Zhibek Azamat 27′ is Business Analytics and Marketing major currently studying at Seoul National University for Fall 2024!
Travelers coming to South Korea often immediately book tickets for Jeju Island, Busan, or plan a stay in Seoul. However, if you’re a budget-conscious tourist looking to explore other parts of the country, consider a day trip to Suwon.
Located in northwestern South Korea, Suwon is just about an hour’s train ride from Seoul. This city is filled with hidden gems and charming cafes, making it very budget-friendly. My friend and I visited in early November, but I highly recommend going from mid-October to early November for optimal strolling weather—not too hot or too cold. Suwon is a walkable city with lovely cafe streets designed in hanok style, UNESCO heritage sites, and picturesque spots ideal for K-drama settings.
We met at 9 a.m. at the station and took Line 2 to Sindorim Station. There, we transferred to Line 1, and within 40 minutes, we arrived at Suwon Station. A great tip is to share an Excel sheet with your friends to keep everyone updated on the itinerary, ensuring you make the most of your trip.
There’s no need to buy a separate ticket for Suwon; a regular T-Money card works perfectly for both trains and buses in the city. Above is the itinerary I built, feel free to use it when visiting Suwon 🙂
We were fortunate to have chosen a sunny day, which allowed us to enjoy both the outdoors and the cozy indoors. Our first stop was the cafe “Farm to Hanok,” located inside a traditional hanok house, specializing in breakfast and brunch. We arrived early, avoiding the busy hours and enjoying our meal while chatting with a great view through the windows.
Suwon is relatively compact, and within just seven minutes, we reached Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This cultural landmark was constructed between 1794 and 1796 by King Jeongjo to honor his father, Prince Sado, who met a tragic end due to his father King Yeongjo’s orders. The fortress is perfect for catching the sunset or taking pictures of its stunning architecture and beautiful ceilings that reference Korean folklore.
I also recommend visiting Manseok Park, where many locals enjoy biking or having picnics, especially during the beautiful fall season when the leaves turn shades of yellow and orange, creating a magical atmosphere. Although we didn’t manage to visit, it would be best to go there directly from Suwon Station by bus and then make your way to the Hwaseong Gates.
Fans of dramas like “Our Beloved Summer” and “Lovely Runner” will appreciate that many scenes were filmed in Suwon, with some of the original settings still intact for great photo opportunities. As we strolled around Hwaseong, we also window-shopped and came across Mochi-go, a small kiosk cafe offering delicious mochi-filled Bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastries). After enjoying our treats, we took the bus to Suwon Starfield, a massive nine-floor mall that features the Starfield Library.
In my experience, Starfield Library in the CoEx Mall, located in Gangnam, Seoul, tends to be crowded with tourists and is relatively small. In contrast, the library in Suwon is much less busy, allowing people to actually sit and read. The various floors provide study spaces, making it a more peaceful environment.
We rounded off our day at the mall’s large food court, which offers a wide variety of dining options for dinner.
One unexpected highlight of the trip was being able to complete an assignment for my class on the train, as the deadline was that day. So, my advice is: don’t procrastinate!
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