"Suwon" a Suwon Travel Page by mke1963

Suwon was one of the highlights of our week in Seoul. We enjoyed the city so much that we went twice, to the obvious delight of the friendly man in the Tourist Information Office who recognised us on our return (see separate review of Tourist Information Office).
Suwon’s fortress walls have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage, and unlike some Chinese sites, Suwon fully deserves the accolade. The fortress, although largely rebuilt, is one of the most spectacular fortresses in Asia. A short stretch of the walls is missing, and there has been dreadful encroachment on the Paldalmun southern gate leaving it stranded in a roundabout, cramped by really grubby 1970s stores and other buildings, festooned with neon and advertising.
The walk around the walls, easily manageable in sections or its entirety, is great exercise and has wonderful views over the city, although ironically you cannot see the Hwasung Haengung palace complex from the walls as the inner slopes of the fortress are thickly wooded with pine trees.

Suwon has more to offer, though, than just one fortress: the vast and highly-rated Everland theme park is just outside the city, close to the equally highly-rated Korean folk village, the Hoam Art Museum, and the Korean Centre for Traditional Performing Arts (daily performance at 4pm) is just 100 metres from the folk village entrance. You can visit the Suwon World Cup stadium, and Suwon is also home to the Gyeonggi-do Provincial Museum, again rated highly by those who have visited it, while to the south of town are the Yungneung-Geolleung royal tombs, with their own legends.

The tourism authority in Suwon and other civic groups put on displays and ceremonies most weekends through the day in the palace and at other locations. Children will love the little red road train that runs to most major points along the walls.

Most visitors come just for the day, but on our next visit we intend to stay in the town, as there is enough for all of us for 3 or 4 days at least.