Autumn at Hwaseong Fortress ©Korea Tourism Organization Photo Korea – Oh Do-yeon

Suwon, home to UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress, has become a favorite destination among Millennials and Gen Z travelers. The city seamlessly blends tradition with modern life, offers distinctive local flavors, and hosts cultural events that delight all the senses—creating a vibrant and trendy atmosphere. Read on to explore fresh ways to experience Suwon, from daytime attractions to nighttime festivals and experiences. This fall, discover unforgettable moments where Korea’s past and present come together in Suwon.

For a relaxed way to explore highlights of the Hwaseong Fortress, take the Hwaseong Fortress Tourist Trolley. Modeled after the royal palanquin of the Joseon kings and a car once used by Sunjong, the last emperor of Korea, the trolley departs from Yeonmudae and follows a 20-minute circular route that takes in Hwahongmun Gate, Janganmun Gate, Hwaseomun Gate, and nearby attractions. As the breeze brushes your face and the fortress walls and surrounding scenery unfold outside, you may just feel like royalty.

If you enjoy walking, follow the fortress walls to explore Suwon on foot. The Hwaseong Fortress Trail connects traditional landmarks such as Janganmun Gate and Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion with trendy hotspots like Haengnidan Street and bustling traditional markets. It’s a rewarding walk by day, alive with natural energy, but even more enchanting at night when the fortress and city lights glow against the dark sky.

For a faster way to explore Suwon, hop on a bike. The city operates a public bicycle service called Bandicle near Hwaseong Temporary Palace and Gwanggyosan Mountain. Its biggest advantage is the low rental fee—just 1,000 won for up to 4 hours on weekends, and unlimited riding on weekdays. A frog-themed helmet is provided and must be worn while riding.

For something unique and romantic, Flying Suwon is the perfect choice. This massive tethered helium balloon, 32 meters tall and 22 meters wide, rises 70 to 150 meters into the sky within moments. The thrill of lift-off quickly gives way to sweeping views of Hwaseong Fortress, Paldalsan Mountain, and Suwoncheon Stream. Any time of day is rewarding, but for the most unforgettable experience, ride at sunset and watch the city light up against the night sky.

The Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival has been the city’s signature event for over 60 years. It reimagines King Jeongjo’s historic eight-day royal procession with modern performances and interactive programs. Highlights include Korea’s largest royal parade, King Jeongjo’s Royal Procession (Joint Re-enactment), as well as nighttime military drills and water performances at Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion. With the fortress as its stage, music, dance, and media art come together in a dazzling spectacle. Visitors can also join in the fun through participatory programs like the high-energy Suwon Palanquin Race and Citizen Painters, a collaborative art project where everyone contributes to a giant painting.

Alongside the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, the fortress transforms into a canvas of light. Now in its fifth year, the program showcases media artworks that reinterpret King Jeongjo’s achievements, philosophy, and dreams. Visitors can enjoy lighting installations that make use of the surrounding trees and walkways, immersive media experience zones, and more. Adding a global pop-culture touch, the event also features media façades, a pop-up store, and photo zones created in collaboration with the world-famous Peanuts franchise.

Curious what a royal palace looks like after dark? Don’t miss the Hwaseong Temporary Palace Night Opening, running through November under the theme “Dalbit Hwadam” (“Conversations in Moonlight and Flowers”). Six themed zones bring the palace to life at night, with flower-inspired installations, media art combining light and music, and hands-on experiences of traditional Korean games. Visitors wearing hanbok can even enter free of charge—making it the perfect chance to stroll the palace grounds in traditional style.

Haengnidan Street alley / Café Montede

Once a quiet lane in Haenggung-dong, Haengnidan Street has rapidly risen as a hotspot for Millennials and Gen Z. The area generally refers to the stretch from Hwaseo Park to Hwahongmun Gate. Packed with characterful cafés, restaurants, studios, and select shops, it’s perfect for shopping, dining, or relaxing over dessert with friends and loved ones. The street has also featured as a filming location in hit K-dramas such as “Our Beloved Summer (2021),” “Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022),” and “Lovely Runner (2024),” winning global attention.

Running along Suwoncheon Stream, Suwon Chicken Street is one of Korea’s most famous fried chicken alleys. Formed in the 1970s, it began as a cluster of vendors selling freshly slaughtered chicken, and has kept the tradition of deep-frying whole birds in large cast-iron cauldrons. Today, visitors can savor crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside old-style fried chicken, sweet and spicy sauced chicken, and Suwon’s signature Wanggalbi Chicken, chicken marinated in short rib seasoning—all at friendly prices.

Suwon Nammun Market is the largest market complex in Gyeonggi-do, bringing together nine markets including Motgol Market, Minari-gwang Market, and Yeongdong Market. It’s beloved for its affordable yet delicious food—everything from snacks like doughnuts and hotteok to hearty Korean favorites such as stir fried gopchang sundae and kalguksu (noodle soup). Having served locals for generations, the market also sells a wide range of goods from daily necessities and clothing to fresh ingredients, making browsing itself part of the fun.

* This column was last updated in September 2025, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check for updates before visiting.