So, you’ve heard about Suwon’s famous fortress walls, but did you know this vibrant city is also a haven for modern design, serene gardens, and some of the best coffee you’ll ever taste? Just a short trip from Seoul, Suwon effortlessly blends centuries of history with a dynamic, contemporary heartbeat.
Forget the typical tourist trail. This guide is crafted for the curious explorer who wants to experience the real Suwon—from its aromatic specialty cafes to its stunning urban oases. Let’s dive into your perfect Suwon day!
1. Starfield Library Suwon
Hangul: 스타필드 수원
Address: 경기 수원시 장안구 수성로 175 스타필드 수원
Forget everything you know about quiet libraries. Located inside the massive Starfield Suwon Mall, this is a towering multi-level architectural marvel. Unlike the original in COEX Mall, the Suwon version features even more dramatic, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that span from the 4th to the 7th floor.
Pro Tip: Head to the 5th or 6th floor for the best “bird’s-eye view” photos of the glowing planet-shaped ceiling decorations.
2. Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion
Hangul: 방화수류정
Address: 경기 수원시 팔달구 수원천로392번길 44-6 방화수류정
For a mix of history and nature, this is arguably the most beautiful spot along the Hwaseong Fortress wall. Originally built as a military command post, it’s now a favorite for picnickers. The pavilion overlooks Yongyeon Pond, where you’ll see locals relaxing on the grass with rented picnic baskets.
Best Time to Visit: Sunset or at night when the fortress walls are illuminated with golden lights.
3. Wolhwawon Garden
Hangul: 효원공원월화원
Address: 경기 수원시 팔달구 동수원로 399
Hidden inside Hyowon Park, Wolhwawon is a traditional Chinese garden that feels like a portal to another country. It was built as part of a cultural exchange with Guangdong Province. With its ornate pavilions, circular moon gates, and peaceful ponds, it’s a quiet escape from the city’s bustle.
Did you know? This was a filming location for several famous K-dramas, including Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.
4. Galleria Gwanggyo
Hangul: 갤러리아백화점 광교점
Address: 경기 수원시 영통구 하동 1017-2
Even if you aren’t planning to shop, the Galleria Department Store in the Gwanggyo district is worth seeing for its architecture alone. Designed by OMA, the building looks like a giant textured stone with a “glass loop” walkway that winds around the exterior, offering a transparent view of the street below as you move between floors.
Check out: The Gourmet 494 food hall in the basement for some of the best high-end snacks and meals in the city.
5. Jung Ji-young Coffee Roasters (Hwahong Branch)
Hangul: 정지영커피로스터즈 화홍문점
Address: 경기 수원시 팔달구 수원천로 375 정지영커피로스터즈 화홍문점
You can’t visit Suwon without exploring Haengnidan-gil, the trendy street filled with cafes. Jung Ji-young is a local legend here. The Hwahong branch is particularly special because it overlooks the Hwahongmun Gate and the Suwoncheon stream.
Vibe: Industrial-chic meets traditional views. Grab a seat on the rooftop for a front-row seat to the fortress gates.
6. Hoel Coffee Roasters
Hangul: 헤올커피로스터즈
Address: 경기 수원시 팔달구 정조로 902 헤올커피로스터즈
Located right across from the iconic Janganmun Gate, Hoel Coffee Roaster is famous for having one of the best “gate views” in the city. Large floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to sip on high-quality roasts while looking directly at the massive stone entrance to the fortress.
Must Try: Their signature croffles (croissant-waffles) are a local favorite and pair perfectly with their specialty coffee.
Plan Your Route
If you’re visiting for a day, I recommend starting with the modern side (Starfield or Galleria) in the morning, then heading to the Hwaseong Fortress area (Banghwasuryujeong and the cafes) for the afternoon and evening to catch the sunset!
Suwon is a city of beautiful contrasts, where every turn offers something new to savor, see, and remember. It’s more than a day trip; it’s a full sensory experience.
Have you visited any of these Suwon gems? Share your favorite finds in the comments below 🙂
Map of Places Mentioned in This Post
Did this entry help you? Or Did you enjoy my photos? Help support my small blog by giving a little cup of joe. I am always grateful when readers reach out wanting to support 🙂
p.s. This post is independently created. However, when you book or purchase something through the retail links, I may earn an affiliate commission to help keep Ploy’s Little Atlas running. Thank you very much for your support!
p.p.s All images used (unless specified) are owned by the author of the blog and permission is required for a repost. Please, reach out via social media channels to ask beforehand if you’d like to use them.