Korea

3 Best Place To Visit In Suwon

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 07:11:55 GMT

Nowadays, not only Koreans but also many foreigners visit Suwon! Among them, here are the top 3 must-visit places you shouldn’t miss. Let me briefly introduce them to you!

#Starfield Library #Suwon Hwaseong Fortress #Wolhwawon Garden

Starfield Library

One of the reasons more people are visiting Suwon these days is the opening of Starfield! As a hotspot for gourmet restaurants and fashion shopping, Starfield is a multi-cultural complex offering a variety of exciting experiences. Among its many attractions, the Byeolmadang Library stands out as the most popular spot. Thanks to the stunning photos uploaded on Instagram daily, this place is getting even more attention.

The breathtaking library spans from the 7th to the 10th floor, offering a unique view from each level. The front-facing view from the 7th floor is particularly stunning, while the 10th floor features eye-catching planetary decorations.

Why not grab a takeaway coffee and relax on the Byeolmadang staircase or a bench overlooking the library? It’s the perfect way to soak in the atmosphere. Just keep in mind that the library and parking lot can get crowded on weekends, so if you prefer a quieter visit, consider going on a weekday or during a less busy evening hour.

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Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

The Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Trail is the perfect place to experience the true charm of Suwon! Spanning 5 km , this historic trail connects Hwaseomun, Janganmun, Hwahongmun, Banghwasuryujeong, Paldalmun, and Suwon Hyanggyo , allowing you to explore various historical landmarks on foot.

The fortress trail transforms throughout the day, offering different vibes at sunrise, daytime, evening, and night . During the day, you can enjoy the refreshing breeze, ride a hot air balloon , or even try your hand at Korean archery .

As the sun sets, the fortress is bathed in a stunning red glow, providing a spectacular view of Suwon’s skyline. And when night falls, the illuminated fortress creates a magical atmosphere you won’t want to miss.

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Wolhwawon Garden

Wolhwawon , located inside Hyowon Park in Suwon, is a stunning Chinese-style garden built as a symbol of friendship with Guangdong Province, China . Surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant crepe myrtle trees , this garden is especially beautiful and refreshing in the summer. Though not large, it offers a peaceful stroll that takes about an hour to explore at a leisurely pace.

From its traditional Chinese architecture to the scenic bridge over the pond, every corner is picture-perfect. Take a moment to relax by the waterfall, listening to the soothing sound of flowing water—it almost feels like stepping into a historical drama. A perfect blend of nature and culture, Wolhwawon is a hidden gem where anyone can unwind and enjoy a tranquil escape.

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The 5 Best Attractions to Visit in Yongsan-gu, Seoul

witriends@gmail.com (Triends Admin) — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:39:09 GMT

Yongsan-gu , the melting pot of diverse races and cultures in Seoul. It's the go-to place if you want to experience a mix of everything. From the National Museum of Korea to various memorials, art exhibitions, and the hottest spot in Seoul right now – Yonlidan-gil. Not to mention the food and entertainment diversity in Itaewon and Hannam-dong, along with the nature vibes of Nodeul Island and Namsan. Yongsan-gu is the ultimate global and dynamic hub, embracing it all. If you're a trend-savvy traveler, Yongsan-gu is a must on your checklist!

NODEUL ISLAND

The Han River, being a symbol of Seoul that runs through the city, has many large and small Han River Citizen Parks developed around it. Among them, Nodeulseom is a small round-shaped island located in the middle of the Han River, and it's a very unique place as the only cultural island with various music events and art exhibitions constantly going on. You can reach it within a 10-minute walk from Nodeul Station on Subway Line 9. The view of Nodeulseom from the middle of the Han River Bridge is also beautiful, so take a stroll as if you're going for a walk. Among the Han River parks, Nodeulseom Lounge and Nodeulseom Live House are the only ones equipped with various cultural themes, so check out the events on Nodeulseom's official Instagram account in advance, and if you visit the park, you can enjoy different exhibitions and performances every day.

Nodeulseom Grass Square is a 24-hour open relaxation space, perfect for picnics under the warm sunlight during the day. It's a great idea to grab some food from the famous cafes nearby and bring it along. With the 63 Building as a backdrop and the subway trains bustling on the tracks, I highly recommend taking photos against this unique urban scenery at Nodeulseom.

Here's another tip: if you walk 10 minutes from Nodeul Station and search for Yongbongjeong, you'll find a picturesque spot where you can enjoy one of Seoul's most beautiful sunsets. It's definitely worth a visit! Also, every October, Seoul hosts the World Fireworks Festival. They set up a special viewing area on Nodeulseom each year for enjoying the fireworks display. So, if you happen to visit Seoul during this time, be sure to include it in your travel itinerary!

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Yongsan Park Partially Open Site

In recent years, there have been a lot of photos of Yongsan Park popping up on social media. Actually, we're more familiar with the name 'Yongsan Garrison.' It took nearly 100 years for this site, which had been used as a strategic hub for quite some time, to be opened up, and now it's become more familiar to the public as 'Yongsan Park.' Though only partially open, many photographers and tourists visit incessantly for relaxation and iconic shots amidst its exotic scenery. Currently, there are two open areas. One is the former Janggosa Military Camp 5, which caused quite a stir on Instagram and required half a day of waiting for entry just a couple of years ago. The other is the recently opened Yongsan Children's Garden, established in 2023.

It's located just a 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Sinsa Station on the Seoul Subway. Because the area is quite spacious, you should search for 'Yongsan Park Partially Open Area' on the map rather than just 'Yongsan Park' to quickly arrive at the famous spots. They are closed on Mondays and entry ends at 5 p.m., but on weekends, there may be queues occasionally for filming at famous buildings, so it's a good idea to locate the places you want to visit in advance and plan your visit strategically.

The Children's Garden is classified under Yongsan Park, but it's about a 15-minute walk from the Officer Camp area. It's easily accessible within a 10-minute walk from Yongsan Station or Sinyongsan Station. Actually, no matter which part of the Yongsan Park open area you visit, it's incredibly beautiful in spring with cherry blossoms and magnolias, and in autumn with colorful foliage against the backdrop of brown brick houses. Additionally, Yongsan Park has various exhibitions, libraries, sports fields, and exotic restaurants, making it especially enjoyable for families to arrive early and experience the different facilities.

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Haebangchon Sinheung Market

From Exit 2 of Noksapyeong Station, head towards Gyeongnidan-gil and walk along the U.S. military base wall towards Namsan for a short while, and you'll come across a traditional earthenware house guarding the entrance to Haebangchon, marking the beginning of the neighborhood. This area is called Haebangchon. Itaewon, centered around Gyeongnidan-gil, had been bustling for quite some time, but after experiencing various incidents following the COVID-19 outbreak, it had somewhat lost its momentum. However, recently, it's regaining popularity among the MZ generation, with the emerging hot spot being the newly revitalized market within Haebangchon. This market, named Sinheung Market, underwent a hip makeover as part of a urban regeneration project by the city. Perhaps that's why, from the entrance, it exudes a very unique vibe with cafes, restaurants, and wine shops that don't quite fit the traditional image of a market.

Originally, this area was filled with somewhat old and dim market alleys where factories producing tobacco and fabrics were abundant. However, the atmosphere has changed dramatically recently with the replacement of the old slate roofs with roofs made of a material called Seoul straw. Moreover, thanks to the green lights illuminating Sinheung Market, it feels even more special. During the day, you can have meals in the surrounding area, and in the evening, if you come to this special market illuminated by green lights and enjoy wine and coffee, you'll fall in love with the bustling and joyful atmosphere filled with people's laughter at the outdoor tables, no matter where you go.

Especially if you have a rainy day during your travel itinerary, don't hesitate to visit Sinheung Market. The romantic sound of raindrops falling on the Seoul straw roofs adds a lot of charm, and you'll have a delightful experience visiting the wine or beer pubs tucked away in the alleyways. Additionally, in Haebangchon, since the terrain is elevated, be sure to visit the rooftop of any restaurant you go to. There are quite a few shops in Sinheung Market that have rooftop spaces. It's very romantic to enjoy the nighttime scenery of Itaewon below and the view of Namsan Tower above.

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National Museum of Korea

When tourists think of the Yongsan area, they often first think of Itaewon Cafe Street, where you can taste cuisine from around the world at hip cafes and pubs. However, even before that, I would like to recommend the National Museum of Korea, which boasts a permanent collection that surpasses top-notch standards and is one of the largest-scale art museums in Korea.

Located directly connected to Ichon Station on Seoul Subway Line 4 and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, it has the advantage of being very easily accessible by public transportation. Admission is generally free, but there are various themed exhibitions held daily, so before you visit, it's a good idea to check the website or social media for information and admission fees to ensure a more enjoyable visit. One tip is that on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the museum is open until 9 p.m., so if your travel schedule is packed, you might consider setting aside some time in the evening to visit.

The exhibition space I personally recommend the most in this vast museum is the Hall of Sakyamuni. This is where the National Treasures No. 78 and No. 83, the Gilt-bronze Standing Bodhisattva and the Standing Buddha of Parinirvana, are displayed. Sakyamuni means contemplating deeply and pondering all aspects, and it evokes a serene feeling as if meditating under calm music and lighting while slowly examining the deeply contemplative expressions of the two statues in the exhibition hall.

In addition, for foreign visitors or those visiting here for the first time, while many enjoy only the exhibitions inside the museum building, the National Museum of Korea actually provides healing to visitors with its expansive garden area and beautiful architectural design. Be sure to take in the view of Seoul from the central open space as if through a large window, and capture some great photos. Furthermore, the Mirror Pond Garden behind the museum, which is adjacent to a large lake, is famous for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage. You can sit on benches or in pavilions and enjoy some rest. Also, if you plan to visit the National Museum, consider adding Yongsan Family Park and the Hangul Museum, which are connected to the museum on the side, to your itinerary. Since all three places are located together and can be reached on foot, you can enjoy a trip that combines art and relaxation.

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War Memorial of Korea

If you're seeking a meaningful experience to deepen your understanding of a region while traveling, it's essential to grasp its history. South Korea, situated on the Korean Peninsula, has endured endless invasions from external forces and one of the most heartbreaking events in its history is often associated with the Korean War, known as the 6.25 War. That's why the Yongsan War Memorial of Korea, where domestic and international tourists frequently visit, stands as a poignant yet meaningful place where you can explore the war history of South Korea, the only remaining divided nation in the world, on a global scale. Located directly accessible from Samgakji Station on Subway Lines 4 and 6, and adjacent to Yulri-dan-gil, it's recommended to visit together. It boasts a large-scale exhibition that may take over 3 hours to fully explore.

As soon as you enter, you'll be amazed by the various facilities. Starting with Peace Plaza, where national events related to war are held, the outdoor exhibition hall showcases large-scale weapons from around the world, sculptures symbolizing the Korean War, the Monument to King Gwanggaeto the Great, and the Peace Clock Tower, captivating your attention. You can also climb aboard actual warships and tanks used in the war, touch them, and take photos, allowing for hands-on experiences.

The interior spans from basement 2 to ground 4, and upon entering, on the 1st floor, you'll encounter a large exhibit featuring Admiral Yi Sun-sin's Turtle Ship, starting from the Three Kingdoms era and tracing the historical context of major wars. The largest theme is the Korean War, occupying more than two floors, where you can explore the beginning of the war and various ongoing conflicts, both big and small, through short films and various multimedia facilities. For further inquiries, don't forget to explore the materials available in the museum's library..

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3 Best Places to Enjoy the Cherry Blossom in Busan

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 15:17:08 GMT

TOP PLACES TO ENJOY CHERRY BLOSSOM IN BUSAN

One of the best things about Spring is seeing the flowers bloom and bring new life after a long winter. When Springcomes to Korea, the beautiful Cherry Blossom trees bloom all over the country. In this post, we will give some of our suggestions for the best places to experience the cherry blossom in Busan.

Gangseo Nakdong River 30 Li Cherry Blossom

One of the top places we recommend to see the cherry blossom is the Nakdonggang river which is a defininglandmark in the city. Along the Nakdonggang river, there is a 12 km long road that is surrounded by cherryblossom flowers in the springtime. The riverside is also home to one of the biggest rapeseed flower gardens inKorea. these beautiful yellow flowers also bloom in spring and are a sight worth seeing. we suggest going toSamrak Park, located across the river, to see the cherry blossoms. it is an ideal place to experience the amazingblooming cherry blossoms and take some pictures. There is also a festival full of cultural performances such assinging contests, solo recitals, choir performances and booths full of handmade goods.

Location

Address: 1246, Gonghang-ro, Gangseo-gu, Busan

It is close to getting to Daejeo Ecological Park at Exit 1 of Gangseo-gu Office Station on Line 3

Gaeguem Cherry Blossom Street

Gaegeum Cherry Blossom Street is a hidden cherry blossom spot in Busan. It can only be reached through a hike up the Kkakkomak Hill in Gaegeum-dong Village at the foot of the Eomgwangsan Mountain. Take a picture to celebrate the season on a decked road covered in cherry blossoms. The view of the alleyways awash in cherry blossoms warms your heart.

Location

Address: 7 60-1, Gaegeum-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan

Samnak Ecological Park

Samnak Ecological Park is one of the biggest parks that is located near the Nakdonggang River and when springcomes the park is filled with cherry blossoms. The riverside boulevard is surrounded by cherry blossom trees onboth sides, making it seem like you are walking in a cherry blossom tunnel. You can also find food stalls by theriver so you can enjoy a Korean snack while strolling through the park.

Location

Address: 686, Samnak-dong, Sasang-gu, Busan

You can go to the park easily by using the Sasang Station Exit 3(Line 2) and Light rail Rene-Sigae Station pedestrian overpass.

Oncheoncheon Park

Along the Oncheoncheon park, there is a stream and several street cafes where you can sit and enjoy the cherryblossom while having a cup of tea or coffee. The stream is aligned with around 650 giant cherry trees and yellowrapeseed flowers fill the green areas. It is a great place to go for a family outing, as the park has various rest areas,play facilities, and exercise spaces. The cherry blossoms are especially pretty here at night as they light the treesfrom below.

Location

Address: 39, Oncheoncheonnam-ro, Yeonje-gu, Busan

Dongnae Station exit number 2, Allak Station Exit 3 on Donghae Line, you can go directly to the park's entrance. (14min)