Hwaseong Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Hwaseong, from visiting cultural and natural attractions to indulging in local food and drink. Learn about the city's history, transportation options, and more in our complete travel guide.


Introduction to Hwaseong

Located in the Gyeonggi province of South Korea, Hwaseong is a vibrant city with a rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and a vibrant food and drink scene. The city is best known for its UNESCO-listed fortress, which dates back to the 18th century and is a major tourist attraction in the region. However, Hwaseong is also home to many other cultural and natural attractions, as well as exciting outdoor adventures, making it a perfect destination for those looking for a comprehensive travel experience.

List of Places to Visit in Hwaseong

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Hwaseong is a city that takes pride in its cultural heritage, and there are many museums and historical places that visitors can explore. Some of the must-see cultural attractions in Hwaseong include:

  • Hwaseong Fortress: This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a massive wall stretching 5.7km around the city. Visitors can walk along its walls and gates, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Hwaseong Haenggung Palace: This grand palace was built in the late 18th century as a secondary palace for King Jeongjo. It features a beautiful garden, impressive architecture, and traditional Korean paintings and sculptures.
  • Paldalsan Sculpture Park: This park is home to many sculptures of historical Korean figures, including Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who played an important role in Korean naval warfare.

Natural Attractions of Hwaseong: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Nature lovers will not be disappointed by the stunning scenery in Hwaseong. Here are some of the best natural attractions to visit:

  • Suwon Lake Park: This picturesque park features a large lake where visitors can rent boats and pedalos, as well as hiking paths and picnic areas.
  • Gwanggyosan Mountain: This mountain offers a challenging hike with stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
  • Hwaseong Arboretum: This beautiful botanical garden is home to over 6,000 plants, including rare trees and flowers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hwaseong

Hwaseong is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with many hiking and biking routes to explore. Some of the most popular trails in the city include:

  • Hwaseong Five Royal Tombs Trail: This 13.5km trail starts at Hwaseong Fortress and takes visitors through the historic areas around the city, including several royal tombs.
  • Yeonmudae Rocks Trail: This 6km trail takes visitors through rocky outcrops and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Hwagyesan Mountain Trail: This 1.9km trail leads visitors up to the peak of Hwagyesan Mountain, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Hwaseong: Activities and Tours

In addition to the cultural and natural attractions, there are many activities and tours to keep visitors busy in Hwaseong. Here are some of the best:

  • Korean Traditional Cooking Class: Visitors can learn to cook traditional Korean dishes with a local chef.
  • Korean Traditional Tea Ceremony: Visitors can learn about the history and culture of Korean tea while sipping on delicious brews.
  • Suwon City Tour: This guided tour takes visitors through the historical areas of Suwon, including the Hwaseong Fortress and the Haenggung Palace.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hwaseong

For those planning a week-long trip to Hwaseong, here is a sample itinerary:

Day 1-2: Explore the Hwaseong Fortress and Haenggung Palace, and take a tour of the Korean Traditional Tea Ceremony.

Day 3-4: Take a hike on one of the many trails around Hwaseong, and explore the Yeonmudae Rocks.

Day 5-6: Visit the Suwon Lake Park and the Paldalsan Sculpture Park, and take a cooking class to learn traditional Korean cuisine.

Day 7: Take a Suwon City Tour to see the best cultural and natural attractions around the city.

Food and Drink Scene of Hwaseong

Korean cuisine is renowned around the world for its unique flavors and cooking techniques, and Hwaseong is no exception. Here are some of the best dishes and beverages to try in Hwaseong:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Galbi: This grilled beef short rib is a Korean classic, and Hwaseong is famous for its delicious and succulent version.
  • Bibimbap: This hearty bowl of rice, vegetables, and meat is a popular dish in Korea, and Hwaseong is known for its fresh and colorful ingredients.
  • Makgeolli: This traditional Korean rice wine is a popular beverage in Hwaseong, and visitors can try it at many local bars and restaurants.

Local Beverages

  • Sujeonggwa: This sweet drink is made from cinnamon and ginger, and is often served as a dessert or after-dinner drink.
  • Insamcha: This tea is made from ginseng and is believed to have many health benefits.

Where to Stay in Hwaseong: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options in Hwaseong to suit all budgets and travel styles. Some of the best options include:

  • Hwaseong Guesthouse: This guesthouse features modern rooms and a convenient location close to the Hwaseong Fortress.
  • Tiffany Tourist Hotel: This hotel offers comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, including a spa and fitness center.
  • Hwaseong Allstay Hotel: This affordable hotel features basic but comfortable rooms and is conveniently located close to many cultural and natural attractions in Hwaseong.

What to Buy in Hwaseong: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When shopping in Hwaseong, visitors should look out for these local products and souvenirs:

  • Hwaseong Sunchang Gochujang: This spicy Korean chili paste is a popular condiment and souvenir to bring back home.
  • Hwaseong Hanu Beef: This high-quality beef is famous in Korea for its tender and juicy meat.
  • Suwon Ceramics: These traditional Korean ceramics are a great souvenir to bring back home and make the perfect addition to any home decor.

Local Culture and Customs of Hwaseong

Korea has a unique culture and customs that visitors should be aware of when visiting Hwaseong. Some important things to know include:

  • Respect personal space: In Korea, personal space is highly valued, and visitors should avoid touching or invading others’ personal space.
  • Take off shoes inside: It is customary to take off shoes when entering homes and some restaurants, so visitors should be prepared to do so.
  • Use two hands when giving or receiving something: Using two hands when giving or receiving items shows respect in Korean culture.

Best Time to Visit Hwaseong

The best time to visit Hwaseong is during the spring or autumn months, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy, making outdoor activities more challenging.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hwaseong

Here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Hwaseong:

Do:

  • Learn some basic Korean language: Even a few words can go a long way in breaking down cultural barriers and showing respect to locals.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: There is plenty of walking to be done in Hwaseong, so comfortable shoes are a must.
  • Try the local food and drink: Korean cuisine is an important part of the culture in Hwaseong, so visitors should definitely try as many local delicacies as possible.

Don’t:

  • Leave chopsticks in a bowl of rice: This is considered rude in Korean culture and should be avoided.
  • Tip at restaurants: Tipping is not customary in Korea and can be seen as rude or confusing.

Safety and Health

Visitors to Hwaseong can rest easy knowing that the city is a safe and healthy place to visit. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Safety in Hwaseong

  • Avoid walking alone at night: As in any city, visitors should be cautious when walking alone at night.
  • Be aware of traffic: Korean drivers can be aggressive, so visitors should take care when crossing the road.

Health in Hwaseong

  • Drink bottled water: While the tap water in Hwaseong is safe to drink, visitors may prefer to drink bottled water to be extra cautious.
  • Wear sunscreen: The sun can be strong in Hwaseong, so visitors should protect their skin with sunblock when spending time outdoors.

Getting to Hwaseong: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hwaseong is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Here are some of the best options:

Airports Near Hwaseong

  • Incheon International Airport: This is the largest international airport in Korea and is located about an hour away from Hwaseong.

Bus Stations Near Hwaseong

  • Suwon Intercity Bus Terminal: This bus terminal is located in Suwon, close to Hwaseong, and offers many connections to other cities in Korea.

Other Options

  • Train: Visitors can take a train from Seoul to Suwon or Yeongtong Station, both of which are close to Hwaseong.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Hwaseong and are a convenient mode of transportation for short distances.

How to Get Around in Hwaseong

Hwaseong is a compact city that can easily be explored on foot, but visitors may also choose to use public transportation or taxis. Here are some of the best options:

  • Bus: Buses are cheap and convenient for getting around Hwaseong and are color-coded based on their routes.
  • Subway: Hwaseong has a small subway system with two lines.
  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Hwaseong and are inexpensive for short journeys.

Where to Go Next from Hwaseong: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hwaseong makes a great base for exploring other parts of South Korea. Some of the best nearby destinations and excursions include:

  • Seoul: This vibrant city is only a short train ride away from Hwaseong and offers an abundance of cultural attractions and activities.
  • Yongin: This city is home to the popular Everland theme park, which offers many rides and attractions for all ages.
  • DMZ: This heavily fortified and demilitarized area runs along the border between North and South Korea and offers a unique insight into Korean history and politics.

Conclusion

Hwaseong offers visitors an exciting and comprehensive travel experience, with its mix of cultural and natural attractions, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals. With this guide, visitors can experience the best of what Hwaseong has to offer and leave with memories to last a lifetime.