Korea Suwon 2D1N Itinerary

Since it was winter with we are dealing many uncertainties due to VTL rules, H & I was contemplating where to go for our trip. In the end, we decide on Suwon since it is a UNESCO world heritage site and it was about 30 minutes journey from seoul. Plus, Suwon Chicken was also mentioned in the comedy film “Extreme Job” and added another reason for us to visit. We spent 2 days 1 Night in Suwon and find that it was sufficient to cover most of the attractions in Suwon plus we had some extra to shop. 

Getting to Suwon from Seoul 

The fastest way to get from Seoul to Suwon is by KTX from Seoul Station to Suwon Station. The train ride takes about 25 minutes. If you are not in a rush, you can consider taking the normal train which takes around 35- 45 minutes. We took the ITX-Saemaul and the journey was around 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the train station or from Korail. Timetable available on Korail website too

Where to stay in Suwon 

 We choose Novotel Ambassador Suwon because it was close to the train station and very accessible to major attractions. There are buses to these attractions. Plus, it is next to a shopping mall and Suwon Rodeo Street. 

 Getting around in Suwon 

We travel mostly by bus or foot during our trip to Suwon. Most attractions are close to each other thus making it easy to travel with Google Maps. Public transport is well accessible too. T-money card can be used for the bus trip. Credit can be loaded at the station or convenience store (Cash only) 

Day 4: Suwon – Suwon Hwaseong Museum – Suwon Fried Chicken YongSeong Tongdak - Hwaseong Haenggung - Hwaseong Fortress – Changryongmun – Ji Dong Market – Suwon City Center

Day 5: Beansprout Soup시루향기봉담와우점 – Yunggeolleung – Back to Seoul

 Suwon Hwaseong Museum 

After arriving in Suwon in the morning, we left our bags with the hotel before setting off to Suwon Hwaseong Museum. We chose the museum for our first stop as we wanted to know more about the history of the place and how the fortress was constructed. Despite being a 3-level museum, we end the trip quite fast as there was limited information in English. Nonetheless, the collection of item showcased are interesting and we understood the history a little better.

Address: 21 Changnyong-daero, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea 

Operating Hour: Daily 9am – 6pm, close on Monday 

Yong Seong Tongdak

Just a few streets across from the museum is Suwon Fried Chicken Street. We were spoiled with choices and ended up in YongSeong Tongdak. We got the mixed-flavor fried chicken and It sure did not disappoint! The chicken was crispy with a batter that was not overly thick. The best part? Have it with Terra Beer! 

 Tip: Avoid the weekend/peak period. We went there on a Friday afternoon and the restaurant was empty 

Address: 15 Jeongjo-ro 800beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea 

Operating Hour: Daily 11am – 12:30am , close on Tuesday 

Hwaseong Haenggung

Hwaseong Haenggung is a temporary palace at Hwaseong where the royal family retreats during the war. On top of being a shelter during the war, the palace is used to hold events. Popular Korean drama such as Da Chang Jinn and Moon embracing the sun was filmed at Hwaseong Haenggug. There are not many exhibits but the architecture was beautiful. We spent some time exploring the palace before setting off to the fortress Hwaseong Fortress - Changryongmun Changryongmun is located at the eastern gate of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. 

Hwaseong Fortress - Changryongmun Changryongmun

Built in the late 19th Century to protect the city, the fortress was equipped with features such as bastions and artillery towers to protect the city. It is around 6km long, one can probably take a stroll along the fortress but we didn’t. 

We found ourselves taking a pitstop break at a café - Jung Ji Young. We were able to people-watch from the cafe. Unfortunately, most of the good spots were taken up. Sadly, we were not a fan of their coffee. 

 Ji Dong Market 

 Jidong Market is located near the southern wall of Hwaseong Fortress. Being one of the popular traditional markets in Suwon you can find many things there. We visited around 4pm and find the market very crowded. 

If you have time, there are several markets – Paladmun Traditional market, and Yeongdong Market and are all in that area to explore. To be honest, we don’t know how many markets we walk that day. If you chance upon this store that sells fritter, do remember to get it! It’s delicious and the owner told us usually it is sold out very quickly and recommends us to get one. True enough, it was delicious!

BBQ Restaurant 육풍 수원역점

After a long day exploring Suwon, we took a bus back to our hotel and rest. Thankfully the weather was good that day! We had a fun time exploring Suwon and trying good food! At night, we visited Korean BBQ Restaurant 육풍 수원역점

The pork is perfectly grilled and the service was great too! Plus, the ambiance was really nice! Do make a reservation if you are planning to visit on a weekend! The staff are really friendly too! We visited on a Friday night and the restaurant is fully packed. We went around 6pm and had to wait a while before it is our turn. 

 Address: South Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Suwon-si, Maesanno 2(i)-ga, 40-9 KR 

Opening Hour: Daily 11:30am – 1pm 

Afterward, we went to explore Rodeo Street. It was very vibrant and crowded. You can find all sorts of restaurants and shops there. Next to the street, there are several major malls such as Lotte Mall and AK Plaza and etc. We visited Lotte mall afterward and were pleased to find Dojima Roll from Mon Cher / Mon Cho chou for sale there! 

Day 5: Beansprout Soup시루향기봉담와우점 – Yunggeolleung – Back to Seoul 

Beansprout Soup시루향기봉담와우점 

The next morning, we took a 30 minutes bus ride for beansprout soup. To be honest, I wasn’t a fan of beansprout, and traveling this far for beansprout is never on my mind. So we had to add a trip to Yunggeolleung in case the beansprout soup disappoint us. Thankfully the beansprout soup tastes amazing! It’s light and yet flavourful plus the side dish is really good to go with! The taste of beansprout was not overwhelming and it was so memorable, H tried to recreate it when we got back home. 

Address: 147 Donghwayeongmal-gil, Bongdam-eup, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Open Daily: 24-hour

Yunggeolleung 

Yunggeolleung is a burial ground from Joseon Dynasty. It is located within a forest park and one can find the tomb of Crown Prince Sado, Lady Hyegyeong as well as King Jeongjo and Queen Hyoui there. The royal tomb is very well maintained where one can take a quiet and peaceful walk. 

Address:  21 Hyohaeng-ro 481beon-gil, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Afterward, we went back too to Suwon City Center before heading back to Seoul. The 2D1N trip to Suwon was very fulfilling and we learn a little more about Korean history. Thankful that the trip went well! The 2D1N trip to Suwon is very accessible and easy to plan. However, if you are traveling with the elderly or kids, you may want to consider booking a day trip to Suwon from Seoul. 

Read 2022 Seoul Itinerary Part 1 here