Suwon is a lively city just south of Seoul, known for its rich history, charming streets, and a good mix of old and new.
Whether you're into history, K-dramas, or just looking for a fun day trip, Suwon has something for you. Here's a quick guide if you're planning to add it to your South Korea itinerary.
How to Get to Suwon
The fastest way to get to Suwon is by KTX, which takes about 30 minutes from Seoul Station. And you can get your tickets at the counter. But from my hotel, taking the subway to Seoul Station and then transferring to the KTX would have taken around 50 minutes. Instead, I just took Line 1 directly from the station near my hotel to Suwon Station. It took about an hour—only slightly longer but much more convenient and budget-friendly.
What to See in Suwon
Hwaseong Fortress
Hwaseong Fortress is Suwon’s most famous landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the late 18th century, this fortress stretches around the city, offering great views and a glimpse into Korea’s past. Walking along the walls is a nice way to take in the scenery, and if you’re up for it, climbing one of the watchtowers gives you an even better view.
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| Hwaseong Fortress |
Haengnidan-gil
Located near Hwaseong Fortress, Haengnidan-gil is a trendy street filled with cafes, restaurants, and unique shops. It’s a great place to take a break, grab a snack, or just enjoy the atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for traditional Korean treats or modern desserts, there’s plenty to choose from.
K-Drama Filming Locations
Mongted Cafe (Lovely Runner) - Fans of Lovely Runner will recognize Mongted Cafe as Sol’s house, with Sunjae’s house right across the street. The area itself is really cute, with winding streets, murals, and tiny art installations. Even if you’re not into K-dramas, it’s a fun place to explore.
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| Sol's house in Lovely Runner |
Choi Ung’s House (Our Beloved Summer) - A short walk from Mongted Cafe is Choi Ung’s house from Our Beloved Summer. You can also see part of Hwaseong Fortress from here, which makes it a great spot for photos. If you have extra time, it’s worth the stop.
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| Choi Ung's house in Our Beloved Summer |
Woo Young Woo Gimbap (Extraordinary Attorney Woo) - This spot from Extraordinary Attorney Woo is actually a Japanese restaurant in real life. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Choi Ung’s house. Even though it doesn’t serve gimbap, fans of the drama still like to visit.
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| Woo Yong Woo Gimbap in Extraordinary Attorney Woo |
Breakup Bus Stop and Bridge (Twenty Five Twenty One) - A 20-minute walk from the Woo Young Woo gimbap location takes you to the breakup bus stop and bridge from Twenty Five Twenty One. This includes climbing a long and steep set of stairs. If you’re a fan of the drama, it’s worth checking out. Plus, this spot offers overlooking views of the city.
Starfield Suwon Library
Inside Starfield Suwon, this library is a cool break place. The towering bookshelves and modern design make it a great spot to sit, relax, and maybe grab a coffee before heading back to Seoul.
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| Starfield Suwon Library |
How to Get Around Suwon
From Suwon Station, Hwaseong Fortress is easily reached by local bus. Since most of the places I wanted to visit were within walking distance from there—except for Starfield Suwon Library—I started my day by taking a bus to the fortress. My last stop was the Twenty Five Twenty One bus stop, where I walked about 20 minutes to catch a bus to the library. You can use your Tmoney card for all these bus rides.
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| Sunjae's House in Lovely Runner |
Suwon is a great place for a day trip, with plenty to see and do. Whether you’re exploring the fortress, checking out K-drama filming locations, or just wandering the streets, it’s an easy and fun escape from Seoul.
If you’ve got a free day in Seoul, Suwon is definitely worth a visit.
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