A day in Suwon: the palace, markets and a stretch of wall
Spend a day walking from Hwaseong Haenggung to the Nammun markets and a stretch of Suwon’s fortress wall, with a separate journey to Gwanggyo Lake Park if you would like an evening by the water.
A day in Suwon: the palace, markets and a stretch of wall
Begin a day in Suwon at Hwaseong Haenggung, explore Nammun Market and walk a stretch of the fortress wall. The palace buildings and courtyards give way to market lanes and the neighborhoods on either side of the wall. If you would like to spend the evening at Gwanggyo Lake Park, leave time for the journey there by keeping the fortress walk a little shorter.
From the palace to the market lanes
After exploring Hwaseong Haenggung, head into the surrounding lanes of workshops and cafés. Walk toward Paldalmun to reach Nammun Market. Several markets share this neighborhood, and the shops and food change from one lane to the next. You could stop here for lunch or continue to Suwon Chicken Street for a meal.
If the royal-galbi fried chicken in *Extreme Job* caught your attention, take a look at the menus on Chicken Street. The film's chicken-shop scenes were shot in Baedari, Incheon. Choose a restaurant to suit your appetite and budget, keeping an eye on how much walking time a long queue would leave you. Market snacks or a simple meal at a neighborhood restaurant are other ways to eat before continuing your walk.
Neighborhood views along the fortress wall
Walking north from Paldalmun toward Janganmun takes you past low-rise buildings, newer shops and residential streets on both sides of the wall. If you have spent much of the day at the palace and markets, a shorter section of the fortress makes a comfortable addition.
There are slopes and steps along the wall. Wear comfortable shoes and include the way back when choosing how far to walk.
Around Banghwasuryujeong, you can see the pavilion, Yongyeon Pond and the fortress wall together. The view changes with the light between daytime and evening.
Banghwasuryujeong by day.
Banghwasuryujeong in the evening.
Adding an activity to the walk
On breezy days, you may see kites flying over the lawn in front of Changnyongmun. Traditional archery near Yeonmudae or a ride on the Hwaseong Tourist Trolley could also fit into your day.
Activities and their hours vary with the season and events. If one is a main reason for your visit, look up that day's schedule in the Suwon Cultural Foundation's official Suwon Hwaseong tourism information.
An evening at Gwanggyo Lake Park
With waterside paths, lawns and high-rise buildings, Gwanggyo Lake Park shows a different side of Suwon. You can walk around the lake by day and see the city lights at night. The shopping and cultural spaces near Gwanggyo Jungang Station are other places to explore nearby.
Getting from the Hwaseong area to Gwanggyo takes a separate journey. For an evening by the lake, allow for it by spending less time walking in the old center. Or stay in the old center for the whole day if you would rather take your time at the palace, markets and fortress.
Gwanggyo Lake Park by day.
Gwanggyo Lake Park at night.
Photo credits
• Hwaseong Haenggung: Adil, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
• Banghwasuryujeong, day and evening: Jpbarrass, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain
• Gwanggyo Lake Park, daytime: Jocelyndurrey, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
• Gwanggyo Lake Park, night: Moonhayun, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0