Suwon Sights and Landmarks Guide, South Korea

Suwon, the walled city in South Korea, is famous not only for its historical heritages but also its unique fusion with the industrialized modern world. Just like the majestic attractions of Cheongju, Suwon Sights are popular with a range of intangible cultural landmarks, festivals, parks, museums and sports stadiums.

Suwon Sights – Landmarks

Being a major historical site, it is not surprising that Suwon is a favorite tourist destination among foreign and local travelers. Be sure to check these sights on your way to Suwon.

Hwaseong Fortress. Registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in December 6, 1997, Hwaseong Fortress is recognized as the identifying landmark of Suwon. The fortress, which surrounds the whole city of Hwaseong, was built in 1794 and completed in 1796 under the reign of King Jeongjo. Possessing an array of military defenses and facilities not found in other fortresses it is known as the most scientific of all fortresses ever built in Korea.

Hwaseong Haenggung. A palace built at the foot of the Hwaseong Fortress and used as the temporary residence of King Jeongjo during his long journeys and other royal events. It is the biggest of the known Haenggung or shelter where Kings rested after the war.

Suwon Sights – Festivals

The city holds numerous festivals every year promoting its diverse culture and tradition.

The Pilgrimage on the Walls of Filial Piety. It is a pilgrimage to the walls of Hwaseong Fortress held every Children’s Day (May 5) of the year. Visitors can expect a varied cultural performance followed by the traditional firing of the beacon.

Suwon International Music Festival. This festival started in 1999 to prepare Suwon in hosting the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The Suwon International Music Festival has been held every year since then.

Suwon Sights – Museums

Most of the museums and galleries found under Suwon Sights exhibit the agricultural and sericultural beginnings of the city.

Agriculture Exhibition Hall. It features three halls, namely: The Hall of Contemporary Agriculture which highlights the modern technologies related to agriculture and its future; The Hall of Agricultural Relics which gives an overview of the agrarian culture of the ancient Koreans; and The Hall of Materials which houses the tools, seeds, and other materials used in farming.

The Museum of Sericultural History. This displays the specimens and living insects that were vital in the sericultural history of Korea.

Suwon Sights – Sports and Recreation

Suwon is often referred to as the ‘Football Capital’ of the soccer-crazy nation. It also supports other sporting facilities besides football, like archery, swimming, badminton, and tennis.

Suwon Big Bird Stadium. This is the venue where the 2002 FIFA World Cup tournament was held. It is also home to the Suwon Samsung Bluewings, a popular K-League team.

Suwon Gymnasium. This sports venue hosted the handball games in the 1988 Olympics.

These are but a few of the travel destinations found in Suwon, South Korea. It has a very distinctive list of sights setting it apart from Korea’s largest city Seoul known for other great wonders.