Haenggung Palace (which is what we did first!). Or, if you're like us and love discovering cute local spots, you could definitely spend some time exploring Haengnidan-gil. This area is just bursting with adorable souvenir shops and charming cafes that are perfect for a little pre-palace wander or a quick pick-me-up.
First Stop: Hwaseong Haenggung Palace
After that initial burst of Suwon energy (and maybe a quick iced coffee to combat the heat!), our first big stop was Hwaseong Haenggung Palace. And let me tell you, it's pretty special. This isn't just any old palace; it was actually a temporary "home away from home" for King Jeongjo back in the day, especially when he visited the fortress.
We actually stumbled upon a cool perk right at the entrance – we filled out a quick survey (which was super easy!) that got us free entry! So keep an eye out for opportunities like that. Also, before you head in, grab one of their stamp books. You can collect stamps from different famous spots around Suwon, and once you fill it up and bring it back, you get a neat little souvenir. How cool is that for a treasure hunt?
Walking through those grand, ancient gates felt like stepping directly onto a historical drama set. You can almost feel the history radiating from every intricate roof tile and every wide courtyard. One thing that really brought it to life for us were the lifelike wax figures scattered throughout the palace. They perfectly represent how people dressed and looked like back in the Joseon Dynasty.
We also spotted this magnificent, ancient tree in the courtyard. It felt incredibly important, standing tall and serene. This specific tree, often called a Chinese Scholartree, is known to be super old and has witnessed centuries of history unfold right here in the palace. Imagine the stories it could tell!
Oh, and a quick heads-up: we were really hoping to catch the martial arts performance that usually happens here at 11 AM. But, because of the scorching summer heat, it's actually cancelled until September. So, if that's on your must-do list, plan your trip for the cooler months!
Iconic Landmarks & Panoramic City Views
After exploring the palace, we ventured further into Suwon. One key observation we made was that many of the smaller shops and cultural centers in the vicinity tend to open a bit later, typically after 1:00 PM. Recognizing this, we opted to adjust our itinerary to maximize our morning explorations. This led us to discover some fantastic amenities: traditional Hanok-style free rest areas scattered around the city. These beautifully designed spaces are incredibly convenient, offering comfortable seating, refreshing air conditioning, mobile charging stations, and impeccably clean restrooms. It was just what we needed on this hot day!
Therefore, our next major destination became the prominent Golden Buddha statue. The ascent to its location was well worth the effort, not only for the serene presence of the statue itself but also for the discovery of an iconic tunnel, frequently featured in various Korean dramas. From the temple, we had a breathtaking panoramic view of Suwon city.
Suwon's Charming Cafe Delights & Cultural Discoveries
After our small climb and panoramic views, it was the perfect time to delve into Suwon's more leisurely offerings. We found a charming local cafe, a hidden gem with such an antique, cozy vibe. It was the ideal spot to take a well-deserved rest, enjoy a refreshing drink, and capture some beautiful photos of its unique interior. There were so many beautiful cafes next to each other, so it was a bit difficult for us to choose, because we liked them all.
Café location on Naver map: https://naver.me/5uIkBBTr
Café location on Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NJMAq2rCKYJJoN1LA
After we recharged and were ready to continue, we then went for a deeper exploration of Suwon’s streets. It was fascinating to see how the city came alive in the afternoon! We were particularly struck by the sheer number of "체험" (experiential) places available. These spots offer hands-on cultural activities, and what's even better, they're surprisingly affordable! For instance, we saw places where you could make traditional Dalgona candy for just ₩5,000, or create your own resin art for around ₩20,000.
There were so many young couples leisurely browse through the diverse souvenir shops. Many of these weren't just typical tourist shops; some featured vintage finds or very unique, artisanal goods, making the browse experience itself a discovery.
A Grand Finale: Soaking in the Beauty of Hwahongmun Gate
As our awesome day in Suwon was winding down, we just had one more must-see spot on our list: the absolutely stunning Hwahongmun Gate (the Northern Floodgate). It’s part of the famous Hwaseong Fortress, and it's even more beautiful in person! With the water gently flowing underneath its arches and the elegant Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion peeking out above, it was such a picturesque way to end our exploration.
Why Choose Our Suwon Tour for Your Next Adventure?
After reading about our amazing (and sometimes sweaty!) day in Suwon, you might be thinking, "How can I experience all of that without the hassle?" That's where our specially curated Suwon tour comes in! While exploring on your own is an adventure, our tour elevates your experience in so many ways:
Expert Local Insights: Forget guidebooks! Our passionate and knowledgeable tour guide will bring Suwon's rich history to life, sharing fascinating stories about Haenggung Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, and everything in between. They'll also expertly navigate you to those recognizable K-drama filming locations, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans.
Hassle-Free & Comfortable Travel: Leave the public transport maps behind! Enjoy the ultimate convenience and comfort of our private bus, ensuring a smooth, stress-free journey between all of Suwon's highlights. No getting lost, no waiting in lines for buses – just pure relaxation and enjoyment.
Discover Hidden Gems: We go beyond the obvious! While you'll see all the famous landmarks, our guides are also fantastic at recommending those charming cafes and unique DIY craft experiences that give Suwon its special, artistic vibe. You'll get to explore spots that might be missed by solo travelers, truly experiencing the city's "unique vibes."
Time-Saving & Efficient: Our expertly planned itinerary means you'll make the most of your day, seeing all the must-visit spots efficiently without feeling rushed. We handle all the logistics, so you can focus purely on making memories.
Perfect for Every Passion: Whether you're a devoted history lover, a passionate K-drama fan, or simply someone who appreciates unique cultural experiences, our Suwon tour is designed to captivate and inspire. We cater to those who seek deeper understanding, effortless exploration, and a truly unforgettable day out.
With our tour, you're not just visiting Suwon; you're experiencing it with depth, comfort, and local expertise.
Ready to Discover Suwon with Us?
Don't just dream about your perfect Korean adventure – make it a reality! Let us take care of all the details so you can simply relax and immerse yourself in the beauty, history, and vibrant culture of Suwon.
Click here to learn more about our Suwon Tour dates, itineraries, and to book your unforgettable experience!
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