Korea Festivals

Suwon Hwaseong Festival

Oct 4 – Oct 11, 2026 · Gyeonggi

Suwon Hwaseong Festival
Suwon Hwaseong Festival. Photo: Korea Tourism Organization

Overview

The Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival reimagines, through a contemporary lens, the most magnificent moments of King Jeongjo’s eight-day royal procession to Hwaseong in 1795. Historic scenes recorded in the Wonhaeng Eulmyo Jeongni Uigwe come vividly to life through high-quality cultural programs. Visitors can also take part in the King Jeongjo Royal Parade, the largest royal procession reenactment in Korea, where citizens and guests from around the world become part of the spectacle. As a leading global festival, the Suwon Hwaseong Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the joy of a celebration that transcends time and space while bringing people together in the historic setting of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.

Why go

The Suwon Hwaseong Festival reenacts King Jeongjo's 1795 royal procession to Hwaseong Fortress, including the King Jeongjo Royal Parade, described as Korea's largest royal procession reenactment. It runs within the Hwaseong Fortress grounds with evening programs such as the 'Suwon Fantasy: Yajo' themed performance, the 'Seonyumong' water performance, and the Haenggung Night Story.

Getting there from Seoul

Take Seoul Subway Line 1 south to Suwon Station, or an ITX-Saemaeul/KTX train from Seoul Station or Yongsan Station to Suwon Station (both under an hour). From Suwon Station, continue by local bus or taxi to Hwaseong Fortress at 825 Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu.

Tips

  • Festival hours are 12:00-21:00, so evening arrival works well for the lantern and performance programs.
  • General entry is free, but some individual programs have separate fees, so check each program on-site.
  • Hwaseong Fortress involves walking on fortress walls and stone paths, so wear comfortable shoes.

Best for: history enthusiasts, photographers, families, festival-goers.

Program

“Suwon Fantasy: Yajo” Themed Performance, “Seonyumong” Water Performance, Time Travel: Haenggung Night Story, Citizens’ Great Architecture “Hwahong”

  • Suwon Hwaseong Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Suwon Hwaseong Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Suwon Hwaseong Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Suwon Hwaseong Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Suwon Hwaseong Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Suwon Hwaseong Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization

Other festivals in Gyeonggi

  • Gyeonggi

    Suwon Hwaseong Media Art

    Sep 19 – Oct 6, 2026

    Suwon Hwaseong Media Art is a nighttime festival held against the backdrop of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since its launch in 2021, the event has presented large-scale media art inspired by the fortress and its history. Beginning in 2026, the festival has been newly reimagined under the theme “Saebit Dongrak: Suwon Hwaseong Blossoming in Light,” inviting visitors to experience the site through light and shared enjoyment.

  • Gyeonggi

    APAP Artwork Tour

    Mar 10 – Nov 30, 2026

    The Anyang Public Art Project (APAP) started in 2005 and has led to the creation of many beautiful works of art that decorate the city's public spaces. The Anyang Foundation for Culture & Arts has created a tour program to explore the wonderful works, starting from the earliest works in 2005 up until now.

  • Seoul

    Gumcheon Siheung Haenggung Cultural Festival

    Oct 4, 2026

    The 'Geumcheon Siheung Palace Cultural Festival' is a representative historical and cultural festival of Geumcheon-gu that embodies the district's historical identity and cultural artistic significance. The festival offers diverse programs for all residents to enjoy together.

Festivals: Gyeonggi

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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site