Suwon Day Trip - Hidden Gem Near Seoul - The Perfect 1 Day Itinerary

If you have been to Seoul a few times or you have been in Seoul for a few day, and you’re looking for a day trip from Seoul that blends history, culture, and local flavor, Suwon (수원) is ideal.
Just 40–50 minutes away, it offers UNESCO-listed heritage, trendy streets, and delicious local cuisine, all within walking distance in a day.

You’ll explore Hwaseong Fortress, sip tea near a royal palace, café-hop through Haengnidan-gil, feast on Suwon fried chicken, shop at traditional markets, and relax at Gwanggyo Lake Park before heading back to Seoul.

I lived in Suwon for 4 years, and if you experience the things listed here, you will have seen all the gems of Suwon, and it will take you on a journey from the Joseon Dynasty that existed hundreds years ago to one of the most modern developments in the city.

First, how to Get to Suwon from Seoul

Option 1. 신분당선 (Shinbundang Line)

• Take the Shinbundang Line (Red Line) from Gangnam Station (강남역) → get off at Gwanggyo Jungang Station (광교중앙역).
• From there, take a taxi (₩10,000 ~ ₩ 12,000) or local bus (~15 min) to Hwaseong Fortress (수원 화성).

Option 2. 1호선 (Line 1 - Dark Blue Line)

• Take Line 1 (Dark Blue Line - this is the line that goes to Seoul Station/서울역) southbound to Suwon Station (수원역).
• From the station, take a bus (10 min) or taxi (₩ 6,000 ~ ₩ 8,000) to Hwaseong Fortress (수원 화성).

Both routes are easy,  just search “Hwaseong Fortress Suwon” in Naver Map or Google Map.

1. Hwaseong Fortress (수원 화성)

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the late 1700s by King Jeongjo to honor his father and strengthen Suwon as a key defensive and administrative center.

It showcases late-Joseon military architecture with an impressive city wall, bastions, and strategically placed gates across a mountain-urban setting. 

Why this place matters

• Built by King Jeongjo (1794-1796) to honor his father, Prince Sado, and strengthen Suwon.
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site combining Joseon-era architecture and military engineering.
• Selected by CNN as one of the 50 must-visit places in Korea
• Offers panoramic views, traditional pavilions, and historical significance.

What to expect

• Walkable 5.7 km stone wall loop with four main gates, watchtowers, and bastions.
• You can climb sections for sweeping city views.

Tips

• Arrive early (around 9 a.m.).
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
  

Guided Tours (if you prefer to have someone guide you)

• Get a guided tour of Hwaseong Fortress

2. Hwaseong Haenggung Palace (화성행궁)

After exploring the fortress walls, walk down to Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, located right inside the city center.
This was the largest temporary palace used by kings when traveling or during war.

Why this place matters

• Built as the king’s “mobile court,” it shows the royal lifestyle outside Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung.

• Haenggung means the “temporary palace” where the king resided during travels or wartime; this one is the largest of its kind in Korea.

What to expect

• Beautiful courtyards, a throne hall, and guard-changing ceremonies (on weekends).

• A quieter, more contemplative heritage stop compared to the open fortress walls

3. Haengnidan-gil (행리단길) - Suwon’s Trendy Café Street

Right next to Hwaseong Haenggung is Haengnidan-gil (행리단길) — Suwon’s answer to Seoul’s Ikseon-dong or Gyeongnidan-gil.

If you don't enjoy fried chicken (which will be the next stop), then I recommend you explore one of the restaurants or cafes on this street. However, if you want to have fried chicken with beer (치맥, chimaek), then I recommend just stopping in to one of the cafes for coffee or tea.

Why this place matters

• Once a quiet alley of old houses, now reborn as a hip café street filled with brunch cafés, vintage shops, and dessert bars.
• Perfect for those who love photography, modern Korean aesthetics, or relaxing after sightseeing.
  

What to expect

• Instagram-worthy dessert cafés galore.
• Boutique shops selling handmade ceramics, candles, and gifts.
• Street murals and cute architecture, great for casual strolling.

4. Suwon Tongdak Alley (수원통닭거리)

It’s time for Suwon’s most famous food street. A few blocks from Haengnidan-gil, you’ll find the birthplace of Korea’s fried-chicken culture — Suwon Tongdak Street.

When you are here, you have to try '수원왕갈비통닭' (Suwon Wang Galbo Tongdak), which is Korean fried chicken marinated with Korean BBQ sauce.

Why this place matters

• Origin of tongdak (whole fried chicken), the ancestor of modern K-chicken.
• Locals pair it with cold beer (맥주) for the perfect chimaek 치맥 experience.
  

What to expect

• Dozens of legendary spots like Yongseong Tongdak and Jinmi Tongdak.

• Classic fried chicken, no fancy sauces — just crispy, juicy perfection.

5. Suwon Craft Street (공방거리)

Now, let's walk off that fried chicken (and beer) by heading to Gongbang-gil (공방거리) - “Workshop Street.”

Why this place matters

• A creative alley filled with local artists who make ceramics, jewelry, leather goods, and calligraphy.

• Perfect for slow travelers and souvenir hunters.

What to expect

• Cozy workshops, small galleries, and Instagram-friendly design cafés.
• Some shops offer 1-hour craft experiences (bookable through Klook — ceramics or DIY accessory classes).

6. Paldalmun Gate & Paldalmun Market (팔달문 시장)

Walk down from Gongbang Street toward Paldalmun Gate, the southern gate of Hwaseong Fortress, and the liveliest part of Suwon’s downtown.

Why this place matters

• It’s a traditional market hub, buzzing with locals, snacks, and street food.
• Great for souvenirs or quick bites before finishing the day.
  

What to expect

• Hotteok (호떡), tteokbokki (떡볶이), fresh fruit juices, and small accessories.

• Colorful lights and people shopping until evening.

7. Gwanggyo Lake Park (광교호수공원)

Wrap up your Suwon day at Gwanggyo Lake Park, a peaceful spot surrounded by cafés and walking trails.

I love this spot! During my 4 years in Suwon, I lived in one of the apartments (IPARK) located in the southern part of the lake. Try going for a jog or a walk. It's the ideal length (about 2 miles, or 3.4 km for one loop) 

Why this place matters

• A scenic lakeside park in Suwon, a relaxing contrast to historical walking and market shopping

• Perfect way to relax after a day of walking and eating.

What to expect

• Scenic bridges, lake reflections, cherry blossoms (spring), and LED fountains at night.
• Many restaurants for dinner nearby. Visit the 'Alleyway' in the southern part of the lake (a part of the IPARK apartment complex I used to live in) for dinner.

Now, if you prefer to have someone guide you from Seoul to Suwon (and a few places nearby) and back, check out these tour packages:

• If you prefer to visit here at night, get this package Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Night Tour from Seoul
• If you want to focus on a few spots, then Suwon Hwaseong + Korean Folk Village + Starfield Tour from Seoul
• Don't have a full day? Then, try the Day Trip to UNESCO: Suwon Fortress Adventure from Seoul

How to Return to Seoul from Suwon

• From Gwanggyo Lake Park, walk to (10~15 minute walk) Gwanggyo Jungang Station (광교중앙역).
• Board the Shinbundang Line (신분당선) → ride northbound directly to Gangnam Station (강남역).
  • Travel time: ≈ 45 minutes
  • Fare: ₩3,400 ~ ₩3,800
  • Trains run every 6–8 minutes until around midnight.
    

Too tired to go back? Want to stay overnight in Suwon?

• Novotel Ambassador Suwon (4⭐) – inside Suwon Station, making it easier for you to take the subway (Line 1) back to Seoul the next day.
• Courtyard by Marriott Suwon (4⭐) - located on the north side of Gwanggyo Lake. Close to Gwanggyo Jungang Station.
• Four Points by Sheraton Suwon (4⭐) – near City Hall Station, modern & convenient. The City Hall Station (수인분당선, Yellow Line) can take you to Seoul.
• Reborn Hotel Suwon (3⭐) – near fortress area, affordable. Great budget-friendly option.

A Suwon day trip isn’t just about ticking off sites — it’s a journey through Korea’s timeline.
You start at the royal fortress, trace the footsteps of kings, taste old-school fried chicken, and end by watching the sunset over the lake. If you want to see authentic Korea beyond the capital, Suwon is where you’ll find it.