A king's dream for a fortified city

The story of Hwaseong begins with King Jeongjo, the great king of the Joseon Dynasty. He was a very thoughtful king who built the fortress in the late 18th century to honor his father and revitalize the country. Hwaseong was considered a very technical wall at the time, blending Eastern and Western military architectural styles with both Eastern aesthetics and Western defense systems, making it both beautiful to look at and practical to use.

With a total length of 5.7 kilometers and surrounding the entire Suwon city center, this wall was quite cleverly designed with four gates in the east, south, west, and north, as well as a variety of watchtowers, archery platforms, and fortifications. What's even more rare is that despite the wars and the erosion of time, it is still very well preserved, and even allows visitors to experience some of the ancient activities of defending the city for themselves. If you love history, then a casual stroll around the place will give you a sense of the splendor of the Joseon Dynasty.

When is the most comfortable time to visit Hwaseong?

Korea's seasons still change quite dramatically, and the best seasons for an outdoor attraction like Hwaseong are, of course, spring and fall. In spring, the temperature is warm and the cherry blossom trees near the walls are in full bloom, especially in early April, when the scenery is almost like a painting as you stroll along the walls.

Autumn is another kind of beauty. Around October, the maple leaves decorate the entire wall with colorful colors, and the temperature is just right, so you won't feel too tired after walking around the whole area. If you like to take photos, Huacheng in autumn is definitely the most photogenic season, especially when the sun sets, the sunlight pours on the ancient city walls, and the whole atmosphere becomes very charming.

Of course, if you go in the summer, although the scenery on the city wall is also good, but the weather is really a bit hot, especially at noon, the sun directly on the body, walking for a while will be easy to sweat. In winter, although the snowy scenery has a special flavor, but the temperature may be as low as below zero, when the wind is strong standing on the wall, it feels like being cut by the cold wind, so friends who are afraid of the cold, winter may have to be carefully considered.

In Hwacheng, you can experience more than just the city wall.

Hwaseong is not just a place where you can see the old buildings, but there are also many interesting traditional activities. If you want to get a taste of martial arts from the Joseon Dynasty, check out the Martial Arts Performance, which showcases the martial arts of ancient soldiers, including swordsmanship, archery, spears, and more, in a scene that's so impressive it's like traveling back in time to the battlefields of the past.

For a more in-depth experience, try the “Bow and Arrow Experience”. In some parts of the city walls, you can pay a small fee to see for yourself how ancient soldiers shot arrows. This traditional bow is different from modern bows, and the feeling of drawing it is very special, and it's a great feeling of accomplishment when you hit the bull's-eye.

Another special experience in Hwaseong is the Hwaseong Haenggung, a palace built by King Jeongjo the Great to tour Suwon Castle and take a rest back in the day, which has now been restored and visitors can go inside. If you're lucky, you'll be able to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony or the palace guards patrolling the palace, with soldiers in traditional Joseon dress lining up at the entrance to the palace, and the solemnity will really make you feel like you've traveled back in time to the Joseon era.

Festivals in Hwaseong that you can't miss

Your trip to Hwaseong is even better if you happen to catch the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival. This festival usually takes place in early October every year and features a variety of traditional performances, float parades, reenactments of palace ceremonies, and even the parade of King Jeongjo the Great. The entire city of Suwon is then immersed in the atmosphere of the festival, which is particularly lively.

If you are interested in traditional Korean culture, you can also experience a traditional dress fitting event. Many tourists will rent a set of Hanbok near Hwaseong and walk around the old city walls in them to take photos, which really makes a statement. Especially for girls, wearing brightly colored hanboks with the background of Hwaseong makes for a perfect tourist photo anytime.

Tips to make your trip to Hwaseong smoother

How to get there by transportation?

The easiest way to get to Hwaseong from Seoul is to take Subway Line 1 to Suwon Station and then transfer to a bus or cab. The whole journey takes about 1 hour, which is still quite convenient.

Do I need an entrance fee?

Entry to most parts of Hwaseong is free, but if you want to visit the “Hwaseong Palace” or experience some special events, you may need to purchase an additional ticket, which is not expensive.

What should I wear?

Since you're going to be climbing the wall, it's important to wear a pair of comfortable sneakers. If you are coming in spring and fall, just bring a light jacket; in summer, you should protect yourself from the sun, and in winter, you should keep warm, after all, it is quite windy on the wall.

What's good to eat?

Since you're in Suwon, you have to try Suwon Galbi, a famous Korean dish of grilled beef ribs with tender meat and flavorful sauce that you'll fall in love with after just one bite. There are many restaurants in downtown Suwon that specialize in this dish, so remember to give it a try.

Hwaseong is more than just an old walled city, it is a living history book. Walking here, you can feel the wisdom of the Joseon Dynasty, enjoy the stunning scenery, and experience a variety of traditional cultures. Whether you love history, enjoy taking photos, or simply want a place to walk and relax, Hwaseong has it all. On your next trip to Korea, schedule a day to walk around and experience the unique charm of this ancient city.