Escape Seoul for a day and dive into the wonders of Suwon and Gwangmyeong in Gyeonggi-do Province! Our tour takes you to the awe-inspiring new Starfield Library, the historic Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, and the enchanting Gwangmyeong Cave. Experience a blend of culture, history, and magic in one unforgettable journey!
What to expect
Let’s embark on a magical journey through the hidden gems of Gyeonggi-do Province on our exclusive day tour! We’ll begin by picking you up from one of the two meeting points for this tour.
- City Hall Subway Station: Exit 6 @ 9:00 am
- Myeongdong Subway Station: Exit 9 @ 9:15 am
Once everyone’s aboard, we’ll start by diving into the world of literature at the new Starfield Library in Suwon, where books soar to new heights in a stunning architectural marvel. Then, we’ll step back in time at the majestic Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, where history comes alive with tales of ancient kings and epic battles. Finally, cool off in the mesmerizing Gwangmyeong Cave, transformed into an underground wonderland with vibrant lights and art installations. This tour isn’t just a trip; it’s an adventure through culture, history, and beauty – all in one unforgettable day!
Our knowledgeable guide will share captivating stories of Korean history, bringing each one of these landmarks to life as we visit, explore, and marvel at the exciting stops on this tour. This journey through Gyeonggi-do’s treasures ends with us dropping you off at the vibrant and central Myeongdong Station in Seoul to wrap up an unforgettable day.
Suwon & Gwangmyeong Tour – Course Overview
Our Starfield Library Suwon Hwaseong Fortress & Gwangmyeong Cave tour is one of our newest Day Trips from Seoul. This exciting, varied, and unique tour has been very well received, with great reviews and feedback. It offers a blend of modern life, history, and awe-inspiring Instagram-worthy destinations that will ensure there is something for everyone in your group.
So, without further ado, let’s jump straight into the tour highlights.
Suwon Starfield Library
Prepare to step into a world where books become the stars of the show at the new Suwon Starfield Library, an architectural marvel that redefines what a library can be. This isn’t just a place for reading; it’s a visual spectacle where a double helix structure spirals upwards, holding over 50,000 books in a mesmerizing display. Picture this: walking into a room where vibrant colors and dynamic lighting create a fairy-tale setting, where each level offers new perspectives and countless photo opportunities.
What makes this library so special isn’t just its design but its atmosphere. It’s a sanctuary for book lovers, with cozy nooks for reading, but also a vibrant hub for culture enthusiasts looking for that perfect shot. The library has become a cultural landmark in South Korea, attracting visitors from around the globe not only for its vast collection but for the unique experience it offers. From the awe-inspiring central atrium that looks like a scene from a sci-fi movie to the serene reading areas, every corner here tells a story. Whether you’re here to lose yourself in literature or capture the beauty of this modern architectural wonder, the Starfield Library in Suwon is a must-visit destination that promises to leave you enchanted and inspired.
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
Journey back in time as we visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. This majestic fortress, built in the late 18th century, stands as a testament to Korea’s rich history and architectural prowess. Encircle yourself with walls that stretch over 5.7 kilometers, featuring watchtowers, bastions, and secret gates, each with its own story of defense and strategy.
As you walk along the fortress, feel the echoes of the past with our tour guide narrating tales of King Jeongjo’s vision to honor his father and fortify the city. The fortress isn’t just about history; it’s an immersive experience where you can explore on foot, by bike, or even hop on a funicular for breathtaking panoramic views of Suwon. Every stone here has a story, from the ingenious water gate to the imposing South Gate, Hwaseomun, one of the largest in Korea. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of architecture, or someone looking for an adventure, Hwaseong Fortress offers a blend of education and excitement. It’s a living piece of history that invites you to step into Korea’s past, making it an essential stop on our Suwon Hwaseong Fortress tour itinerary.
Gwangmyeong Cave
Conclude your journey in the cool, mysterious depths of Gwangmyeong Cave in Gyeonggi-do, where history meets modern wonder. Once a mine from the Japanese colonial era, this cave has been reborn as South Korea’s largest themed cave park, offering an underground adventure like no other. As you descend into this subterranean marvel, you’ll be greeted by a world of vibrant LED lights, turning the dark into a canvas of color where art and nature intertwine.
Explore the various themed areas, from the enchanting Golden Road with its wishes written on gold plaques to the awe-inspiring Golden Waterfall, where water cascades in a golden shimmer. These experiences, of course, reflected the cave originally being used to mine Gold, although Silver, Bronze, dolomite, and limestone were also mined there. If visiting during the summer months, the cave can be a great sanctuary from the summer heat, as it maintains cool temperatures year-round, making it a refreshing retreat.
Experience the cultural and artistic installations, including the Cave Arts Center, where light shows dance across the cave walls, or indulge in a wine tasting at the Wine Cave featuring Korean wines. If that’s not enough, Gwangmyeong Cave features an underground Lake and the largest dragon sculpture in the nation.
So whether you’re here for history, the art, or just to escape the outside world, our Gwangmyeong Cave tour offers a magical, cooling finale to your day, leaving you with memories of a truly unique Korean experience.
Don’t miss out on this unique blend of culture, history, and adventure! Book your spot now to experience the magic of the new Starfield Library, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, and Gwangmyeong Cave in one unforgettable day exploring some of Gyeonggi-do’s top landmarks.
Tour Availability
This tour operates every Tuesday – Sunday and closes on Mondays.
Meeting / Pickup points
Please be on time. We cannot wait!
- City Hall Subway Station: Exit 6 @ 9:00 am
- Myeongdong Subway Station: Exit 9 @ 9:15 am
Starfield Library Suwon Hwaseong Fortress & Gwangmyeong Cave Tour Itinerary
- Meeting Point Pick-up (Seoul)
- Starfield Library Suwon
- Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
- Gwangmyeong Cave
- Drop off at Myeongdong Subway Station
Our Suwon Fortress, Starfield Library & Gwangmyeong Cave tour includes
- Transportation to and from Seoul and between each location
- Fully licensed tour guide
- Entrance fees tickets
- Gwangmyeong Cave tickets
- Suwon Hwaseong Fortress tickets
- NO shopping stops
Excludes
- Personal expenses such as food and drinks
9 reviews for Starfield Library Suwon Fortress & Gwangmyeong Cave tour
Show only reviews in English (9)
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Leeann M –
The trip was really good. Kay was a fantastic tour guide. The Fortress and Library was beautiful. The cave was a lot of fun but just know there is about 180 steps straight down and then back up. It was worth it.
Climber32278921491 –
This was a great tour. Crystal was our English speaking tour guide and she was very informative and helpful. We felt very relaxed and comfortable talking with her. I recommend this tour, some history and new culture.
Mak –
This trip is great value as the price includes all entrance fees, transportation and driver-guide fees. The two of us were lucky enough to charter a car and a tour group, and the tour guide Alex was very handsome, very friendly, and good at taking pictures; his explanations were very detailed and allowed us to learn a lot about Korean history. Thank him for making our trip pleasant and satisfying 😊 Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Starfield Library, and Gwangmyeong Cave are good places worth visiting. 👍🏻
蘇 –
I thought it was a whole library, but it turned out not to be. It was inside a local department store. But it was really spectacular and I recommend arranging it.
egi –
Went with Alex for this trip and he was the best tour guide for this! Really loved the history behind the temples and the cave! It was really cold but Alex was so helpful in ensuring our comfort! really recommended!
Weimun –
We were well looked after by Alex the tour guide and Charlie the driver throughout the whole trip. We feel very comfortable with Alex’s performance. Many thanks to Alex and wish him good luck in everything 😊
Nina –
It was a great experience. The driver was on time. The tour guide had great English. They helped us a lot.
Analiza –
I’d like to commend our tour guide Yuna for managing the time well. For explaning the history and significance of the place. Good job, thank you for your service
Lydia –
Our tour guide today was Yuna, who was very attentive and friendly, and a master of photography. Our transport to and from Suwon was comfortable, and we stopped at three places: Hwaseong Fortress (including the Temporary Palace), Starfield Mall, and then Gwangmyeon Cave. I wish we could’ve actually gotten closer to the fortress wall, but the Temporary Palace held its own beauty with the nature around it and the history within. Gwangmyeon Cave was a nice surprise, though don’t expect an easy walk as there are countless stairs up to the entrance and down into the cave itself (which might be too strenuous for those with a low level of fitness). Overall it was pleasant way to see Suwon.