Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Sofa_King]

I'm thinking about getting off my lazy ass today and heading down to Suwon to check out the fortress. I've seen all the palaces here in Seoul and am worried that the one in Suwon will be exactly the same and I'll be bored out of my mind. Also, I heard that there was a fire at the fortress two months ago, and am curious how much was destroyed. I could do other things, like checking out a baseball game or doing some work before I move home in two weeks.

What should I do? Those who have been to the fortress, would you recommend it? Is it the same as Gyeongbukgung or the others?

[ttompatz]

[Hater Depot]

I would say definitely go. There is an archery range that you can try your hand at for 1,000 won. Also if you bring a friend, there is a nice spot for a picnic about 45 minutes to an hour in.

[flakfizer]

Used to live in Suwon. Met my wife there. You should go sometime. You can take 1007 bus from Jamsil as well. It's better than any of the old walls in Seoul. You'll also actually get to see grass!

[RACETRAITOR]

There are tons of places to explore around Hwaseong Fortress. The best place is up the mountain. Bring something to drink with you. Last time I went I brought a bottle of champagne and drank it in a quiet corner just outside the walls.

[Son Deureo!]

Well, if that babe is still there, then count me in too!

The Suwon fortress is a great day trip, and walking all the way around it is a really nice date activity, too.

While you're in Suwon, make sure you have some Suwon style kalbi, it's delish.

[rocklee]

Suwon looked like a great place to be when I was there.

The fortress is interesting, kind of like a mini great wall that spans across for at least a few hours of walking.



OK, that's not it but you get the idea. The wall goes for miles.



As usual, you'll have your endless steps to climb!



Saw this impressive church (at least for me as I never saw anything like that in Japan) :



There is a nice stopover along the wall where you can see a small tree island. Not sure if you can eat there as you have to take off your shoes to enter :



The thing about the wall is that it goes right around, and you can actually see the other significant half of it, like in this picture :



I won't tell you what we saw there but it was bloody big! That green thing there is a site under construction. I think it is probably a lookout, being the peak of the hill and all.

There is indeed an archery site, though I was fearing for my life because it was open air and any of these jokers could easily have pointed in the wrong directions :



You will have to pay to walk along the fortress (something like 1000 won) and there are several booth along the way to make sure that you have your ticket.

I enjoyed my time there, which took almost the entire day. I think it might be just as good during the winter.

Before I forget, there is a palace which the name escapes me. Don't bother. Can't remember the price but it was truely forgettable because it looked just like any old set from a cheap kung fu movie (well it is used for TV dramas), unless you enjoy trying on costumes. The ladies might enjoy it though.

[RACETRAITOR]

That last picture is one I'd never put myself in the position to take. Even with no arrows in the bows, if someone dry-fired one you'd be in a very ugly position.

[captain kirk]

Yeah, the archery site. I watched some old fellers twangin' arrows off at a target. The target was set up a long ways away and their arrows made a high arc and that took some skill and strength, most wicked. But if any of those fellers had shot a little too high, like sneezed at the release and let fly high they would have shot folks walking along the wall above the distant target. And if they'd gone off kilter left or right, as well. Lot of trust put in those archers.

Can you just start shooting with those guys? I didn't ask....

[ilovebdt]

Wow, I didn't know there was so much of the fortress left. It looks really cool. I am definately going there if the weather is nice next weekend.

If I go there by subway, does anyone how far or near the subway station it is?

ilovebdt

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I went there last year and found it really interesting. I wouldn't, however, want to climb the whole thing on a hot, summer afternoon.

[flakfizer]

[RACETRAITOR]

It's about a 20-minute walk from Suwon station, but good luck finding it. I usually take the subway to Hwaseo station and then catch a cab to the base on the northern side.

[ttompatz]

[RACETRAITOR]

Take the bus. The intersection in front of Suwon Station is irregular and you might go down the wrong road.