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Suwon Hwaseong’s walkable routes are getting a fresh moment in the spotlight as part of the Year of Visiting Suwon.
The Hwaseong Fortress trail sits right next to the city center, so it’s incredibly easy to get to. The path along the fortress wall is mostly gentle, making for an effortless stroll. You can take in both the historic walls and urban skyline at the same time, and it’s possible to cover the main highlights in a short amount of time. That convenience keeps both visitors and locals coming back.
Follow the wall and you’ll arrive at the Banghwasuryujeong section—a serene combo of pond and pavilion. It’s one of the fortress’s signature scenic spots, where people tend to linger—snapping photos, resting, and soaking up seasonal views that invite repeat visits.
In early April, the cherry blossoms lining the Hwaseong trail provide yet another reason to visit.
Past Banghwasuryujeong, the route flows into Haenggung-dong and its famous Chicken Street. This neighborhood is packed with longtime chicken restaurants, and it’s become a spot where dining and sightseeing naturally overlap.
On the ground, visitor arrivals often peak at certain times—people head to the alley shops for a meal after a walk, creating a steady flow into the local businesses. Foot traffic climbs especially on weekends and in the evenings, turning the pedestrian-friendly route into a lively spending corridor.
“I often stroll along the Hwaseong wall and naturally end up at Chicken Street,” said Jeon Mo, 24, a college student who lives in Suwon. “The route connects smoothly, so you don’t have to travel far—it’s really convenient.”
Suwon is building on this momentum with a “Chicken Belt” initiative, recently chosen as a program by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The idea is to expand tourist routes around Chicken Street by pairing existing attractions with the vibrant alleyway businesses.
Hands-on programs are part of the appeal.
One standout is the Suwon Chicken Street 1970 Class, where visitors cook chicken alongside local shop owners—shifting the experience from simple consumption to interactive participation.
The initiative also ties into the Kyochon 1991 School, blending workshop spaces with neighborhood businesses. Organizers offer single-day options as well as overnight, one-night/two-day packages. The “K-Chicken Grand Tour” stitches sightseeing, hands-on activities and local spending into one cohesive experience.
A Suwon city official said, “We plan to grow visitor numbers by developing new tourist courses and promoting them together.”
/Choi Jun-hee, Reporter wsx3025@incheonilbo.com
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