Hwaseong Fortress
화성Five kilometres of ramparts you can walk end to end. A small tourist train for those who'd rather not.
Entry ~1,000 ₩ · Maps ↗
Around the country
The cities, one by one
Pick a city: you get what makes it special, how to get there from Seoul, and the places genuinely worth the trip.
Suwon
수원On Seoul's doorstep, a city dominated by a UNESCO-listed fortress. Built in the late 18th century by King Jeongjo in tribute to his father, it blends Korean and Western techniques — cutting-edge engineering for its time.
Getting thereAbout 45 minutes by train from Seoul, or on metro line 1. It's the easiest day trip in the country from the capital.
Hwaseong Haenggung Palace
화성행궁The palace where the king stayed during his visits. Rebuilt, it hosts martial arts demonstrations at weekends.
In the centre of the fortress · Maps ↗
Korean Folk Village
한국민속촌An open-air village museum recreating life under Joseon, with equestrian and dance performances. A family favourite.
Shuttle from Suwon station · Maps ↗