S u w o n

I have read of Suwon from the travel guide but have never thought of visiting it, until I saw one episode of 2 days 1 night. I am impressed with the place since, that I reserve today to visit it. We took the KTX from Seoul and got into Suwon within an hour.

 Paldalmun is the gateway to Hwaseong Fortress, where we would be heading next.

 Amidst the fortress ground now stands a place of worship.

 Seojandae Pavilion stands over Paldalsan.

 Stone carved paintings on the ground leading to Hwaseong Haenggung.

 The paintings depict the king's reign during the Joseon Dynasty.

 Hwaseong Haenggung.

 Jinnamnu, entrance to the temporary palace for the king when he was away from his palace in Seoul.

 Palace ground

 King Jeongjo....

 ....his queen

 ....and his royal subjects

 View from Paldalsan on the western end of the palace.

 Evidence of autumn blooms

 More flowers and art pieces.

 Similar to Cheonggyecheon stream of Seoul, the canal here has been converted to allow walking below the street level.

 School is out and students having a field day.

 We are walking towards one of the most visited spots in Hwaseong Fortress.

 A closer view of Hwahongmun

 Dongbukgangnu, the northern pavilion.

 View from the pavilion. If you go back to the 1st picture, you would be seeing the most scenic spot of Hwaseong Fortress

 Catching Dongbuk Poru from a distance.

 Reverse view of Dongbukgangnu.

 The walled path leads us to Dongjangdae, the eastern command post.

 Hwaseong Trolley ride offers visitors a tour of the fortress ground, minus the walking.

 Want a shot of the Korean Archery?

 Target practice ground.

 Which direction is to Singapore?

 Tom cat having a go at the robin. Fat chance, my boy!

It is a good day trip away from the busy Seoul city, and we definitely tightened some muscle from the walking today. Glad that the weather is cooling as it allowed us to venture further. We could have taken the trolley, but that would mean missing out on some sights. What is the rush? It is afterall, a free & easy holiday.

And another travel trip awaiting....