Experience the Incredible Suwon Hwaseong Fortress with AR and XR

There’s a growing interest in exploring Suwon through new travel methods using AR and XR. Start by taking the XR bus to tour the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress area. Next, head to Hwaseong Temporary Palace for an outdoor escape game. You can also enjoy AR content in areas typically closed to the public, such as the interior of Seobuk Gongsimdon or the Northwestern Watchtower of Hwaseong Fortress. Additionally, you can book various experience programs, including Flying Suwon, through the Suwon travel platform, Touch Suwon.

Take the XR Bus to Go Back to the King Jeongjo's Time

XR, or extended reality, is the latest tech trend following AR (augmented reality), VR (virtual reality), and MR (mixed reality). Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is home to Korea’s only XR bus. Its transparent display windows and tablets on the left-hand seats showcase synchronized videos, providing an immersive experience.

The XR bus departs from Yeonmudae Post (Dongjangdae) and passes Temporary Palace at Hwaseong Fortress (Hwaseong Haenggung Palace), Gyodong Intersection, Gyeonggi-do Governor Residence, and Auri National Hanok Center before returning to Yeonmudae Post. The 40-minute tour narrates the story of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress's construction and the life of King Jeongjo. As the bus drives along the fortress walls, you can witness King Jeongjo's royal procession. When the visuals inside and outside align perfectly, it feels as though you’ve traveled back in time.

Playing an Escape Game at Hwaseong Temporary Palace?

Next, take part in an outdoor mission game set against the stunning backdrop of Hwaseong Temporary Palace. The game, titled 'The Secret of Hwaseong Haenggung,' is an outdoor escape adventure where you solve missions and quizzes at various points around the palace to unlock the secret key.



During the game, you’ll explore nearly all the main locations of the Temporary Palace, including Sinpungnu (the main gate), Jwaikmun (the east gate), Seoricheong (the clerks’ office), Yuyeotaek (the king’s temporary office), Bongnaedang (the women’s quarters), and Bongsudang (the royal audience hall). Upon completing the mission, you’ll receive detailed descriptions of each location, enriching your understanding of the palace’s history.

Delight Your Taste Buds at Suwon Fried Chicken Street and Soak Up the Sentimental Vibe at Haengnidan-gil Street

Wanggalbitongdak, or fried chicken marinated in barbecue sauce, is a must-try in Suwon, a city famous for wanggalbi—grilled, marinated premium beef ribs. This chicken dish features a sweet soy sauce-based marinade and can be enjoyed as is or as a sandwich with shredded chicken and a generous serving of cabbage salad.
 

Haengnidan-gil Street, the stretch of road between Hwaseomun Gate and Hwahongmun Gate in Haenggung-dong, is lined with charming cafes and restaurants. As more tourists visit Suwon Hwaseong Fortress—boosted by its frequent appearances in dramas—the area has grown in popularity. Over time, the number of cafes, restaurants, and workshops has increased, creating a vibrant and diverse culinary scene. Whether you're in the mood for unique dishes or cozy atmospheres, Haengnidan-gil Street has plenty to offer.

Flying Suwon: A Romantic Ride Perfect for Photos

The final stop is Flying Suwon, where you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city. While it’s a fixed hot air balloon that doesn’t actually fly, the gentle ascent and descent offer a fun and memorable experience. Daytime rides are enjoyable, but an evening ride is even better for taking in the breathtaking night view. From the right height, you can see the entirety of Hwaseong Fortress and the city lights shimmering below. Highlights include Changnyongmun Gate, Dongjangdae Post, Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, Janganmun Gate, and Hwaseomun Gate.

Though passengers cannot walk around inside the hot air balloon, it rotates slowly, allowing you to take in the stunning panoramic views at your leisure.

If you’re walking along the fortress walls at night, you can take advantage of the luggage storage service at Hwahong Sarangchae. The Touch Suwon App makes it easy to find luggage storage, check locker availability, make reservations, and open or close locker doors. The app also provides information about nearby parking lots and other useful facilities, making navigating Suwon a breeze.

Written and photographed by Kim Suk-hyeon (Travel writer)