Itinerary

Hotel → Changdeok Palace (Gyeongbok Palace on Monday only) → Jongmyo Royal Shrine (Seoul Museum of History on Tuesday only) → Insadong Arts and Crafts Market → Shopping Center → Lunch → Hwaseong Fortress → Hotel

Description

SuwonHwaseong is the UNESCO World Heritage site due to its unique blend of eastern and western architectural styles. It was built in the late 18th century by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty to honor and house the remains of his father Prince Sado. There are twenty workshops, various handicrafts such as pottery, baskets, winnows, bamboo wares, wooden wares, paper, brass wares, knots, fans, musical instruments, iron wares and embroidery are practiced in the folk village.

Tour Course Information

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Hwaseong Fortress is the official fortress of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, from the latter days of the Joseon Period (1392-1910). Construction began on the fortress began in 1794 and finished in 1796. It was built to show the King’s filial piety toward his father Jangheonseja, and also to build a new city with its own economic power. The fortress wall is 5.52km long and it has a great variety of military facilities you cannot find at other fortress. At the top of the fortress wall, Yeojang was stacked up to stand guard over the enemy. There are four gates in each direction: the north gate called Janganmun, the south gate called Paldalmun, the east gate, Changryongmun, and the west gate, Hwaseomun.

Insadong Arts & Crafts Market

Insadong has been at the heart of nation’s capital for 600 years and it has been the center of culture during the Chosun Dynasty (1392-1910). This is where the Ministry of Art was once situated. Insadong usually refers to the area from Anguk-dong Rotary to Tapgol Park in Jongro 2(i)-ga, past the Insadong Intersection. The notable features of Insadong are the countless alleys that branching out from the main street. Insadong has become known as ‘Merry’s Area,’ a favorite shopping spot among foreigners.

Jongmyo Royal Shrine

Jongmyo Royal Shrine is the primary place of worship for the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. It was built when the first King of the Joseon Dynasty, Lee Sung-Gye (1335-1408) founded the Joseon Dynasty. Jongmyo Royal Shrine is registered as World Cultural Heritage because the tradition and customs such as the memorial services and traditional music are very well preserved.

Changdeok Palace

Changdeok Palace is the second royal villa built after Gyeongbok Palace in 1405. Changdeok was the principal palace for many of the Joseon kings, and is the best preserved among the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The rear garden that was used as a place of rest by the kings boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond, and a pavilion. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden.