Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: How Solo Foreign Travelers Can Easily Visit from Incheon Airport
.jpg "수원 화성의 서북공심돈과 화서문 옹성의 모습") |
| The Northwestern Watchtower (Seobuk Gongsimdon) and the Hwahseomun Barbican of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress" |
introduction:
For many first-time visitors to Korea, one of the biggest worries is arriving without a fixed itinerary. But in today’s travel culture, spontaneity is no longer a drawback—it’s a trend. There’s a saying: “The best travel plans are the ones you didn’t make.” So let’s explore a stress-free journey that begins the moment a solo traveler from an English-speaking country lands at Incheon International Airport with no prior plans.
Rather than heading straight to Seoul, Gangnam, or the popular Itaewon district, we’ll set our sights on a unique destination: Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon—a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history and culture. And before diving into this historic attraction, we’ll enjoy a comforting meal at a multicultural food court that offers authentic flavors from around the world. This guide is designed to show just how simple and enjoyable it can be for a solo traveler to explore Korea on the fly.
1. Arrival: Stepping Out of Incheon International Airport
Incheon International Airport is one of the largest and most efficient hub airports in Asia, welcoming thousands of international travelers every day. Our protagonist today is one of them—a solo traveler, say, California, who’s just stepped off an 11-hour flight. With zero knowledge of Korean, but armed with Google Translate and clear English signage, navigating the airport is surprisingly easy.
After clearing immigration and picking up their luggage, the traveler heads to the airport limousine bus ticket counter. With a little help from translation apps and the friendly staff, they choose a direct bus to Suwon. The trip takes about 70 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic. If they leave around 5:00 PM, they’ll arrive at Suwon Station by 6:10 or 6:30 PM—just in time for dinner.
2. Arrival at Suwon Station: Your First Encounter with a New City
Suwon is one of the major cities in Gyeonggi Province, known for its large population and well-developed public transportation system. While it serves as a transportation hub with an intricate network of KTX, subways, and various bus routes, navigating this complexity can be a bit overwhelming for first-time visitors—especially foreigners. But don’t worry. Today’s travel scenario has been designed to simplify things and guide you along a clear and straightforward path.
The airport limousine bus will drop you off either at the Suwon Express Bus Terminal or a nearby stop. And what’s the first thing you should do after arriving? Eat. As the old Korean saying goes, “Even Mount Geumgang looks better on a full stomach.” No matter how beautiful your surroundings are, hunger tends to dull the experience.
3. Meal Stop: A Quick Break with International Flavors
Near Suwon Station, there’s a small multicultural food court where you can grab a bite featuring international flavors. While it may not be as iconic as multicultural hubs like Itaewon in Seoul, the multicultural street near Ansan Station, or the Russian district around Dongdaemun, this spot serves well for a quick, casual meal—especially if you're craving something familiar in a foreign land. Located near Exit 1, the food court brings together restaurants run by chefs from various Asian countries, including India, Vietnam, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia. Many offer English menus, so language barriers are minimal.
I personally visited a place called “Tashkent,” an Uzbek restaurant, and tried their lamb skewers (shashlik), pilaf (plov), and a refreshing salad made with cucumber, tomato, and onion. The lamb, rich in fat, might be more appealing to travelers from Western countries who are used to meat-centric dishes. For me, as a Korean, the meal felt a bit too greasy, and I wouldn’t necessarily go back for a second visit. That said, those with different tastes might find it quite satisfying.
Since I didn’t have a chance to try the other eateries in the food court, I can’t make sweeping recommendations. Still, if you're looking for a quick and casual way to recharge with a meal, this multicultural food court could be a decent stop. Sometimes, taking small culinary risks in an unfamiliar place can add unexpected depth to your travel experience.
4. Getting to the Fortress: The Easiest Way to Hwaseong
Once dinner is taken care of, it’s time for sightseeing. The destination? Hwaseong Fortress—but here’s an important tip. When taking a taxi, never say just “Hwaseong”. There’s a completely different city in Gyeonggi Province also called Hwaseong. To avoid confusion, say “Suwon Hwaseong” or show the driver the English phrase: “Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon.”
From Suwon Station, the fortress is just a 15-minute taxi ride, costing around ₩5,000–₩7,000 KRW (about $4–$6 USD). Although it’s possible to get there by bus, taxi is much simpler—especially for a traveler navigating Korea for the first time.
5. Destination: Hwaseong Fortress – Korea’s Most Scientific Castle
Hwaseong Fortress was built during the reign of King Jeongjo in the 18th century as part of a grand plan to honor his father and create a model city. It was a cutting-edge structure for its time, incorporating military science and engineering methods never before seen in Korea. What’s more, the detailed blueprints and construction records have been preserved—something that makes Hwaseong truly exceptional and worthy of its UNESCO World Heritage status since 1997.
Visiting during sunset or early evening is ideal. As you walk along the fortress walls, you can see panoramic views of Suwon city. When the lights come on at night, the historic ambiance becomes even more magical—a perfect time for photos, quiet reflection, or a peaceful stroll.
For solo travelers, this site offers not only beauty but a deep cultural experience. It’s a moment to pause and truly connect with Korean history and nature, far from the noise of the capital.
6. Accommodation: Staying Near Suwon Station
After a full day of exploring, rest is essential. Luckily, Suwon Station is surrounded by a range of accommodations—from guesthouses to mid-range business hotels. Most offer English-speaking staff and online booking through platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, or Airbnb.
For solo travelers, guesthouses or capsule hotels are especially convenient. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they offer opportunities to meet other travelers and share travel tips.
7. What to Do Next?
Once you’ve explored Hwaseong Fortress, consider extending your stay in Suwon. Visit Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, stroll through the Paldalmun traditional market, or take a short bus ride to the Korean Folk Village in nearby Yongin. If you’re ready to head back to the city, Suwon Station offers direct subway and KTX lines to Seoul and other regions.
Suwon is a perfect introduction to Korea. It’s close to Seoul but offers a quieter, richer, and more traditional experience. The city gives solo travelers a chance to see Korea’s cultural depth without the hustle and bustle of the capital.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of Unplanned Journeys
Travel doesn’t always need a perfect plan. Sometimes, it’s the journeys that begin without one that leave the most lasting impressions. From the moment you step out of Incheon Airport, a spontaneous trip to Suwon can offer great food, seamless transportation, and a world-class heritage site—all in just a single day.
This experience shows that even solo travelers with no Korean language skills or itinerary can navigate, eat, explore, and enjoy with ease. It’s a great reminder that Korea is as welcoming as it is wonderful.
Stay tuned for the next article, where we’ll go deeper into Hwaseong Fortress itself—its layout, trekking paths, must-see spots, and hidden photo locations
Thank you for reading this long piece. I’ll be back again soon.