Private Tour
Korean Folk Village & Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Private Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
A popular day trip out of Seoul, sprawling Suwon is the largest city in Gyeonggi-do province, with World Heritage–listed fortifications still looping around its heart. Suwon almost became the country's capital in the 18th century, when Joseon dynasty ruler King Jeongjo built the 5.7km-long walls in 1794–96 ahead of moving the royal court south. However, the king died, power remained in Seoul, and Suwon ended up with one hell of a tourist sight. The city is located around 30km south of Seoul.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance fee for the Korean Folk Village
Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Hwaseong Fortress
The World Heritage–listed fortress wall that encloses the original town of Suwon is what brings most travellers to the city. Snaking up and down Paldal-san (143m), the fortification wall stretches a scenic 5.7km past four majestic gates, command posts, pavilions, observation towers and fire-beacon platforms. Built by King Jeongjo and completed in 1796, it was constructed of earth and faced with large stone blocks and grey bricks, nearly all of which have been restored.
Korean Folk Village
This 245-acre themed experience is designed to transport you back to the Joseon dynasty as you wander through picturesque grounds filled with thatched and tiled buildings relocated here from around Korea. Performers wearing hanbok (traditional clothing) craft pots and handmake paper, while others tend to vegetable plots and livestock. Throughout the day there are shows by traditional musicians, dancers, acrobats and tightrope walkers, and you can watch a staged wedding ceremony.
Options
English Speaking Guides
Pickup included
Reviews
3 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best Tour ever! Highly recommended!
Emily G,
Dec 26, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Michelle was the best tour guide ever. She was very knowledgeable about the history of Korea and the area we were visiting. And she was very friendly and fun. We had a blast on this tour! So much fun!
Fortress and Village Fun
Sacha N,
Feb 21, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Nate was a great tour guide and host! He provided water and small snacks in his very comfortable and clean car. He grew up in the US, and moved to Korea for college, so had a unique perspective on the country. During the fortress part of the tour, he gave us the history, as well as some facts that really filled out the experience. We saw two of the gates, and walked along the ramparts. We then tried our hands at Korean traditional archery, which was fun! To finish the fortress portion of the tour, we went on a unique bus with semi-opaque LED screens for windows. We drove along the periphery of the fortress walls, and could see images of the building and plans, as well as further history on the screens. When there was something of interest to see, the screens would clear. From there we drove to the Korean Folk Village and started with lunch. Yummy! Then we saw the traditional dances in a parade, and had plenty of time to walk through the whole village, with Nate explaining what we were seeing. He took plenty of pictures for us, and made sure to tell us where to go to get the best views. We finished the tour with a dance performance in the theater, and a drive back to the hotel. It was a really special day!
Excellent cultural and historical day trip!
Kim A,
Nov 25, 2019
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s always difficult to find things that your teens will enjoy, but this trip was a great balance of history, culture and fun. Ben was a fantastic guide and we thoroughly enjoyed learning more about South Korea!
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