Suwon Hyanggyo was originally located in Wawuri, Bongdam-myeon, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, but was moved to its current location under Paldalsan in Suwon in 1789 when the center of Suwon shifted there. In front of Suwon Hyanggyo, there is a Hamabi (a stone monument instructing riders to dismount from their horses), a red wooden Hongsalmun gate, and buildings including Oesammun, Dongjae and Seojae, Myeongnyundang, Naesammun, Dongmu and Seomu, and Daeseongjeon. On the 11th day of the 2nd lunar month in 1795, King Jeongjo, during his Eulmyo year royal procession, worshipped at Daeseongjeon of Suwon Hyanggyo and ordered the reconstruction of Daeseongjeon and Dongmu and Seomu, which was completed in August of the same year. Since the restoration in 1892, Suwon Hyanggyo has undergone several repairs and remains to this day. Currently, Suwon Hyanggyo holds incense offerings on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month and conducts Seokjeon Daeje ceremonies in spring and autumn.
Suwon Former Bugukwon is a building constructed in 1923 by the Japanese company Bugukwon to sell seeds, seedlings, agricultural tools, and fertilizers. At the time, it was the tallest and most distinctive structured building in Gyodong, Suwon, symbolizing Japanese agricultural invasion alongside the Gwonup Mobeomjang. Built in the Shingojeok style popular in the 1920s, it features large-sized bricks, L-shaped corner tiles, wooden double doors, copper canopies, and wooden sash windows, characteristics of modern architecture. After liberation, it was used as a courthouse, education office, hospital, and printing house, reflecting Suwon's modern and contemporary history. Facing demolition in 2015, preservation was decided, and after restoration, it was designated as a National Registered Cultural Heritage in 2017. It is currently used as a modern cultural space operating exhibitions and educational programs.
Suwonhyanggyo Confucian School was built in 1291 in front of Hwasan Mountain in Hwaseong where it stayed for nearly 500 years. It was moved to its current location in 1789 with the construction of Hwaseong Fortress. During the move, some of the original wood was exposed to water and began to rot. These parts were repaired in 1795 and efforts were made to prevent the wooden structure from futher damage. The current school is comprised of various halls, gates, and pavilions. It is registered as Gyeonggi-do Cultural Property and operates programs every summer for regional students.
Paldalsa is a temple affiliated with the Seonhakwon Foundation located in Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do. It is situated near Paldalmun, the busiest commercial area of Suwon City, with tens of thousands of people passing by daily. Although the city center is always bustling and noisy, the moment you enter the Iljumun gate of Paldalsa, all this commotion disappears, and you are greeted by a cozy temple. It is said that the nun Yunhong Beopdang from Geumgangsan Yujeomsa built the temple here originally to propagate Buddhism in the city center. Initially, it was a small temple on a modest plot of land, but after the current head monk Beomhaeng was appointed, the temple's main gate, Iljumun, was constructed, and the Daeungjeon hall on the upper grounds was also built during this period, resulting in the large temple as it is today. In 1986, the temple bell was erected, and the bell pavilion seems to have been built around the same time. The Buddha painting enshrined in the Sanshingak, a depiction of Sakyamuni, was created in 1989 according to its inscription, indicating new Buddhist works completed at that time, and the portrait of a Zen master was also made, showing that the Josa-dang building was established then. Paldalsa is located on the slopes of Paldalsan where Hwaseong Fortress and its main buildings, constructed during King Jeongjo's reign, stand, harmonizing with these cultural assets and enhancing the traditional scenery at the heart of Suwon City.
Paldal Park is a park surrounding the fortress wall of Suwon Hwaseong at an elevation of 128 meters. It includes Paldalsan, Suwon's main mountain, and Hwaseong, featuring a cherry blossom path along Paldalsan Hoeju Road and various fitness facilities that contribute to citizens' physical health. It serves as a great resting place for tourists visiting Hwaseong and local residents, with Jang’an Park and Hwaseo Park nearby for combined use. With beautiful views and well-maintained walking trails, it is a popular spot for family walks and dog owners. The park is full of scenic spots ideal for photography and is perfect as a dating spot for couples. On pleasant days, visitors can spread out mats and enjoy picnics.
780, Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
