Hwaseong Haenggung

Embark on a captivating journey that delves deep into Korea's rich history and vibrant culture. Your day begins with convenient departures from central locations in Seoul. Your first destination is the Korean Folk Village, an immersive open-air museum that transports you back to the Joseon era. Here, you'll meander through authentically reconstructed traditional houses, witness folk performances, and immerse yourself in the daily lives of ancient Koreans. If you have ever read about ancient Asian history or watched a movie based on that period of history, this Korean Folk Village will make your imagination come to life. The Village is a recreation of the whole environment of the late Josen dynasty period for both domestic and foreign visitors to experience ancient history. From there, your journey will take you to the iconic Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a testament to Korea's rich architectural and military heritage. Built during the late 18th century, the fortress boasts an intricate design, blending Eastern and Western architectural influences. As you walk along its majestic walls and explore its imposing gates and towers, you'll gain insights into the engineering prowess of the Joseon Dynasty. Dive into the bustling atmosphere of Suwon Nammun Market, a place brimming with energy and local flavors. Here, you can indulge in delightful street food, shop for unique souvenirs, and immerse yourself in the contemporary local life. Instead of visiting the market, the tour will have a late departure in the afternoon every Friday from August to mid-October. In August, the tour will start with a visit to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress followed by the night festival at the Korean Folk Village in the evening. Experience the enchanting Korean Folk Village Night Tour, where lantern-lit paths showcase centuries-old traditions under a starlit sky. In mid-October, after visiting the Korean Folk Village, the tour will feature a media art show at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. The Suwon Hwaseong Media Art Show offers high-tech recreations of King Jeongjo's historical parade through vibrant lights and projections. It aims to provide immersive art experiences that both celebrate and educate about the fortress's rich history. Your tour will comfortably conclude with returns to central Seoul, leaving you with a treasure trove of memories from a day that beautifully blends the ancient and the present.

Your tour will begin in Seoul, the vibrant capital city of South Korea. After meeting tour guide and fellow travelers, you'll set out for an exciting day of exploration and discovery! UNESCO World Heritage-listed Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, located in the city of Suwon. This magnificent fortress was built during the late 18th century by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty as a defensive fortification. As you approach the fortress walls, you'll be awestruck by their imposing size and well-preserved condition. Walk along the ancient walls and learn about the historical significance of this remarkable architectural masterpiece. Hwaseong Haenggung, a fortified palace complex. This palace served as a temporary residence for the Joseon kings and their entourage during their travels outside the capital. Admire the beautiful traditional architecture and imagine the grandeur of royal life during the Joseon Dynasty. Knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the palace's history and the important events that took place here. For the full day tour, lunch time is given(with your own expenses). After having lunch time, visit Korean Folk Village in Yongin. It introduces traditional culture from the late Joseon period to both local and international visitors through cultural classes experience, shaman faith, seasonal customs and others. It recreated the past through the restoration of houses from the Joseon dynasty. Performances including nongak (farmer’s music), martial arts on horseback, traditional wedding ceremony, and other special events are available by season. After tour ends, return to Seoul and be dropped off near Myeongdong station.

Explore a piece of Korean history in a unique light on this night tour of the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. Discover one of the most well-known and loved UNESCO sites in Korea. Depart from Seoul and head to Suwon, the only completely walled city in South Korea. Marvel at the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Designed by the most inspiring ancient architect named Jeong Yak-Yong, the fortress is a fusion of science and industry and incorporates Chinese ingenuity into its plans. The whole fortress is beautifully lit up at night. Learn about the Joseon dynasty's history including the fact that Suwon could've been the new capital of ancient Korea and that the king built the fortress to be closer with his dead father. After exploring the fortress, the tour will take you to Haenggung-dong, AKA Haengnidan-gil, a charming neighborhood in Suwon. This area is known for its quaint streets lined with traditional Korean houses, known as "hanoks." And also popular for unique cafes and restaurants in the younger generation. The neighborhood's peaceful atmosphere and historic ambiance make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. You can check the kimbap restaurant owned and managed by Woo Young-woo’s father in Extraordinary Attorney Woo (ENA/Netflix, 2022) in this area. In addition to several dramas including the SBS drama, "Our Beloved Summer," and the OCN drama "The Uncanny Counter," being shot in the same area. In the summer season(Jun-Sep), Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays you will visit Hwaseong Haenggung Palace instead. 'Haenggung' stands for a temporary place where royal families stay. Suwon Haenggung palace is the biggest of those. Enjoy the night views of this palace and take some great pictures. (No dinner or snack break in summer.) The tour concludes with a drop-off at Myeongdong, one of Seoul's most bustling and vibrant shopping districts.