Sightseeing - Korea travel information

Hyowon’s Bell (효원의 종·서장대)

Hyowon’s Bell (효원의 종·서장대)

2025-05-22

Namchang-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Hyowon’s Bell is located at the summit of Paldalsan Mountain. The bell was created to honor the filial devotion of King Jeongjo towards his father, Crown Prince Sado. The bell has various symbols representing the city of Suwon and its cultural assets. The bell is always rung three times- the first ring is in gratitude for the love of one’s parents, the second to hope for happiness in one’s family, and the third as a prayer for self-improvement.

UN Memorial Cemetery (재한유엔기념공원 (UN기념공원))

UN Memorial Cemetery (재한유엔기념공원 (UN기념공원))

2024-03-06

93 UN pyeonghwa-ro, Nam-gu, Busan
+82-51-625-0625

UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea stands as the sole UN cemetery globally, established by the UN Command in 1951 to inter fallen soldiers from the Korean War. Initially accommodating around 11,000 individuals, it later saw the repatriation of many, with 2,300 remains laid to rest. Soldiers from 11 nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom, find their final resting place here. The site features Memorial Service Hall, Memorabilia Hall, Wall of Remembrance, UN Forces Monument, and Unknown Soldier's Pathway.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (해동 용궁사(부산))

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (해동 용궁사(부산))

2025-10-23

86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-gun, Busan

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan. This superb attraction offers visitors the rare find of a temple along the shore line as most temples in Korea are located in the mountains. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple was first built in 1376 by the great Buddhist teacher known as Naong during the Goryeo dynasty.

The temple was destroyed during the Imjin War, then rebuilt by Monk Ungang of Tongdosa Temple in the early 1930s. In 1974, Monk Jeongam became the abbot of the monastery with the duty to restore of the temple. During his 100-day prayer, he had a dream of Aalokitesvara Bodhisattva ascending to the heavens on a dragon's back, which became the origin of the temple's name. 

Hwaseong Fortress Tourist Trolley (화성어차)

Hwaseong Fortress Tourist Trolley (화성어차)

2025-07-01

8 Changnyong-daero 103beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-228-4686

With a design inspired by the royal vehicle used by King Gojong and palanquins of the Joseon dynasty, Hwaseong Fortress Tourist Trolley provides visitors with a comfortable tour around the main attractions of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. It is divided into a sightseeing course that starts at Hwaseong Temporary Palace and visits the main gates, and a circular course that starts at Yeonmudae Post and visits the main military facilities. Reservations are required on the website. All seats are equipped with an earphone jack offering an audio guide of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress in English, Chinese and Japanese.

Suwonhyanggyo Confucian School (수원향교)

Suwonhyanggyo Confucian School (수원향교)

2022-12-29

107-9, Hyanggyo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-245-7639

Suwonhyanggyo Confucian School was built in 1291 in front of Hwasan Mountain in Hwaseong where it stayed for nearly 500 years. It was moved to its current location in 1789 with the construction of Hwaseong Fortress. During the move, some of the original wood was exposed to water and began to rot. These parts were repaired in 1795 and efforts were made to prevent the wooden structure from futher damage. The current school is comprised of various halls, gates, and pavilions. It is registered as Gyeonggi-do Cultural Property and operates programs every summer for regional students.

Firefly Restroom (반딧불이화장실)

Firefly Restroom (반딧불이화장실)

2019-10-31

166, Gwanggyosan-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-228-2259

In honor of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, Suwon adopted the idea of ‘restrooms with culture’- building beautiful, clean, brand new bathrooms at main tourist sites around the city. The Firefly Restroom, located near the Gwanggyo Reservoir, is the most beautiful of them all. It features a tunnel for the handicapped, a ceiling which filters light, a simple interior, a coffee vending machine, and a rest area.

Hwahongmun Gate (화홍문(華虹門))

Hwahongmun Gate (화홍문(華虹門))

2025-10-23

377 Suwoncheon-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Hwahongmun Gate refers to the northern gate of Hwaseong Fortress among the two main gates installed to control the flow of Suwoncheon Stream that cuts through the fortress. Hwahongmun Gate consists of seven arched watergates in varying sizes. The watergate at the center is larger than the others to control the water flow effectively.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm – TV series “Lovely Runner”
Hwahongmun Gate is known for its beautiful nighttime view, with warm illuminations casting a glow over the gates and walkways. The bridge in front of Hwahongmun, where Sun-jae confessed his feelings to Sol, has become a popular photo spot for fans looking to capture a piece of the romance.

Changnyongmun Gate (창룡문)

Changnyongmun Gate (창룡문)

2023-09-25

697, Gyeongsu-daero, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Changnyeongmun Gate, the eastern gate of Hwaseong Fortress, is similar in shape and size to Hwaseomun Gate to the east. Something to take note of is the nameplate carved into the wall left of the gate. While the names on the polished granite at the other three main gates have become obscure over time, the nameplate at Changnyeongmun Gate is still clearly visable.

Gwanggyosan Mountain (광교산)

2024-02-29

58 Sanggwanggyo-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Gwanggyosan Mountain straddles the cities of Suwon and Yongin. Its summit, Shirubong Peak, stands at 852 meters above sea level. The mountain is located in a plain area with no large mountains around it, and the ridges are very gentle and lush with trees in all directions, so many people visit for forest bathing and hiking. Its winter snowscapes are particularly renowned. Notable cultural assets include the tomb and monument of General Kim Joon Ryong, built to commemorate his great victory during the Qing invasion of Joseon, and the tomb of Sim On who served as a civil minister in Joseon dynasty.

Janganmun Gate (장안문)

2019-12-31

910, Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-031-228-4416

Janganmun Gate is the main gate of Hwaseong Fortress at the northern wall. Jangan means capital, implying that Hwaseong Fortress is the secondary capital. Janganmun Gate served as the main gate because the king would pass from this gate when arriving from Hanyang, the capital city, now modern-day Seoul. It is interesting to note that this gate is larger than Sungryemun Gate in Seoul.