The signature Korean fortress-city trips are Suwon Hwaseong, Namhansanseong, and Jinjuseong. Even as fortresses, the walking feel differs entirely: flat downtown, mountain fortress, and riverside.
Comparing the three
- Suwon Hwaseong: 5.74km flat downtown, palace 2,000 won, Banghwasuryujeong and chicken street, a 2 to 3 hour starter
- Namhansanseong: 12.4km mountain forest fortress, walls free (palace 2,000 won), Course 2 is 2.8km with a baeksuk street
- Jinjuseong: 1,760m riverside flat, 2,000 won, Namgang night view and lantern festival
Recommendation
For a first visit try flat downtown Suwon, for nature walking Namhansanseong, and for night views and festivals Jinjuseong. Suwon Hwaseong is a 1997 UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Full walking-course guide to Suwon, Namhansanseong, and Jinjuseong