Suwon in 1 Day: Muslim-Friendly Itinerary & Travel Guide from Seoul

Disclaimer: This article is part of a paid partnership with Suwon City Council and Korea Tourism Organization.
수원특례시청 제작지원

Being just an hour away from Seoul, Suwon (수원) makes the perfect day trip if you’re looking for something different from the capital. The city is most famous for the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress, but that’s not all — Suwon also has a lively café culture, delicious noodle restaurants, and a surprising number of K-drama filming locations.

As a Muslim traveler, I found Suwon to be a lot more comfortable than I expected. While halal-certified restaurants are rare, seafood and vegetarian dishes are easy to find, and cafés are everywhere. Add to that the fact that Suwon is super walkable, and it’s an easy, stress-free city to explore in a single day while clocking in your steps for the day.

Getting to Suwon from Seoul

Suwon is well connected to Seoul and really easy to reach.

• Subway: Line 1 from Seoul Station → Suwon Station (~1 hour, ~1,800 KRW with T-money card).

• Train: ITX or Mugunghwa from Yongsan Station (~30–40 minutes, 3,000–4,000 KRW).

• Bus: Intercity buses also take (~1 hour, ~2,800 KRW with T-money card)

Tip: Start early around 7AM so you can enjoy a full day without rushing.

My 1-Day Muslim-Friendly Suwon Itinerary

Morning Coffee Stop

Like most of my trips, I started the day with a cup of coffee — essential before all the walking ahead. Suwon has plenty of small cafés near the station, so it’s easy to grab something on the way.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (수원 화성)

This was the highlight of the day for me. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the late 18th century, and it’s absolutely massive. Walking along the fortress walls, I was honestly amazed at how Korea has managed to keep these historical sites so beautifully intact while the modern city has grown around them.

• Total length: 5.7 km

• Must-sees: Paldalmun Gate and Janganmun Gate

• Entry fee: ~1,500–2,000 KRW

Hwaseong Haenggung Palace (화성행궁)

Just a short walk from the fortress is Hwaseong Haenggung Palace. Historically, this palace was used by kings during ceremonies and wartime, but today it’s most famous as the main venue of the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival.

• Festival dates: Sept 27 – Oct 4, 2024

• Highlight: Royal Procession Reenactment (Sept 28 only — don’t miss it!)

• Tickets: ~2,000 KRW, available at the entrance

Lunch: Kalguksu & Kongguksu

Suwon is often associated with galbi, but since that isn’t halal, I opted for local noodle dishes instead. We found a cozy restaurant filled with locals (always a good sign!) and ordered kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) and kongguksu (soybean noodle soup). Both were hearty, comforting, and perfect after a morning of walking.

K-Drama Filming Spots

K-drama fans, you’re going to love Suwon. The city has been featured in several popular dramas, and I couldn’t resist checking out a few spots.

• Our Beloved Summer – Romantic streets and cozy corners that featured throughout the series.

• Lovely Runner – Filming locations near the fortress and mural alleys.

• 2521 Bridge – An iconic spot for photos and recreations.

And yes… I even went looking for Sun-jae’s house while I was here!

Haenggung-dong Mural Village (행궁동 벽화마을)

This artsy neighborhood is full of colorful murals, indie cafés, and quirky shops. It’s the kind of place you can easily spend an hour wandering and snapping photos. Even without the murals, the vibe here is youthful and creative — a nice contrast to the historic fortress earlier in the day.

Rainy Afternoon at SQD Coffee

No Korean day trip is complete without a café stop, and in Suwon it was extra timely — the skies opened up and it started pouring. We took shelter at SQD Coffee and ordered their famous peach bingsu. Honestly, I didn’t mind the rain at all; it turned into one of the most relaxing moments of the day.

Back to Seoul

By early evening, we hopped back on the bus and returned to Seoul. If you need halal-certified dinner options, Itaewon or Dongdaemun are your best bet once you’re back in the city.

Why Visit During the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival?

• Dates: Sept 27 – Oct 4, 2024

• Highlight: Royal Procession Reenactment (Sept 28 only)

• Activities: Traditional performances, parades, hands-on cultural experiences, night shows

Visiting Suwon during this period makes the whole experience extra special, since you get to see history come alive within the fortress walls.

Muslim-Friendly Travel Tips

• Stick to seafood or vegetarian dishes like kalguksu, kongguksu, and pajeon.

• Bring halal snacks or a bento from Seoul if you want more variety.

• Check convenience stores for halal-certified cup noodles (look for the halal logo).

• Cafés are safe and abundant — perfect for drinks, desserts, or just waiting out the rain.

Travel Money Tip: Use Wise

For Muslim travelers (and really, anyone traveling internationally), I can’t recommend Wise enough.

• Get the real mid-market exchange rate without hidden fees.

• Hold and convert multiple currencies easily.

• Spend like a local with the Wise debit card.

It’s been a lifesaver for me while traveling in Korea and beyond.

Prefer a Done-for-You Tour?

If planning feels overwhelming, Suwon can also be explored on a guided tour.

With Klook Suwon day trips, you’ll usually get:

• Round-trip transport from Seoul

• Fortress & palace entry tickets

• A guide to share stories behind Suwon’s history

Use my Klook Creator Code: EXPLORETOMAKANKLOOK (SG) or NURULMIMSYKLOOK (MY) for discounts!

Other Interesting Spots to Visit in Suwon

If you’re staying longer than a day, or if you want to swap out some activities, here are a few more places in Suwon that are worth checking out:

1. Paldalmun Market (팔달문시장)

• One of Suwon’s traditional markets with over 200 stalls.

• Famous for affordable snacks, produce, and household goods.

• Muslim-friendly food options include hotteok (sweet pancakes), vegetarian tteokbokki, and bungeoppang (red bean pastry).

• A great place to experience local life beyond the tourist sites.

2. Suwon Ipark Museum of Art (수원시립아이파크미술관)

• Modern art museum located near the fortress.

• Great for travelers who want to balance traditional history with contemporary Korean culture.

• Rotating exhibitions often feature both Korean and international artists.

3. Manseok Park (만석공원)

• A large park with a scenic lake and walking trails.

• Popular with locals for jogging, biking, or just relaxing.

• If you want a nature break during your trip, this is an easy add-on.

4. Samsung Innovation Museum (삼성 이노베이션 박물관)

• Suwon is also the global HQ of Samsung! I’ve personally been here in 2016 and really enjoyed the visit.

• This museum showcases the history of electronics and future innovations.

• Perfect for tech lovers or those curious about Korea’s modern success stories.

5. Starfield Library (스타필드 도서관, Suwon)

• A visually stunning library inside Starfield Suwon Mall, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.

• Popular as a photo spot and for its calm, aesthetic vibe.

• Perfect if you enjoy lifestyle attractions or need a quiet break during your trip.

Suwon really surprised me. It’s a city that combines everything I love about Korea:

• History & heritage at Hwaseong Fortress and Haenggung Palace.

• Food that works for Muslim travelers, like hearty noodle soups.

• K-drama vibes from Our Beloved Summer, Lovely Runner, and more.

• Street culture in the mural village, plus a thriving café scene.

Whether you go during the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival or on a quieter day, Suwon is a gem of a city that deserves a spot on your Korea itinerary.