Hwaseong Fortress and Korean Folk Village Tour from Seoul

After hotel pickup in Seoul, board the comfortable coach for a 19-mile (30-km) drive to Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This impressive structure, built in the late 18th century during the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910), is the official fortress of Suwon.

Explore the gates and artillery towers along the fortified walls, and listen as your guide explains how the fortress was constructed to demonstrate the king’s filial piety toward his father and to build a new pioneer city with its own economic power.

You’ll spend about 1.5 hours at the fortress before traveling by coach to the Korean Folk Village. Opened in 1974, this outdoor exhibition displays more than 260 traditional houses reminiscent of the late Joseon era, including various household goods and artifacts from different regions.

Head to the traditional market to enjoy a typical Korean lunch of bibimbap (a rice dish with meat and vegetables). If you’d like, you can taste other specialties like Korean rice cakes and traditional liquor (additional expense). Then set out on foot to discover aspects of Korean culture and folk customs like nongak musical performances or jultagi tightrope acrobatics. Inside the workshops you’ll find artisans making traditional handicrafts such as pottery, baskets, bamboo wares, paper, brass wares, fans, musical instruments, embroidery and more.

After your approximately 3-hour visit, re-board the coach for the return to Seoul, with drop-off at your hotel.