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
Suwon Hwaseong was built when King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty, the 22nd king and son of Crown Prince Sado, relocated his father's tomb from Baebongsan in Yangju to Hwasan in Suwon, the greatest auspicious site of Joseon, and moved the town near Hwasan to its current location under Paldal Mountain in Suwon, then constructed the fortress. Suwon Hwaseong was not only founded on King Jeongjo's filial piety but also served as a center for his grand political vision aimed at eradicating factionalism and realizing strong royal politics. It was also used as a national defense fortress to the south of the capital. The Suwon Hwaseong Tourism Special Zone was designated in February 2016 and covers an area of 1.83 km² around Suwon Hwaseong. It includes areas from Paldal Mountain to Jangan Park, Yeonmudae, and the Paldalmun market in Jangan-gu, as well as facilities such as Janganmun, Paldalmun, Changnyongmun, Hwaseomun, Seobukgongsimdon, Dongbukgakru, Banghwasuryujeong, Buksumun, Hwaseong Fortress's Hwaseong Gate, Dongnamgakru, Dongsamchi, and Dongiporu.
Suwon Craft Workshop Street refers to the workshop street in Haenggung-dong where artists gather to work, and it is a place used to exhibit various workshops and artists' works. It offers diverse experiences and sells crafts, including woodcraft, hanji craft, ribbon craft, metal craft, and gyubang craft, which allows visitors to experience traditional culture as well.
Suwon Fried Chicken Street, located in a 100m-long small alley on Paldal-ro in Paldal-gu, Suwon, is home to about 11 shops ranging from original stores opened since 1970 to new establishments, all frying fried chicken. The tradition of Suwon Fried Chicken Street is frying chicken in a large cauldron filled with oil. The menu consists only of fried and seasoned chicken, but it is popular for its savory taste distinct from modern chicken. At the street, you can find 'Maehyang Tongdak' grandmother, who has safeguarded the street since the days in the 1970s when chickens were caught and fried by hand on street stalls, as well as well-known places like 'Yongseong Tongdak' and 'Jinmi Tongdak.' The affordable price of the chicken makes it easy to enjoy, and the generous portions and unique taste attract students and visitors from all over the country by word of mouth.
