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Suwon Hwaseong Fortress [UNESCO World Heritage] (수원 화성 [유네스코 세계유산]) · © KTO · KOGL Type 1
Korea
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress [UNESCO World Heritage]
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is an 18th-century walled city built under King Jeongjo and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why go
Suwon was one of four main regional government centers during the Joseon dynasty. Hwaseong Fortress, built to protect the city, was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site on December 12, 1997 for its historical value. The fortress offers various performances daily as well as the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival every fall. The walls stretch for approximately 5.7 kilometers, with Paldalsan Mountain at the center. The fortress, constructed from 1794 to 1796, was built as a display of King Jeongjo’s filial piety towards his father and to build a new pioneer city with its own economic power. Official location: Yeonghwa-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do. Visiting hours: Open 24 hr. Closure information: N/A (Open all year round). Parking: Available. Information contact: +82-31-290-3600.
Quick highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage fortress in central Suwon (inscribed 1997)
- Built 1794-1796 under King Jeongjo for planned royal capital
- Walls approximately 5.7 km around city's central core
- Sophisticated defensive structures with traditional and European principles
- Best given a half-day with complete circuit walk along walls
Practical tips
Parking: Available. These details come from the Korea Tourism Organization and can change — confirm parking, age conditions, and program availability on the official channel before you visit.