your camera, your eyes to read the descriptions, your brain to process information, 2000 won for the entrance fee

BUS, SUBWAY

I’ve been to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress a few times before, but this was my first visit to the museum dedicated to it. I wanted to dig a little deeper into the fortress’s history and learn more about its past. The Suwon Hwaseong Museum does a great job of bringing the fortress to life. It shows how this place blends both Eastern and Western military styles, which is pretty unique. You also get a cool glimpse into what life was like during the Joseon Dynasty. Even though Hwaseong was built in the 18th century—which is pretty recent compared to something like the Great Wall of China—it still has an impressive story and design. What’s even more amazing is how a place that was once built for defense is now full of life and fun. These days, it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists, especially families. You can float up in a hot air balloon, hop on the royal train, or fly kites on the open grounds. There are even live performances sometimes, with people in Joseon-era costumes doing horseback stunts like old-time soldiers—it really adds to the experience! The exhibition isn’t huge, so if you’re just taking a quick stroll through, it’ll probably take around 30 minutes to an hour. But if you're a history buff and want to dive deeper, you could easily spend up to two hours exploring. The museum’s two floors cover the fortress’s construction, records from that time. old photos from the past (including the colonial period), portraits of key figures linked to the fortress, ways of dressing for the soldiers, and the ceremonies that used to take place there. There is even a filming location for "Lovely Runner", a popular drama. As a photography fan, my favorite part of the exhibition had to be the collection of postcards, black-and-white photos, and then some color shots (including a few taken by a foreigner). The stamps were an interesting touch too. The museum really captures the essence of the fortress, showing how it’s changed over time and why it’s such an important site—no wonder it became a UNESCO World Heritage site!