Suwon

Suwon from above the Palace
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Suwon should be at the top of any list of places to visit in Korea. It’s a short subway ride south of Seoul and consist of Hwaseong, a Joseon Dynasty walled city ( a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sight), Hwaseong Haenggung, a Joseon Dynasty Palace, and an incredible folk village.

The subway from Seoul cost the equivalent of a few US dollars, and stops at Suwon Station, the heart of the entertainment district. The station itself is six or seven stories and has a great selection of eateries, lots of small shops, and an upscale department store. From the front door you can take a short taxi ride straight to the south gate of the fortress. If you want to spend a few days, and you will, straight down the street heading from Suwon Station to Hwaseong is the Brown Hotel, walking distance to the south gate. A short taxi ride away is the less expensive but quite nice Tahitian Hotel.

Suwon should be at the top of any list of places to visit in Korea.

Yesterday meets today.
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The Palace is inside the Fortress, so you may want to spend the first day at the folk village, and get an early start the next day on Hwaseong.

A three hour city tour leaves from Suwon Station twice a day. (Don’t worry Gilligan is no where to be seen and there are no uncharted islands for miles). It’s run by Jangsu Tour Company 031 256 8300.

If you don’t want all the up-hill walking, try the “train” located SW of the Palace. It will drop you off at the top, near the East gate and you can walk down. While your waiting at the bottom walk across the street and try your hand at traditional Korean archery.