Discover the Beauty of Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Korea

 

Must-Visit Places: Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon

If you are planning to visit South Korea, you must add Suwon to your itinerary. Suwon is a beautiful city in Gyeonggi Province, just 30 kilometers south of Seoul. It is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hwaseong Fortress. The fortress was built in the 18th century and is a perfect example of Korean architecture and engineering. In this blog, we will talk about the must-visit places in Suwon, with a special focus on the Hwaseong Fortress.

Introduction to Suwon

Suwon is a city with a rich history, a vibrant culture, and an array of tourist attractions. It is the largest city in Gyeonggi Province and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the province. The city is known for its historic buildings, museums, parks, and festivals. Suwon has something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs. Here are some of the must-visit places in Suwon.

Hwaseong Fortress

The Hwaseong Fortress is the most popular tourist attraction in Suwon. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Korean architecture and engineering. The fortress was built by King Jeongjo in the late 18th century to honor his father and strengthen his power. The fortress stretches for 5.52 kilometers and has four main gates, six secret gates, and 58 watchtowers. Some of the highlights of the fortress include:

• Suwon Hwaseong Museum: This museum is located inside the fortress and provides an in-depth history of the fortress and the city of Suwon. You can learn about the construction, design, and importance of the fortress.
• Hwaseong Haenggung Palace: This palace is located near the fortress and was the temporary residence of King Jeongjo. It is a beautiful palace with a traditional Korean design.
• Hwaseong Trolley Tour: This tour takes you around the fortress and allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery while learning about the history of the fortress.

Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival

The Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is an annual event that takes place in Suwon. It is a celebration of the Hwaseong Fortress and Korean culture. The festival takes place in October and lasts for five days. Some of the highlights of the festival include:

• Hwaseong Fortress Tour: This tour takes you around the fortress and allows you to learn about the history of the fortress.
• Cultural Performances: There are several cultural performances during the festival, including traditional Korean music, dance, and martial arts.
• Food and Craft Stalls: There are several food and craft stalls at the festival where you can sample Korean food and buy souvenirs.

Suwon Hwaseong Cherry Blossom Festival

The Suwon Hwaseong Cherry Blossom Festival is another annual event that takes place in Suwon. It is a celebration of the cherry blossom season and the beauty of the Hwaseong Fortress. The festival takes place in April and lasts for two weeks. Some of the highlights of the festival include:

• Cherry Blossom Walk: This walk takes you around the fortress and allows you to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms while learning about the history of the fortress.
• Nighttime Illumination: The fortress is illuminated at night during the festival, providing a magical and romantic atmosphere.
• Food Stalls: There are several food stalls at the festival where you can sample Korean food and drinks.

Suwon Hwaseong Water Fire Festival

The Suwon Hwaseong Water Fire Festival is a summer event that takes place in Suwon. It is a celebration