Suwon Hwaseong Castle and More, all-day by bullet-train
Joined 2022
This tour covers the best sights of historic Suwon City: the Hwaseong Castle (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site!) with its towers & mini-palace, walking along the great wall. We will then have an option on what to visit in the remaining time (after a lunch?): either the very charming and authentic Korean Folk Village, *or* the Royal Tombs of that castle's builders (another UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site!) and the Dragon-Pearl Temple that has a few great & interesting artworks.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
your hotel lobby, or Seoul Train Station lobby
Seoul KTX Train
Depart from your hotel in Seoul, take KTX bullet-train to Suwon Station (takes 30 minutes; I will buy the tickets in-advance).
Hwaseong Castle
Arrive in Suwon City, begin seeing the Hwaseong Castle at its North Gate.
Hwaseong Castle Wall
Walk down the great wall past towers with views & stories, to the Palace.
Hwaseong Castle Palace
Tour the Palace with expert guidance.
Lunch, or keep going to next
Option of great Korean Lunch in nearby restaurant (each pays for their own), or we just keep going on snacks, if you wish. We then take a taxi to the nearby Korean Folk Village, OR to the Royal Tombs and associated Buddhist Temple.
Korean Folk Village, OR the Royal Tombs and associated Buddhist Temple.
We tour the Korean Folk Village, OR the Royal Tombs and associated Buddhist Temple -- it's your choice.
Suwon KTX Station
We return via taxi to the Suwon KTX Train Station, take 30-minute ride back to Seoul.
Ending Point
Seoul Train Station, or your hotel (in Seoul)
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
KTX bullet-train tickets, round-trip
Entrance tickets to the Palace
Taxi fares (estimate $40 or 60,000 KRW)
Lunch, snacks, drinks
Tour Important Information
If train-tickets are sold-out, we can't do this -- so I need as much advance notice as possible, to secure tickets for us (especially on weekends) (they go on-sale a month in-advance). KTX train-tickets are included in the price.
This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. It cannot be done for those with serious mobility problems.
We can move faster and see more, or go slower, taking it easy to enjoy (including a lunch of great K-food) --- it's your option, according to your own travel style; I am very flexible. Whole tour could be longer or shorter, as suits you.
Important message from the supplier
I do this full-time now, any day -- but only in Spring & Autumn.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2022
About Tour Guide David a. M.
I have been a Professor of Korean Cultural Tourism in Seoul, and a Tour-guide, Lecturer and Author on Traditional Cultural Sites, especially religious ones, on the high-end, for 25 years. Wrote the 1996-7 edition of Lonely Planet's KOREA guidebook!
Reviews
Debra D.
“Enlightening Temple Tour with an Exceptional Guide”
Our visit to the temple was truly lovely , thanks to our gracious tour guide, David. He is not only knowledgeable but also organized, polite, and kind. The tour was thoughtfully planned, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the temple’s serene atmosphere and rich history. Our guide’s extensive knowledge of the temple’s spiritual, religious, and historical significance brought each detail to life. We learned about centuries-old traditions, the meaning behind various rituals, and the temple’s unique place in Korean culture. David has a genuine passion for sharing the temple’s story. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an insightful and meaningful temple visit in South Korea.
David a. M.
THANKS, Debra! You two were excellent listeners, and so very nice... Please continue to fall in-love with Korea during the rest of your stay! David
Kelioniu A.
“Perfect day in Seoul with David”
David's knowledge and charisma is extraordinary, we all had amazing time, learned a lot. On a separate note, special thanks for effective communication prior to the tour. Highly recommended!
Jeanine B.
“A Full Day and Then Some...”
Dave is a wealth of knowledge about Korea and its history. Also about modern day Seoul. This introduction was well worth the time and money. The day was well organized and even during a difficult weather day, David got us through the city and provided good links between current day and historical.
David a. M.
Thanks Jeanine; I really enjoyed doing this with you! We had a fascinating day, despite the weather... I hope you return someday! David
$395/ per group
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