Hwaseong Fortress

Overview

Hwaseong Fortress is a historic fortress in Suwon, South Korea. It was constructed in the late 18th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The fortress is a significant example of Joseon Dynasty military architecture and is a symbol of Suwon's history.

Historical Site Cultural Landmark

Location

Address

320-2 Yeonghwa-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Neighborhood: Jangan-gu

Coordinates

37.297222, 126.998889

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

1,500 KRW

Children

750 KRW (Ages 7-18)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, September-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4-5 hours

Full Experience

Full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild to warm

• Cherry blossoms
• Spring festivals

summer

Hot and humid

• Extended hours
• Water shows

autumn

Cool and pleasant

• Autumn foliage
• Harvest festivals

winter

Cold and dry

• Holiday lights
• Winter markets

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance during peak season
Wear comfortable shoes
Check the weather forecast

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Water bottle Sunscreen

seasonal

Jacket in spring/autumn Umbrella in summer Warm clothing in winter

not allowed

Drones Large bags

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (some walking and stairs)

• Stay hydrated in summer
• Be cautious on steep and narrow paths

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/Debit cards, Mobile payments

Currency

South Korean Won (KRW)

Typical Costs

entry 3,000 KRW

parking 2,000 KRW

food 5,000-10,000 KRW

souvenirs 3,000-15,000 KRW

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable clothing, Comfortable shoes for walking, Walking shoes or sneakers, Inappropriate or revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• At least a week in advance for peak seasons
• Official website or authorized ticket vendors
• 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Available online

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Hwaseong Fortress Official App

Size: 45 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Ticket booking, Event information

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafes and restaurants

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Rest areas

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Incheon International Airport (ICN)

Distance: 45 km

Travel Time: 50-60 minutes

taxi

50,000-60,000 KRW 50-60 min

public_transport

5,000-7,000 KRW 70-80 min

From City Center

Distance: 30 km from Seoul

metro

1,500-2,000 KRW 40-50 min

bus

2,000-3,000 KRW 50-60 min

taxi

25,000-35,000 KRW 30-40 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Hwaseong Fortress is a symbol of Suwon's rich history and cultural heritage. It offers a glimpse into the past and is a source of local pride.

Historical Significance: The fortress was built under the orders of King Jeongjo to honor his father, Prince Sado, and to consolidate royal authority. It played a crucial role in the defense and administration of the region.

Insider Tips

Visit the fortress early in the morning for a peaceful and serene experience.
The best local food can be found at the street markets near the fortress.
The night tours offer a unique and magical view of the fortress illuminated against the night sky.

Local Recommendations

• Try traditional Korean snacks at the nearby street markets
• Visit the Suwon Gallery for contemporary art
• Explore the local cafes and restaurants in the Jangan-gu district

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)

thank_you 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)

where_is 어디에 있나요? (Eodie issnayo?)

how_much 얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?)

beautiful 아름다워요 (Areumdawoyo)

ticket 티켓 (Tikeot)

Guide Languages: Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Paldalmun Gate

Best Time: Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon)

Tips: Capture the gate from a low angle for a grand perspective.

Result: Iconic shot of the fortress entrance.

#HwaseongFortress #Suwon #KoreaTravel

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas, Designated photography spots

prohibited areas Indoor exhibits without permission, Restricted military areas

flash photography Not allowed in indoor exhibits

commercial photography Permit required for commercial use

drone policy Prohibited without special permission

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas only

selfie sticks Allowed but use with caution

Nearby Attractions

Suwon Gallery

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Art Gallery

Suwon Korean Traditional Wine Museum

Distance: 800m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Museum

Galmaegi Market

Distance: 1km

Walking: 12 min

Type: Traditional Market

Reviews

4.7

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit early to avoid crowds"
"Wear comfortable shoes"
"Try the local street food nearby"
"Don't miss the night tours"

Contact Information

+82 31 228-3941

info@hwaseong.go.kr

www.hwaseong.go.kr

Social Media

Related Tours & Activities (4)