Happy Suwon

Located about 30 kilometers south of Seoul is Suwon, the provincial capital of Gyeonggi province. It is also the largest city in the province and is home to more than a million people, making it one of the most populated cities outside of Seoul.

Home to one of Korea’s leading brands, Samsung Electronics, Suwon is also the hometown of Manchester United’s Park Ji Sung, Korea’s most popular footballer. They actually named a street after him. One of only two athletes worldwide who I can remember of being given the distinction of having a street named after them while they are still alive, the other athlete is Michael Schumacher, who has a street named after him in his hometown in Germany.

Suwon is also known for its Galbi. It is said that the best Korean galbi is served in Suwon.

But most of all, Suwon is well known for its Hwaseong Fortress, its most notable attraction. You can see the fortress in almost all promotional materials of Suwon. Whether it be in print, TV or in the internet, it is almost impossible not to see Hwaseong. Hwaseong Fortress is a fortified wall which used to encircle the entire city. It was built by Joseon emperor Jeongjo to honor his deceased father, Sado Seja, in 1794. It has four gates Paldalnum Gate; Hwaseomun Gate; Janganmun Gate and Changnyongmun Gate.

Paldalnum Gate is positioned in the southern part of the fortress. The existing Paldalnum Gate is just a reconstruction of the original gate which was burnt down during the Korean War. On the right wall of the gate is a nameplate bearing all the names of the people who were associated in building the gate. Of the four gates, Paldalnum is the only gate located in the middle of the busy streets of Suwon. Hwaseomun Gate on the other hand is located at the western side of the fortress. Janganmun Gate is on the north side while Changnyongmun is located on the east side.

Hwaseong Fortress was declared Historical Site Number 3 by the Korean government and was inscribed in the Unesco World Heritage List in 1997.

Another must not to be missed site in Suwon is the Haenggung Palace within Hwaesong Fortress. Haenggung was a temporary retreat place for the kings, way back then. It was considered the king’s R & R (rest and recreation) area. The largest shelter built in all the palaces, it is located at the foot of the Hwaseong fortress.

Hope you have a great time in Suwon. As they say…. Happy Suwon!!!

A foreigner's view on korea

It is almost impossible to talk of Asia and not to mention South Korea at least once in that same discussion. Indeed, for over the past decades now, Korea has proven to be an economic powerhouse in East Asia. Their products are heralded as among the best in the world, even proving superior to their American and European counterparts. Just a mere mention of the brand names Samsung, Kia, Hanjin, Hyundai, LG, iRiver, Cowon, and the first thing that would come to ones mind are high technology gadgets, the leader in its field, and all the superlatives one could actually use to describe a particular brand or product. Even in the world of sports, Korea has produced world-class athletes such as KJ Choi, Se Ri Pak, Park Tae Hwan, Park Ji Sung, just to name a few.

Hard to believe, that 56 years ago, this country was ravaged by war. A war which is more commonly referred to as 6:25 or the Forgotten War, a major conflict of the 20th century that gets far less attention than World War II, which came before it, and the Vietnam War, which came after it. From the meager resources that they had left, they devised and implemented a success formula that caused a major turnaround, politically, socially, and economically. True to form, Korea is now one of the largest economies in the world. Much has been reported and written concerning this blueprint for development and growth, particularly in the realm of politics and economy. I, however, feel that this country’s transformation owes a lot to the efforts and attitude of the Korean individual. Citizens, from all walks of life, from the poorest and most deprived up to those holding sway to power have come together to accomplish a common vision of peace and prosperity. They have done this, knowing that more than a few sacrifices would have to be made. Such a display of selflessness, duty and singleness of purpose is what strikes me about Korea.