Suwon

Suwon is a large city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, spreading across four administrative districts south of Seoul. It combines densely built residential areas with commercial zones and historical quarters around the old fortress.

The fortress was built in the late 18th century as a new fortified regional capital and shaped urban development. During the mid-20th century war, the city saw heavy fighting and was later rebuilt.

The Korean name means "water source," reflecting the rivers that flow through the city and supply the surrounding farmland. Many residents still visit the old market districts on weekends to buy fresh produce and regional specialties.

The city lies about an hour by train from Seoul and offers a well-developed subway network for moving between districts. Many areas are pedestrian-friendly, especially around the fortress walls and in the central neighborhoods.

In the 1960s, the first major technology companies settled here and transformed agricultural land into research complexes. Today thousands work in the sprawling campuses that shape the southern cityscape.

Location: Gyeonggi Province

Elevation above the sea: 66 m

Website: http://suwon.go.kr

GPS coordinates: 37.28583,127.01000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:55