Paldalmun Gate Suwon
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Paldalmun Gate Suwon

4.4
·6k reviews·Suwon, South Korea

The grand southern gate of Suwon's 18th-century Hwaseong Fortress, a magnificent wooden pavilion set against historical walls.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Lantern Festival evenings

Magical nightscape views

CrowdHigh
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Paldalmun Gate Suwon

Paldalmun Gate Suwon

Best Time

Lantern Festival evenings

Magical nightscape views

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The grand southern gate of Suwon's 18th-century Hwaseong Fortress, a magnificent wooden pavilion set against historical walls.

4.4
(6k reviews)

"This is by far the prettiest and most impressive gate of the entire Suwon city wall."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Easy Access from Suwon Station

Take a bus to Paldalmun bus stop, then walk up the stairs to reach the gate.

🚶‍♀️ Fortress Walk Loop

Paldalmun is part of the Hwaseong Fortress walking loop, offering great views.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Paldalmun Gate's Grandeur

Paldalmun Gate's Grandeur

Southern entrance of Hwaseong Fortress

The most impressive southern gate of Suwon's Hwaseong Fortress, a magnificent two-story wooden pavilion.

Hwaseong Fortress Walls

Hwaseong Fortress Walls

Surrounding Paldalmun Gate

Explore the beautifully maintained fortress walls, offering scenic views and a glimpse into historical Korean architecture.

Paldalmun Market Area

Paldalmun Market Area

Around the gate

Discover local eateries and shops near the gate, including a renowned chicken restaurant with over 30 years of history.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Paldalmun Gate

Paldalmun Gate is a key part of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. Accessing it is straightforward via bus from Suwon Station to the Paldalmun bus stop. Be prepared for it to be situated on a busy roundabout, which can make close-up viewing challenging but offers a grand perspective from afar. TikTok

Best Time to Explore

While Paldalmun Gate is accessible year-round, consider visiting during the Suwon Lantern Festival for a magical nightscape experience. Instagram Weekday afternoons might offer fewer crowds for a more relaxed exploration of the surrounding fortress.

Best Times

When
Lantern Festival evenings
Why
Magical nightscape views
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @sassygirl18🇵🇭🇦🇪 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗶𝗮𝘀𝘄𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗸𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮: 𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗻𝗲 you can reach the paldalmun gate tourist info center by bus (paldalmun bus stop) from suwon station, then go straight up the staircase. klook discount: 𝗠𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗫𝗞𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 - up to 5% off klook (activities, hotels, transpo, e-sim/pocket wifi, transfers, etc.) - no minimum spend - 5x usage per account #korea #travel #suwon #itinerar...
@mimiyako_
4.5K likes • 62.2K views

🎯 Easy Access from Suwon Station

Take a bus to Paldalmun bus stop, then walk up the stairs to reach the gate. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Fortress Walk Loop

Paldalmun is part of the Hwaseong Fortress walking loop, offering great views. Reddit

📍Flying Suwon (플라잉 수원) 255-4 Ji-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 경기도 수원시 팔달구 지동 255-4 Ticket: 20,000 won Weekday 12:30 ~ 21:30 (last boarding 21:00) Weekend/holidays: 11:00 ~ 22:00 #suwon #flyingsuwon #koreatravel #travelkorea #liburankorea
@okkyayupermata
4K likes • 61.3K views
Suwon Paldalmun Gate 🏰🇰🇷 #korea #suwon #paldalmun #koreaview_4u #한국 #수원 #팔달문
koreaview_4u
415 likes • 5.1K views

🚗 Busy Roadway

The gate is on a busy roundabout, making close-up viewing tricky. Reddit

🍗 Local Eats Nearby

Explore the market for local food, including a famous 30-year-old chicken restaurant. Instagram

명가 닭곰탕 in Suwon near the Paldalmun Gate and Nam Mun Market...in a tiny side alley...you can find this chicken specialized restaurant...more than 30 years of existence...no increase of price.. the owner -a Grandpa...proudly explained us his collection of precious stones ( like the ones you saw in Parasite^^) and that he was a Carpenter...then that he was 3 Years in Saudi for Construction work..wher...
hippiekorea
43 likes • 834 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Easy Access from Suwon Station

Take a bus to Paldalmun bus stop, then walk up the stairs to reach the gate. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Fortress Walk Loop

Paldalmun is part of the Hwaseong Fortress walking loop, offering great views. Reddit

🚗 Busy Roadway

The gate is on a busy roundabout, making close-up viewing tricky. Reddit

🍗 Local Eats Nearby

Explore the market for local food, including a famous 30-year-old chicken restaurant. Instagram

☀️ Scorching Hot Summers

Be prepared for heat and sweat during summer visits. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Paldalmun Gate as the most beautiful and impressive gate of Suwon's Hwaseong Fortress, highlighting its magnificent structure and the well-maintained historical site. While its location on a busy roundabout can make close-up viewing challenging, the surrounding fortress walls offer stunning views and a rich historical experience. The nearby market also adds to the appeal with local food options.

"I ran along the fort’s wall. It is truly beautiful and well maintained by the government"

sara mouawad

"I ran along the wall of the fort .
It's really beautifull and properly maintained by govt"

bhupi payal

"Cool fortress to see. Suwon is worth the day trip to see the amazing history and shops inside the walls."

Xin Wang

What People Like

Magnificent architecture
Well-maintained fortress
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Busy roundabout location

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take a bus from Suwon Station to the Paldalmun bus stop. From there, walk straight up the staircase to reach the gate. TikTokInstagram Alternatively, some visitors suggest taking a bus from Suwon Station to get closer to the fortress area. Instagram

Paldalmun Gate is located on a busy roundabout, which can make direct car access and close-up viewing challenging. It's part of the larger Hwaseong Fortress, which is more easily explored on foot. Reddit

Yes, Paldalmun Gate is a central point within Hwaseong Fortress. You can use local buses to navigate between different sections of the fortress or to return to Suwon Station. TikTok

The tourist information center can be reached by bus to the Paldalmun bus stop, followed by a short walk up a staircase. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Klook offers discounts on activities, hotels, and transportation in Suwon. You can use a discount code for up to 5% off with no minimum spend. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Paldalmun Gate itself is an exterior structure and generally accessible. However, to explore the full Hwaseong Fortress, including walking the walls and entering certain structures, an admission ticket is required. Reddit

Paldalmun Gate is an outdoor landmark and is accessible at all times. However, if you plan to visit attractions within Hwaseong Fortress, check their specific operating hours. For example, Flying Suwon operates from 12:30 PM to 9:30 PM on weekdays and 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekends and holidays. TikTok

Viewing Paldalmun Gate from the outside is free. If you wish to explore the Hwaseong Fortress grounds and walls, there is an admission fee. Reddit

Yes, Paldalmun Gate is a focal point for events like the Suwon Lantern Festival, offering a spectacular night view. Instagram

While not explicitly stated for Paldalmun Gate, it's common for major attractions in Korea to offer online ticket purchases, often through platforms like Klook, which also provides discounts. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography

For stunning night photography and cityscapes, consider visiting during the Suwon Lantern Festival. Instagram Golden hour before sunset can also offer beautiful lighting on the gate and fortress walls. Instagram

Yes, Paldalmun Gate itself is a picturesque structure. The surrounding fortress walls also offer excellent vantage points for photos, especially if you're walking the loop. Instagram

You can capture the grandeur of the gate, panoramic views of the fortress, and the bustling market area. Night shots during festivals are particularly popular. Instagram

Due to its location on a busy roundabout, getting a completely unobstructed shot of the gate from ground level can be challenging. Reddit However, from elevated positions along the fortress walls, you can get excellent perspectives. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone near historical sites like Paldalmun Gate and Hwaseong Fortress.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The area around Paldalmun Gate, particularly the Nam Mun Market, offers various local eateries. A highly recommended spot is a chicken specialized restaurant with over 30 years of history. Instagram

Yes, a unique restaurant specializing in chicken, with a history spanning over 30 years, is located in a small alley near Paldalmun Gate and Nam Mun Market. Instagram

The market area surrounding Paldalmun Gate is a great place to find traditional Korean street food and local dishes. Instagram

While specific cafes aren't highlighted, the general area around the gate and within the fortress often has places to rest and grab a drink. Some itineraries suggest coffee breaks at places like Heol Coffee Roasters. Reddit

One review mentions a restaurant near Paldalmun Gate that has maintained its prices for over 30 years, suggesting affordability. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Paldalmun Gate and the surrounding Hwaseong Fortress offer a fantastic historical adventure for families. The expansive fortress walls provide ample space for children to explore and imagine themselves as ancient guards. Walking the walls is generally safe, but supervision is recommended, especially near edges. Instagram Consider bringing snacks and water, as exploring the fortress can be tiring, especially during warmer months. Instagram

Look for interactive exhibits or historical reenactments that might be available within the fortress grounds to engage younger visitors. The Flying Suwon hot air balloon ride offers a unique perspective and can be a memorable experience for the whole family, providing stunning views of the fortress from above. TikTok The nearby markets also offer a chance to try local snacks, adding a fun culinary element to the day. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Paldalmun Gate itself is free to view, making it an excellent starting point for budget-conscious travelers. Exploring the Hwaseong Fortress walls requires an admission fee, but it's generally affordable and offers great value for the historical immersion. Reddit Opting for public transportation, like buses from Suwon Station, is the most economical way to reach the gate. TikTokInstagram

To save on food costs, explore the local markets around Paldalmun Gate, where you can find delicious and inexpensive Korean street food and traditional dishes. Instagram Packing your own water bottle and snacks can also help reduce daily expenses. Look for discount opportunities on platforms like Klook for potential savings on entrance fees or transportation. TikTokInstagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Paldalmun Gate and Hwaseong Fortress are a photographer's dream. The architectural grandeur of the gate itself, with its two-story wooden pavilion, provides a striking subject. Instagram+1 For dynamic shots, consider capturing the fortress walls winding through the landscape, especially during the golden hour for warm, dramatic lighting. Instagram

Night photography enthusiasts will be thrilled by the Suwon Lantern Festival, where Paldalmun Gate becomes a magical backdrop for illuminated displays and cityscapes. Instagram While the gate is on a busy roundabout, elevated positions along the fortress walls offer excellent vantage points for capturing the entire structure without traffic obstructions. Reddit Experiment with different angles and perspectives to showcase the scale and beauty of this historical site. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Hwaseong Fortress

Paldalmun Gate is one of the four main gates of the magnificent Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the late 18th century. This impressive fortress stretches for nearly 6 kilometers and is renowned for its architectural ingenuity and historical significance. Visitors can walk along the well-preserved walls, offering panoramic views of Suwon city and the surrounding landscape. Instagram The fortress is divided into different sections, each with unique features and historical context. Reddit

Walking the entire fortress loop can take several hours, so comfortable footwear is essential. Reddit Many visitors recommend starting or ending their exploration at Paldalmun Gate due to its accessibility and prominent location. The fortress is meticulously maintained by the government, ensuring a beautiful and immersive historical experience. Reddit

Beyond the walls, the area around Paldalmun Gate is vibrant with local markets and eateries. Instagram For those interested in unique experiences, consider the Flying Suwon hot air balloon ride, which offers breathtaking aerial views of the fortress and the city. TikTok

Getting to Paldalmun Gate

Reaching Paldalmun Gate is quite straightforward, especially for those arriving at Suwon Station. A common method is to take a local bus directly to the Paldalmun bus stop. From the bus stop, a short walk, including ascending a staircase, will lead you to the gate. TikTokInstagram This makes it a convenient first stop for exploring the Hwaseong Fortress. Instagram

For travelers looking to optimize their journey, using ride-sharing apps or taxis is also an option, though public transport is generally efficient and cost-effective in Suwon. TikTokInstagram It's worth noting that Paldalmun Gate is situated on a busy roundabout, which means you might not be able to get extremely close to the gate itself from all directions without crossing traffic. Reddit However, this central location makes it a key landmark for navigating the broader fortress area. Reddit

When planning your visit, consider utilizing discount platforms like Klook, which can offer savings on transportation and activities in the Suwon area, making your trip more budget-friendly. TikTokInstagram

Culinary Delights Around Paldalmun

The vicinity of Paldalmun Gate is a hub for local culinary experiences, particularly around the Nam Mun Market. This area is a treasure trove for those seeking authentic Korean flavors. One standout recommendation is a chicken specialized restaurant that has been serving patrons for over 30 years, maintaining its quality and prices. Instagram This establishment is noted for its long history and the owner's pride in his craft. Instagram

Beyond this specific restaurant, the market offers a variety of street food and traditional dishes. Visitors can expect to find a lively atmosphere with vendors selling local delicacies. Instagram While exploring, keep an eye out for other historical eateries or cafes that add to the charm of the area. Some travel itineraries also suggest visiting specific cafes like Heol Coffee Roasters for a break during a day trip. Reddit

For those interested in themed dining, the area is also known for places that have appeared in popular K-dramas, such as Woo Young Woo's Kimbap Store and Mong Ted cafe, adding a pop culture element to your culinary exploration. Reddit

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