Suwon: The Heartbeat of Korean Heritage and Innovation

• Hello안녕하세요
  [annyeonghaseyo]
• Goodbye안녕히 가세요
  [annyeonghi gaseyo]
• Yes예
  [ye]
• No아니요
  [aniyo]
• Please/You're welcome부탁합니다/천만에요
  [butakhamnida/cheonmaneyo]
• Thank you감사합니다
  [gamsahamnida]
• Excuse me/Sorry죄송합니다/미안합니다
  [joesonghamnida/mianhamnida]
• How are you?어떻게 지내세요?
  [eotteoke jinaeseyo?]
• Fine. And you?잘 지내요. 당신은?
  [jal jinaeyo. dangsineun?]
• Do you speak English?영어 할 수 있어요?
  [yeongeo hal su isseoyo?]
• I don't understand이해하지 못해요
  [ihaehaji mothaeyo]

• I'd like to see the menu, please메뉴를 보고 싶어요
  [menyureul bogo sipeoyo]
• I don't eat meat고기를 먹지 않아요
  [gogireul meokji anayo]
• Cheers!건배!
  [geonbae!]
• I would like to pay, please계산할게요
  [gyesanhalkkeyo]

• Help!도와주세요!
  [dowajuseyo!]
• Go away!가라!
  [gara!]
• Call the Police!경찰을 불러주세요!
  [gyeongchareul bulleojuseyo!]
• Call a doctor!의사를 불러주세요!
  [uisareul bulleojuseyo!]
• I'm lost길을 잃었어요
  [gireul ilheosseoyo]
• I'm ill아파요
  [apayo]

• I'd like to buy...사고 싶어요...
  [sago sipeoyo...]
• I'm just looking둘러보고 있어요
  [dulleobogo isseoyo]
• How much is it?얼마에요?
  [eolmaeyo?]
• That's too expensive너무 비싸요
  [neomu bissayo]
• Can you lower the price?가격을 내릴 수 있나요?
  [gageoreul naeril su innayo?]

• What time is it?지금 몇 시에요?
  [jigeum myeot sieyo?]
• It's one o'clock한 시에요
  [han sieyo]
• Half past (10)열 시 반
  [yeol si ban]
• Morning아침
  [achim]
• Afternoon오후
  [ohu]
• Evening저녁
  [jeonyeok]
• Yesterday어제
  [eoje]
• Today오늘
  [oneul]
• Tomorrow내일
  [naeil]
• 1하나
  [hana]
• 2둘
  [dul]
• 3셋
  [set]
• 4넷
  [net]
• 5다섯
  [daseot]
• 6여섯
  [yeoseot]
• 7일곱
  [ilgop]
• 8여덟
  [yeodeol]
• 9아홉
  [ahop]
• 10열
  [yeol]

• Where's a/the...?...이 어디에 있어요?
  [...i eodie isseoyo?]
• What's the address?주소가 뭐에요?
  [jusoga mwoeyo?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?지도로 보여주세요?
  [jidoro boyeojuseyo?]
• When's the next (bus)?다음 버스는 언제와요?
  [daeum beoseuneun eonjewayo?]
• A ticket (to ....)표 한 장 주세요
  [pyo han jang juseyo]

Suwon, the capital of Gyeonggi Province, has a history that dates back to ancient times. Originally established during the Baekje period, Suwon's name appears in historical records as far back as the Three Kingdoms era. The city's strategic location made it a vital center for political and military activities.

One of Suwon's most iconic landmarks is the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Constructed between 1794 and 1796 by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty, the fortress was built to honor and house the remains of his father, Prince Sado. The construction involved advanced engineering techniques and represents a significant achievement in Korean architecture.

Suwon played a crucial role during the Korean Empire period, particularly during the Japanese invasion. In 1907, the city was the scene of significant conflict between Korean resistance fighters and Japanese forces. The Siege of Suwon became symbolic of Korean resistance and struggle for independence.

In the 20th century, Suwon transformed from a traditional city into a modern urban center. The establishment of Samsung Electronics in Suwon in 1969 marked the beginning of the city's rapid industrial and economic growth. This period also saw significant improvements in infrastructure, education, and public services.

Suwon is not only rich in history but also in cultural traditions. The annual Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival celebrates the city's heritage with various performances, parades, and traditional ceremonies. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world and provides a unique insight into the local culture.

During the Korean War, Suwon was a significant location due to its proximity to the front lines. It served as a strategic military base for both North and South Korean forces. The city experienced considerable damage but was quickly rebuilt in the post-war period, becoming a symbol of resilience and recovery.

Suwon is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including Sungkyunkwan University and Ajou University. These institutions have contributed to the city's reputation as a center for higher education and research, attracting students and academics from across South Korea and around the world.

Suwon is located approximately 30 kilometers south of Seoul, the capital of South Korea. The most convenient way to reach Suwon is by taking a train from Seoul Station. The journey on the KTX high-speed train takes around 30 minutes, while the slower commuter trains take about an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus from various locations in Seoul to Suwon. For international travelers, the nearest airport is Incheon International Airport. From the airport, you can take the Airport Railroad (AREX) to Seoul Station and then transfer to a train bound for Suwon.

Suwon has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses and the subway. The Suwon Station is a major hub for both trains and buses, making it easy to navigate the city and reach nearby attractions. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the city's extensive bike paths. Additionally, Suwon offers a unique Blue Bus service that is specifically designed for tourists, covering major historical and cultural sites.

The official currency in South Korea is the South Korean Won (KRW). Credit cards are widely accepted in Suwon, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are available throughout the city, and many of them offer services in English. Currency exchange services can be found at banks and certain hotels.

Suwon is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places like markets and public transport. While Suwon does not have specific neighborhoods with high crime rates targeting tourists, it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance and 119 for medical emergencies and fire services. Suwon has several hospitals and clinics that provide medical services, including Suwon St. Vincent's Hospital and Ajou University Hospital. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Most emergency services and hospitals have English-speaking staff or translation services.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering homes and temples. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Avoid talking loudly and using your phone on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow or a handshake. Address people formally unless invited to do otherwise. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Do not stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this is considered bad luck.

To experience Suwon like a local, visit the traditional markets such as Paldalmun Market, where you can find fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and experiencing the traditional Korean archery. For a unique experience, take a stroll through the Korean Folk Village, which offers a glimpse into traditional Korean life.