YONGIN FOLK VILLAGE; HWASEONG FORTRESS (UNESCO HERITAGE) AND HAENGGUNG (AUXILIARY PALACE)
Explore the ethnography of late Joseon-era Korea at the Yongin Folk Village, where every nook and building transports you back in time.
At Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, a masterpiece of Korean military architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we uncover the formidable secrets of the 18th-century Joseon Dynasty court and its unique defensive technologies.
What's included
Experience on This Tour
Experiences
The first and largest Korean folk village in terms of area and exposition.
There are more than 260 buildings in the village, including houses of representatives of different classes, government agencies, pharmacies and mills, and craftsmen's workshops.
The village recreates in detail the atmosphere of rural life of the Joseon era. Buildings were brought from all regions of Korea: here you will also find houses made of volcanic tuff from about. Jeju (and the famous black pigs from there, by the way!), And thatched houses from the southern provinces of Korea, and the house of the provincial governor, and the Confucian village school. You can taste traditional Korean dishes at the village market.
The journey begins with a fascinating walk through the narrow streets surrounded by traditional Korean houses - hanoks. Each house is a living museum that reflects the unique style and architecture of ancient times.
Travelers hungry for knowledge can discover the craftsmanship of folk artisans.
But that's not all! This wonderful complex offers unique shows and concerts featuring traditional Korean dances, music and rituals.
Each show and concert is organized with love for details and leaves a unique impression. You will be delighted with beautiful costumes, incendiary rhythms and incredible talents of artists. The atmosphere will be filled with energy and delight, and you will find yourself a real witness to the beauty and splendor of Korean culture.
Hwaseong is more than just a fortress — it’s a royal dream set in stone. In the late 18th century, King Jeongjo envisioned building a new capital of the Joseon Dynasty here: modern, fortified, and meticulously planned.
The project was designed by the brilliant reformer Jeong Yakyong, one of the leading figures of the “Practical Learning” movement. For the first time in Korean history, both Korean and European engineering techniques were used in construction.
👉 By the way, why did the king never move to his new capital?
Thanks to detailed blueprints from 1800, the fortress has been faithfully restored — and today, it’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During such serious campaigns of the ruling king, as, say, visiting the graves of his ancestors, the king had to stop somewhere on the way. In the Hwaseong fortress, such a travel palace has been preserved. Charming and small by the standards of Seoul, however, it is a real intricate maze, which we will dive into to get to know the history of King Jeongjo, his parents and grandfather, as well as the famous banquet he hosted in honor of the anniversary of his mother , Queen Hongyeong.
The Starfield Library in Suwon is not only a paradise for book enthusiasts but also one of the most popular photography spots in the area. With its impressive bookshelves stretching from floor to ceiling, the library provides a unique backdrop for your photos, making each capture special. This visually stunning cultural hub will be a highlight of your trip to Suwon.