Embark on an unforgettable journey through Suwon’s rich cultural heritage and modern innovations with the Suwon XR Bus 1795 Tour. Experience the fusion of tradition and modernity as you explore historic landmarks and cutting-edge attractions, all in one immersive excursion.
Suwon, a city just south to Seoul, is a place where you can enjoy a unique mix of modern and traditional experiences. Its crown jewel is no doubt the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress was built in the late 18th century and it is a gorgeous example of Joseon Dynasty architecture and engineering.
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
Hwaseong Fortress was built by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty. Construction took place between 1794 and 1796. The king had two main reasons for building the fortress. First, he wanted to relocate the tomb of his father, Prince Sado, who had been tragically executed years earlier. Second, he envisioned Suwon as a new political and economic center.
The fortress is massive, with walls that stretch for nearly 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) and encloses an area of 1.3 square kilometers (0.5 square miles). The walls are made of stone and brick and are punctuated by four gates, observation posts, and artillery towers.
The fortress is not just a defensive structure; it’s also a beautiful work of art.
The walls snake along the natural contours of the land, and the design incorporates elements of both Korean and Western architecture. Inside the fortress walls, you’ll find the Hwaseong Palace, a royal palace that served as a temporary residence for the king.
Beyond the walls, Suwon is a vibrant city with a modern downtown area. It’s also a university town which gives the city a youthful and energetic vibe.
How to get to Suwon?
Suwon is easily accessible from Seoul. You can take the subway or a bus from Seoul to Suwon Station. From there, you can take a taxi or walk to Hwaseong Fortress.
Suwon XR Bus 1795 Tour – Memory of 1795
This is a unique tour bus which operates in Suwon that takes tourists around the city. It’s an extended-reality (XR) tour bus under operation by the city government. You can sit comfortably within a spacious tour bus adorned with transparent OLED screens. It allows tourists to experience a unique blend of modernity and tradition. As you see the local scenery outside, you can also enjoy the motion pictures on the screens through the Touch Suwon app. The on-screen animations offer a glimpse into the world of Korean kings who once enjoyed similar views from strolling palanquins centuries ago. It’s for the same reason the bus is also called a “modern palanquin.”
The bus borrows its theme from the regal parade King Jeongjo from the Joseon Dynasty. This parade was organized in 1795 to celebrate the 61st birthday of his mother.
There are three separate chapters about the history of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.
- the parade dedicated to Jeongjo’s mother
- the architectural techniques used in building the fortress
- the night-time military training held near the fortress
Tips for making the best of your Suwon XR Bus 1795 tour
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved in exploring the fortress after you get down.
- Be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat, especially if you are visiting during the summer months.
- There are several restaurants and cafes located near the fortress, so you can grab a bite to eat before or after your visit.
- If you are planning on visiting Suwon during the Hwaseong Fortress Festival, be sure to book your accommodations in advance, as hotels tend to fill up quickly.
Touch Suwon App
For history enthusiasts keen on exploring Suwon’s landmarks like the UNESCO heritage site Hwaseong Fortress, Paldalmun Gate, Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, Hwaseomun Gate, and Buggammun Gate, this app offers an immersive experience. Users can access three-dimensional models of these sites via virtual reality or augmented reality interfaces, providing a 360-degree view. Additionally, the app includes a mobile mission game set in Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. It challenges players to navigate maze-like pathways by finding eight keys.
One of the features inside the Touch Suwon app, developed by administrative officials of Suwon, welcomes users to experience what it's like to ride an XR tour bus operated by the city government, called "Memory of 1795."
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Furthermore, the app features an AI-based itinerary planner. It recommends personalized routes based on users’ arrival dates, ages, group size, trip preferences, and desired destinations in Suwon. Tour options range from quick visits to leisurely excursions lasting up to three hours. The tours cover Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, local attractions, and some entertainment options. To streamline the experience, users can use the Reservation/Purchase function. It can assist in booking admissions or purchasing products from listed restaurants, attractions, cafes, and shopping centers directly within the app.
Additionally, users have the convenience of storing their belongings in “Internet of Things lockers” through the app. They can also enjoy an audio tour guide for Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and watch 15 promotional videos of the heritage site, accompanied by sign language interpretation. The app provides these services in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese to cater to a diverse range of users.
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