Day Trips from Seoul - Seoul - page 325

Start at Paldalmun OFFLINE MAP , also known as Nammun (South Gate), and follow the
steep steps off to the left up to the Seonam Gangu OFFLINE MAP , an observation point near
the peak of Paldalsan (143m). Near the command post, Seojangdae OFFLINE MAP is the
large Hyowon Bell you can toll ( ₩ 1000), and Seonodae OFFLINE MAP , a tower that was used
by crossbow archers.

On the wall's north side is Hwahongmun OFFLINE MAP , a watergate over a stream, and
the archery centre OFFLINE MAP . Nearby is Dongbukgongsimdon OFFLINE MAP , another
watchtower but with a unique design - a high, tapering structure with rounded corners, a
stone base and a brick tower. Further on are the Bongdon beacon towers OFFLINE MAP ,
which were used to send messages around the country - the number of lit beacons signi-
fied different messages. From here the wall dips down to cross the Suwon-cheon where it
breaks for the Jidong market (where you can buy fresh produce, clothing and home-
wares), coming back to Paldamun.

HWASEONG HAENGGUNG PALACE

OFFLINE MAP
( admission ₩1500; 9am-5pm) King Jeongjo's palace, destroyed during the Japanese occupa-
tion, has meticulously been reconstructed and is worth exploring. Find out how detailed
court records aided the reconstruction process and see how the area used to look at the Su-
won Cultural Foundation (admission free; 9.30am-6pm Mar-Oct, 9.30am-5pm Nov-Feb) on the
south side of the plaza in front of the palace.

From March to November, various traditional performances are held at the palace, in-
cluding a changing of the guard ceremony ( 2pm Sun) and a martial arts display (
11am Tue-Sun) . Every October a grand royal procession is re-enacted as part of Suwon's an-
nual festival.

KOREAN FOLK VILLAGE
( www.koreanfolk.co.kr ; adult/teenager/child ₩15,000/12,000/10,000; 9am-6.30pm Mar-Oct, to 5pm Nov-Feb)
Around 260 thatched and tiled traditional houses and buildings from around the country
make up this attractive folk village that takes at least half a day to look around. Artisans
wearing hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) create pots, make paper and weave bamboo,
while other workers tend to vegetable plots, and livestock.

ARCHITECTURAL PARK

Throughout the day traditional musicians, dancers, acrobats and tightrope walkers per-
form, and you can watch a staged wedding ceremony. Other attractions, including an
amusement park and horse riding, cost extra. The village also has several rustic restaur-
ants and a food court.