Itenerary
Suggested apps for this guide : Naver Map, 배민, catch table, papago, kakao T, and the starfield app.
Things to book beforehand
[Use Naver Map app for discounts too]
-Picnic day
*No refund if you try to cancel due to rain. Book a day or two before you visit & check the weather*
-smob
-Flying suwon Open
Monday-Friday 12:30am~9:30pm
Weekend-11:30am~10pm
Rough Timeline
9:30 plantarium
10:30 move to starfield
11: Starfield Mall
1pm Lunch
2pm move to traditional market (optional)
2:30 look around market.
4:30 move to 행궁동
5pm picnic
*Dinner (choose whether to eat before or after flying suwon)
8pm flying suwon
*Dinner
If you're still able to walk!
Ingyedong or Rodeo or gwanggyo
Let's start!
TBH you can skip the botanic garden, nothing breathtaking.
Irwol Botanic Garden 📷
@HangwithCharlie
Not the biggest but it's real nice and only 4000 won. People usually spends about 45min. Food and drinks not allowed inside some areas! The cafe inside is cute and kids friendly.
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Irwol Botanic Garden to starfield :
25min walk 1.5km
12 min by car (taxi ~₩6,800)
~20min by bus (₩1450~₩2800)
Byeolmadang Library Starfield Suwon 📷
@HangwithCharlie
Honestly better than the Coex mall one. Both the library and mall are bigger too! From 4th to 7th floor!
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Fun city- arcade
@HangwithCharlie
On the 5th floor in Starfield mall.
It's got everything from coin karaoke, claw machines, whack a'mole, etc.
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Smob -Sports monster
@HangwithCharlie
On the 7th floor in Starfield mall.
The perfect playground for adults !
360 swing, vertical drop, adventure course, trampolines, archery and more!
Check height & weight restrictions
over 150cm can do most activities!
Open 10am-9pm
Prices depends for 2hr passes depends on busy/not busy season. HOLY HECK you have to BOOK EARLY!!!! 5% DISCOUNT when you book on naver.
**Take a water bottle so you don't have to pay for overpriced drinks! lockers available but don't lose your key or you have to pay 10,000won **
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Champion the Blackbelt
@HangwithCharlie
On the 7th floor in Starfield mall.
Kids cafe! Probably best for kids age 10? IDK I don't have kids. Pls look at the naver map "pictures" tab and see if you're kids seem similar in age/size lol
I don't think an accompanying adult is compulsory? pls double check. If so, the adults can go to SMOB! win win for everybody!
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For families with younger children (under 10)
Kids cafe with slime, smaller jungle gym etc. On the 7th floor
Another kids cafe on the 3rd floor. You can choose from
-50min natural play ₩25,000
-50min drawing ₩25,000
-50min playground ₩20,000
Apparently they have a 4hr look after your child service you can book, but I don't think the staff can speak English. Please double check.
There also a TOY KINGDOM on the 5th floor. They sell all sorts of toys with a good lego variety.
For other shopping stores, refer to their website (eng available)
Food recommendations (use catch table if needed!)
Snacks
London Bagel Museum 💲💲
@HangwithCharlie
On the 2nd floor. Only opened in May so the waiting line is still super duper long. Use the catch table app.
The same menu as other branches!
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Knotted donuts 💲
@HangwithCharlie
On the 1st/groundfloor!
Soft chewy donuts generously filled with creams full of flavour. One of the reasons I visit Starfield suwon.
Seriously good donuts!! The pictures don't do them justice!
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Bbawoo Donuts 💲
@HangwithCharlie
On the 7th floor food court, kinda hidden!! Asian style deep friend donuts with filling options like sweet red bean, cheese, and yuzu anko.
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Starfield has great variety but the food is definitely a bit more pricey and food court style.
For lunch I recommend this spicy chicken place just outside starfield. Only for 2ppl and above (sorry solo travellers). They have port cutlet for kids too (but adult prices ₩7000)
Link to naver map from starfield to Dakgalbi restaurant.
Traditional Chuncheon Dakgalbi 💲💲
@HangwithCharlie
Chuncheon is famous for their Dak-galbi (stir-fried spicy chicken) I haven't been to Chuncheon myself but my dad (who has been there) says their pretty authentic, especially their mak-guksu (cold noodles).
GET THE CHEESE (They add it last) and you need to order extras from the beginning since they have the same cooking time as the chicken. My go to (can be a lil bit much for two but you can do it) is udon noodles with friend rice or cold noodles at the end.
The servers cook it for you! But on the wall it says,
1. once the veggies are added, stir ever 2-3 min
2. You can eat the rice cakes first, once they feel soft
3. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, you can eat the chicken
If you're unsure, ask the server (papago or body language lmao) if the chicken is ok to eat!
They have a separate area for groups larger than 20.
One thing is that they measure the chicken to the gram but with the udon noodles and friend rice, its filling enough!
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After lunch, move to the traditional markets. But instead of going straigth to jidong market, we will start a bit lower (vege shop) and head to the main market gate by foot.
~30min by bus ₩1450
~20min by car (taxi ~₩10,700)
If you wish to skip it, go stright to the palace (Hwasseong Haenggung). Skip to Hwasseong Haenggung link right below Black Rubber shoes link.
~25min by bus ₩1450
~20min by car (taxi ~₩10,000)
From the vege shop, you have to go through this narrow covered tunnel? area! Just follow the map below!
*Well, its going to take more than 17min since you might stop to look around.* There's dumplings, tteokbbokki, hotteok, and more fried donuts (super cheap) if you look around!
Cheapest fruit and veg shop
@HangwithCharlie
Right next to the traditional market entrance. Super busy with people so you can't miss it.
See if you can buy the Korean yellow melons (참외) during June~August. CASH ONLY, they don't even accept bank transfers.
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Once you enter you will see lots of shops from butchers, side dishes, rice cakes, more fruits and veges, traditional Korean & chinese herbs etc.
I suggest rice cakes my favourites are 인절미 Injeolmi -Glutinous rice cake (like mochi texture) with smothered in bean powder for the nutty and very slight sweet flavour.
송편 Songpyeon is another I recommend, traditionally eaten during the Korean new year. The fillings are either sesame & sugar (sweet), or beans (ew).
If you stay in an air bnb with like a stove, try some side dishes! they usually have 3 for ₩10,000 deals.
Once you're out of the tunnel, follow the map, walking upwards by the stream side. The opposite side of the market are mainly whole sale equipments for businesses (ie kitchen ware etc)
Eventually, you will reach the main gate looking area that is the actual Jidong Market. A good photo spot!
Jidong Market 📷
@HangwithCharlie
Typical traditional market, the vege shop at the end is SUPER cheap so its always busy. Also has a lil 순대 (Korean sausage?) shops. Not really my cuppa tea so no comment.
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Head towards the Paldalmun Gate
Paldalmun Gate 📷
@HangwithCharlie
We built a round about around this gate so its kind of difficult to get good pictures of it.
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and cross the street towards the
"Workshop Street"
I see so many foreign visitors walking by, but not visiting any of the shops.
The signs are in Korean so its a bit of a hidden gem.
This little street offers various activities from dalgona making experience,
turtle/lizard feeding experience cafe, glass/ceramic experiences and caricatur etc.
Also some good restaurants here too. I think there was a hanbok rental place too if I remember.
The first notable place, is nostalgic dalgona
But the shops below are more spacious and the lady will help! Like in squid game, if you cut the shape out, you'll get another free.
Nostalgic Dalgona
@HangwithCharlie
This the THE AUTHENTIC dalgona making experience. Cute lil shop compared to the OG ( dingy ) stationary shop with kinda questionable hygene and the copper pots!!!
In the early 2000s There were little machines (gross af) but here, the owner lady shows you how to make it so you don't have to struggle with the machine. Only 3,000won and it will taste better than pre-made ones. You had to cut the shapes with a needle (toothpick these days) after it was freshly made which is totally different to trying to cut out the shape on pre-made ones!
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About three shops past this place is Black rubber shoes
Black rubber shoes
@HangwithCharlie
Another dalgona experience place in case you passed the first one! This one has cotton candy too.
Black rubber shoes refer to the korean animated show with the same name that aired in the early 90s to early 20s.
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Also offers dalgona making experience. I've been here and it was 5,000won (I took the pictures too lol)
When you succeed in cutting the shape out, you get to choose a little prize from a selection at the back of the shop. The experience is kid-friendly, safe, and easy!
Back then, instead of these setups, we used these machines(?) that were outside school stationary shops.
[picture below]
On the left, you heat the sugar and add the baking powder. On the right you place a stick, then the hot mixture. They had a tool for you to press it flat. As you can see in the middle, there was a container of water where you kept the tools clean(?).
Hwaseong Haenggung 📷
@HangwithCharlie
Free events:
April ~ June,
September ~ October
Every Sunday 12:30 ~1pm Jangyongyeong Guards Ceremony. In front of Sinpungnu Gate of the Temporary Palace at Hwaseong Fortress
Opening days : Tuesday~Sunday
Opening hours : 11:00~11:30
Place : Hwaseong Haenggung(Temporary Palace)
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The information center is close by if you have any questions!
Once you're done with seeing the castle, walk up wards 행궁동!!
Have a look around for any restaurants you want to visit (I do give my recommendation below).
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Life in four cuts
@HangwithCharlie
Another chain photo business. Here, you can rent hanbok to put on (for photo only not able to rent to walk around the streets with it on)
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서호김밥 행궁점 (우영우김밥 촬영지) 📷
@HangwithCharlie
K-drama "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" Kimbap shop. They changed owners once or twice but kept the exterior the same as the show (not sure about interior).
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mong ted
@HangwithCharlie
K-drama Lovely Runner film set.
The main female lead's (Im sol)_house.
Take a picture under the yellow umbrella by the gate!
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Snack recommendations for your pinic
Salt Factory💲
@HangwithCharlie
Cute lil store that sells heavenly bread rolls (salt bread)
No inside seating with about (3) barstools by the counter. Easy enough to eat while walking.
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Chuplus 💲
@HangwithCharlie
Churros with savoury options!
Be aware, they are quite filling!
The taco one is a bit difficult to eat while walking also.
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Brussels Fries 💲~💲💲
@HangwithCharlie
Really popular (I visited june 2024) and there are lines on weekends and weekday evenings. Can choose between wedge cut or straight. Lots of sauce and seasoning options. Pricey for what it's worth imo
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Right next to Brussels Fries is a small flower field photo spot!
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Once you have your snacks, head up to the picnic spot to relax in the sun!
If it rains, head into one of the MANY cafes in the area...
Before you reach picnic day, take some pictures at Hwahongmun (Buksumun).
Hwahongmun Gate (Buksumun) 📷
@HangwithCharlie
The water level varies quite a lot depending on the time of the month. Good picture spot (It was also shown during the confession scene in Lovely runner)
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Picnic day
@HangwithCharlie
Here you can rent THE CUTEST picnic sets! (Blankets, props etc)
Look at naver for the picnic theme you want and make a reservation. Book carefully as they don't give refunds if it rains on the day of your picnic.
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**Some cafes nearby also rent out picnic probs, have a look at naver maps for more options! But Picnic day is my fav.**
Chill on the blankets and take some pictures!
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Enjoy your picnic and hopefully once your 2hr is up, it will be dark enough! Head towards Flying Suwon (which you should'dve pre booked!) and enjoy the view!!
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This won't take too long. It is the end of this itenerary. I don't think most people will have a stomach for dinner, but if so I suggest the following four places!
천년풍천장어 (Grilled eel) 💲💲💲Must read notes
@HangwithCharlie
BBQ eel! They sell by the kg, BUT after prep, its about 450~500g. Cost as of July 2024 = ₩37,900
They also charge ₩3,000 per person (middle school & older) for veges and charr for the grill.
How to grill.
Place the eel skin side down and cook slightly/just enough the skin dosen't stick to the grill. After making sure the eel hasn't stuck, sprinkle some seasalt on the white flesh side of the eel. Flip the eel (white flesh side down) and cook for 2min. Flip again (skin side up) and cook for 30seconds. Then, cut the eel vertically into bite side portions to ensure even cooking. Do not overcook the meat as the meat can dry and become more though.
[Personal tip: Wait until the charr dies downs a tiny bit, cooking it on medium heat is best!]
The staff will come and help but expect to grill it yourself, especially when busy!
Eat with heaps of ginger and sauce! I also recommend getting the rice cake ₩3,000.
You have to grill it for a long time and move it often to get that crispy golden brown outer.
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Walking distance from flying suwon. Eat with heaps of ginger! You have to cook it your self but if the restaurant is not crazy busy, the staff will help you!
Jacksonville town 💲💲
@HangwithCharlie
Highly recommend!
This place is really popular and well known on insta and 'naver cafes' (kinda like facebook group pages).
The food IS really good. But the steak portion is a bit small. They have THE BEST basil cream pasta. I also recommend the beef taco pancake.
Free lemonade if you book with Naver.
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If you're craving pasta, go back to 행궁동, my personal favourite is Jacksonville town basil cream pasta.
Gabojeong Galbi 💲💲💲💲
@HangwithCharlie
Probs the most famous galbi restaurant in Suwon.
Fancy and pricey, but the food and service are worth it! They cook the meat for you! Last time I went my uncle paid, so not sure if they ask for tips, Even if they do, it's optional because this is Korea!
FYI
Before people get married, the couples must go through 상견례. It's a ceremony where the couple and both inlaws meet over a meal. The couple announces their plans of marriage and the in laws congratulate and ask questions etc and Gabojung is one of the places that accomodate for this ceremony (cos its fancy and has private rooms)
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If you want to experience some top tier Korean BBQ. This place will hurt your wallet. They cook everything for you!
Galbi Myeongga palace 💲💲💲
@HangwithCharlie
Good quality bbq! They also have free ice cream station which reminds me of my childhood when all the bbq places had a children's playroom and ice cream. Their raw beef is also good! (Not completely frozen, with good amount of pear and egg yolk ratio lol)
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Cheaper Alternative to Gabojung. Fab BBQ quality and popular with locals, you'll likely cook it yourself.
IF you order the marinated option. Remeber to flip the meat frequently or else it will burn. And ask to replace the metal grid once it accumulates the burnt charr.
If you've still got energy for more, I recommend
Rodeo street (in front of Suwon station) = vibes & drinks
Ingye-dong = food and drinks * I like Ingye dong more than Rodeo, the
Gwanggyo = chill lake view cafe/ night walk around the lake.
Suwon Station Rodeo Street
@HangwithCharlie
Great place during the day but more so at night! street food are in abundance, Board game cafes, pubs etc. The food tents in the middle open from like 5pm!
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Tiger Beer 범맥주 수원역점 💲💲~💲💲💲
@HangwithCharlie
You can't miss this place at night, they have the tiger heads sticking out and they blast out music! You also can't go wrong with fried chicken and beer!
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인쌩맥주
@HangwithCharlie
Play on words to mean
"The best draft beer of your life"
Another super popular spot!
Expect lines during peak times and for food to take a while. Great beer, vibes and good/ok food imo
The doormen & waiters are all good looking people lmao
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Ingye-dong
@HangwithCharlie
The heart of the nightlife in Suwon!
Pubs, bars, and restaurants that open way past midnight!! Their food is better than Suwon Rodeo street imo
Parking is always ridiculous so taxi's are strongly recommended. And even if you're not into drinking, the food is worth it!
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신촌황소곱창 (Gopchang-Cow intestine over grill) 💲💲💲
@HangwithCharlie
I know cow intestine can be a bit scary for people to try. But honestly they are sooooo gooooood! Get the mix platter for your first time, and find out what you like!
곱창 = Gopchang = small intestine. My fav, idk how to describe it.
대창 = Daechang = large intestine. More chewy
염통=Yeomtong=heart
& various parts of the stomach
They have another branch near Suwon station
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마장동김씨 (Korean pork bbq) 💲💲~💲💲💲
@HangwithCharlie
Good quality Korean pork bbq.
Their interior, ingredient prep and presentation are definitely focused on people in their 20s & for SNS.
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Starbucks 💲
@HangwithCharlie
I know its just a starbucks. BUT ITS ON THE 41st FLOOR!!! The view of the lake is incredible!!
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Check out the other map for other food options in Suwon + other areas
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