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The Perfect Suwon Day Trip Itinerary (2025)

ByRoseanne Ducut

Suwon has become one of my favorite cities I’ve visited in South Korea.

It’s also one of the easiest day trips from Seoul since you can get to Suwon by direct subway or a quick KTX.

Here’s everything I did on my solo Suwon day trip from Seoul and things to do at night.

I do recommend staying until night time to see Suwon’s attractions lit up.

For kdrama fans, I have a separate post for 9 Kdrama Filming Locations in Suwon.

How Many Hours Do You Need in Suwon?

The Hwaseong Fortress Wall in Suwon glows under warm lights, winding through the landscape against the city skyline at night. The illuminated stone path contrasts with the dark sky, creating a dramatic and historic atmosphere. Beyond the fortress, modern buildings shine brightly, blending the past and present in a captivating scene. Best night views for a Suwon day trip

Four to five hours is sufficient to see the main attractions for a Suwon day trip.

However, I do recommend staying until the evening, as there’s lots of nice things to do in Suwon at night.

If you stay longer, you’ll be able to see the Hwaseong Fortress be illuminated in the evening.

Plus you can hike it for beautiful views of the city.

I ended up staying until around 8pm, and easily took the train back to Seoul.

To save time or get more insight, join a Suwon day trip tour:

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Other Suwon day tours to join:

Top 3 Things to Do in Suwon Day Trip

A person walks under a stone arch bridge at night in Suwon, South Korea, a filming location from the K-drama "Twenty Five Twenty One." The softly lit pathway curves gently, surrounded by trees and streetlights that cast a warm glow. The historic charm of the bridge blends seamlessly with the quiet nighttime atmosphere.

If you have limited time on your Suwon day trip, these are the three most popular places to visit in Suwon:

  • Hwaseong Fortress: Built in the late 1700s, this UNESCO-listed well-preserved fortress surrounds downtown Suwon.
  • New Starfield Library: Similar to the Starfield Library in Seoul, this one is located inside a mall.
  • Aesthetic Cafe Streets: Suwon has several streets lined with cozy cafes and restaurants.

Bonus for kdrama fans: Suwon is a popular filming site for kdramas like Lovely Runner, Twenty-Five Twenty One, Golden Spoon, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, and My Beloved Summer.

➡️ Full post: 9 Kdrama Filming Locations in Suwon

How to get to Suwon:

The image is a subway route screenshot showing directions for traveling from Sindorim Station to Hwaseo Station on Line 1 in South Korea. The user is instructed to board a Guro Station-bound train at 11:18 AM, with available departures at 11:19 AM (Sinchang-bound), 11:25 AM (Seodongtan-bound), and 11:30 AM (Seodongtan-bound). The ride consists of 14 stops and takes approximately 40 minutes. The user is advised to exit at Hwaseo Station, with the door opening on the left.

By Subway (one hour): Take Seoul Subway Line 1 from Sindorim Station to Hwaseo Station in Suwon.

By KTX (30 minutes): Take the KTX from Seoul Station to Suwon KTX Station. Reserve tickets online.

Both are located a short bus-ride away from downtown Suwon, but the Hwaseo subway station is walkable to the new Starfield Library, and is what I did.

Full Suwon Day Trip Itinerary

Hanok cafes in Suwon blend traditional Korean architecture with a cozy, modern atmosphere. A field of wildflowers and greenery surrounds the wooden hanok-style buildings, creating a peaceful retreat. The soft evening light enhances the charm of this hidden gem.

Most sites in Suwon’s city center are within walking distance.

But you’ll need to take a short bus or taxi to get to downtown from the subway or KTX station.

Mid-Morning

1. Starfield Library

The image showcases the Starfield Library in Suwon, South Korea. This stunning library features towering bookshelves that stretch multiple stories high, filled with books in a grand, open space. A central seating area with tiered steps provides a place for visitors to read or relax, while suspended, colorful planet-like sculptures hang from the ceiling, adding an artistic touch. Natural light floods in from the skylights above, enhancing the modern and inviting atmosphere.

The new Starfield Library in Suwon is one of the top things to do in Suwon.

It’s located on floors 4-7 at Starfield Mall, and you can visit each floor for different vantage points.

You can look at the books, take photos, sit on the stairs or tables, or visit a cafe.

NOTE: The Starfield Library is across the street from the Hwaseo subway station in Suwon, so it’s easily walkable from there.

Optional: Before heading to the Starfield Library, head to Seoho Park next door, especially during autumn or cherry blossom season for walking paths, park areas, and a big lake.

I did a quick stop here before heading to Starfield Mall:

The image captures a scenic view of Seoho Park in Suwon, South Korea, during autumn. A calm lake reflects the clear blue sky, with stone stepping-stones creating a crossing over the water. The surrounding trees display a mix of vibrant fall colors, including red, orange, and golden yellow, contrasting beautifully with the greenery. A stone embankment and wooden railing frame the serene landscape, making it a peaceful spot for a walk or relaxation.

Noon

3. Hwaseong Fortress

The image showcases a section of Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, South Korea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A traditional Korean watchtower with an intricately designed, multi-tiered roof sits atop the fortress walls, which are built from dark grey bricks. Red flags adorn the structure, adding a historic and ceremonial touch. The background features a modern cityscape, contrasting the centuries-old architecture with contemporary urban development.

The Hwaseong Fortress is the main attraction in Suwon, which surrounds the city center.

It’s a UNESCO World heritage site built in the late 1700’s and is 5.52 km (3.43 miles) long.

It has several viewpoints to explore on a Suwon day trip.

I explored the different walls and gates during the day and back in the evening.

I did make sure to get back to the Hwaseong Fortress right before sunset.

The Hwaseong Fortress Walls in Suwon walls curve around a park with autumn trees and neatly trimmed bushes. Traditional rooftops blend with modern high-rises under a soft evening sky. The winding path along the walls offers a scenic walk, showcasing the harmony between history and nature.

Some highlight spots:

  • Paldalmun Gate (main gate)
  • Hwaseomun Gate (water gate)
  • Seojangdae (Western Command Post)

4. Hwaseong Haenggung

Hwaseong Haenggung Palace in Suwon features traditional Korean architecture with ornate roof decorations and red wooden buildings. A wide courtyard with a sandy ground stretches between the palace structures, where visitors stroll under a clear blue sky. The wooden walkway along the side adds depth to the historic atmosphere, showcasing the elegance of Joseon-era design.

The Hwaseong Haenggung was built as a temporary palace.

Admission costs 1,500 won ($1 USD).

If you’re visiting during the summer months, it’s open at night.

I visited in November, and night views in summer look much better as everything is illuminated in the evening.

5. Haengnidan-gil

A charming pedestrian street lined with quaint shops and cafes, basking in sunlight, with colorful decor adding a cheerful vibe to this "Lovely Runner filming locations."

Haengnidan-gil is a vibrant area known for its aesthetic cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. Some are in traditional hanok-style buildings.

This is one of my favorite places in my Suwon day trip.

Nuldam Space, a vegan cafe in Suwon, serves a croissant topped with whipped cream and dusted with cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Beside it, a creamy latte sits in a pastel mug with the words "letter to future" printed on it. The minimalist interior and soft lighting create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

I ate at Nuldam Space, a vegan cafe chain from Seoul where you write your future self a letter and it will be delivered to you in a year.

Evening

Again, I highly recommend staying until the evening if you can for your Suwon day trip.

These are the areas I explored in the evening, when the fortress and surrounding areas were lit up.

Many of these were backdrops for kdrama filming locations:

Hwahongmun Gate

The Hwahongmun Gate in Suwon illuminated beautifully at night, its reflection mirrored in the calm water below, a key setting from the "Lovely Runner filming locations."

Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion

The Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion at Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon glows beautifully against the night sky, its lights reflecting perfectly in the calm waters below. Framed by drooping willow trees, the scene captures a serene and almost dreamlike atmosphere. The illuminated stone walls and autumn foliage add depth and warmth to the historic landscape.

Yongyeon Pond

This is located inside Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion.

Here’s night vs day views:

A peaceful night scene at a pond park with softly lit pathways, benches, and trees casting gentle shadows.
The path leading to Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion at Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon is lined with vibrant autumn foliage and towering willow trees. Visitors stroll along the winding walkway, enjoying the serene landscape and golden sunlight. The peaceful blend of nature and history makes this a perfect spot for a relaxing walk.

Stops on my hike along Hwaseong Fortress:

Seobukgangnu Northwestern Pavilion

I highly recommend this stop in the beginning of the trail!

I took off my shoes and sat in the small observatory. The night views from here were beautiful.

The Seobukgangnu Pavilion at Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon offers a breathtaking nighttime view of the illuminated fortress walls and the city skyline beyond. The traditional wooden frame and ornate painted eaves contrast beautifully with the modern high-rises in the distance. The golden glow of the fortress path winds through the landscape, creating a striking blend of history and urban life.

Hyowon’s Bell near top of hike

Hyowon's Bell at Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon stands under a beautifully decorated pavilion, illuminated against the night sky. The large bronze bell is housed within red wooden pillars and a traditional Korean roof adorned with intricate patterns. Soft lighting highlights the architectural details, creating a serene and historic ambiance.

Night Observatory Seojangdae Western Command Post

The hike up the stairs was worth it to see these night views of Suwon.

The night view from Seojangdae, the Western Command Post at Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, showcases a glowing full moon rising over the city skyline. The illuminated fortress walls wind through the urban landscape, blending history with modern high-rises. The warm city lights contrast beautifully with the dark mountains in the background, creating a breathtaking scene.

Janganmun Gate

While not busy, many streets and cafes were decorated with lights:

The cafes in Suwon at night glow warmly, their brick facades and shopfronts illuminated by streetlights. In the foreground, glowing purple orbs add a modern touch to the scene, contrasting with the traditional-style buildings. The lively yet cozy atmosphere invites visitors to explore the shops and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

Heading back, I stopped by downtown Suwon, which was lively and more commercial and modern:

If You Have More Time:

These were on my list that I didn’t get to during my day trip to Suwon.

They are a bit farther from central Suwon:

Is Suwon Worth A Day Trip?

A person takes a nighttime selfie at Seobukgangnu Pavilion in Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon, with the illuminated city skyline in the background. The traditional Korean wooden structure frames the scene, with its ornate painted eaves adding cultural charm. The soft glow of city lights contrasts with the historical setting, creating a beautiful blend of old and new.

Suwon is an easy day trip from Seoul, with many things to do without being too overwhelming.

Suwon gives off cozy-town vibes, with preserved historic sites that are within walking distance.

The new Starfield Library and Hwaseong Fortress are both worth the visit.

And especially if you’re a Lovely Runner and kdrama fan.

Enjoy your Suwon day trip!

Join a Suwon Day Trip Tour:

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Roseanne Ducut is a solo female traveler and Filipina from the Bay Area, California. She writes practical and culture-rich travel guides and lives a not-so-secret double life as a fangirl. A veghead for over 15 years, Roseanne also writes vegan guides to help others plan their trips.