2026 Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival: From the Royal Procession of King Jeongjo to Nighttime Openings

In the fall of 2026, the 63rd Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, the representative festival of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, will take place. This festival, commemorating King Jeongjo's filial piety and love for his people, offers a variety of attractions and activities set against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. From the reenactment of the Royal Procession of King Jeongjo, a key highlight of this year's festival, to spectacular media art and the serene nighttime opening of Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, we have compiled all the information you need to fully enjoy the 2026 Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival.

2026 Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival at a Glance

• Official Name: The 63rd Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival
• Theme: Saebithongmin (Together with the People in a New Light)
• Period: October 4 (Sun) - October 11 (Sun), 2026, for 8 days
• Venue: Areas around Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, including Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, Haenggung Plaza, and Yeonmudae Post
• Main Contents: Joint Reenactment of the Royal Procession of King Jeongjo, Suwon Hwaseong Media Art, citizen-participatory performances and experiences

Main Program Schedule and Fees

During the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, several events are held simultaneously. Please refer to the table below to plan your visit.

Hwaseong Haenggung Palace Admission Fee (Same for daytime and nighttime)

• Individual: Adult 2,000 KRW / Teenagers & Soldiers 1,500 KRW / Children 1,000 KRW
• Free Admission: Visitors wearing Hanbok (including modernized Hanbok), seniors aged 65 and over, children aged 6 and under, people with disabilities, etc.

Joint Reenactment of the Royal Procession of King Jeongjo

The absolute highlight of the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is the 'Joint Reenactment of the Royal Procession of King Jeongjo'. This event faithfully recreates the procession of 1795 when King Jeongjo traveled with his mother, Lady Hyegyeong, to pay respects at Yungneung, the tomb of his father, Crown Prince Sado.

• Date: October 4 (Sun), 2026
• Route: The procession starts from Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul and continues to Yungneung Royal Tomb in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do, with Suwon being the core section.
• Suwon City Route: Nosongjidae (Old Pine Tree Zone) → Suwon Sports Complex → Janganmun Gate → Haenggung Plaza

The sight of the procession passing through Janganmun Gate and entering Haenggung Plaza is spectacular. To get a good viewing spot, it's recommended to arrive at key viewing points well before the procession's expected arrival time. Watching from the street is free.

Nights at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Painted with Light

After sunset, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress reveals another charm. During the festival period, special nighttime attractions are added.

Suwon Hwaseong Media Art 'Saebitdongnak'

This is a media facade show that uses the fortress walls as a canvas. The festival of light, themed 'Saebitdongnak: Suwon Hwaseong, Blooming with Light,' will spectacularly adorn the areas around Hwaseomun and Janganmun Gates.

• Period: September 19 (Sat) - October 6 (Tue), 2026
• Venue: Areas around Hwaseomun Gate, Janganmun Gate, and Jangan Park
• Admission: Free

Hwaseong Haenggung Palace Nighttime Opening

Even outside the festival period, the nighttime opening of Hwaseong Haenggung Palace continues, allowing visitors to feel the autumn night's ambiance. You can experience a different kind of serenity from the daytime by strolling through the ancient palace under soft lighting.

• Period: Every Friday-Sunday and public holidays from May 1 (Fri) to November 1 (Sun), 2026
• Hours: 18:00 ~ 21:30 (Last admission 21:00)
• Admission Fee: 2,000 KRW for adults (Free for visitors wearing Hanbok)

What to Prepare Before Your Visit

• Comfortable shoes: You will need to walk a lot to explore the wide festival grounds, including the palace and fortress walls.
• A light jacket: It can get chilly in the evening during autumn due to the wide daily temperature range.
• Transportation card and cash: Convenient for using public transport and making purchases at small shops within the festival grounds.
• Power bank: Your smartphone battery may drain quickly from searching for event information and taking photos.
• Hanbok: You can get free admission to Hwaseong Haenggung Palace and fully enjoy the festival atmosphere.

Transportation and Parking Information

During the festival period, the area around Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is very congested, so using public transportation is highly recommended.

• Public Transportation: Get off at Suwon Station (Subway Line 1 & Suin-Bundang Line), then transfer to a city bus and get off at 'Paldalmun Gate' or 'Hwaseong Haenggung' bus stop. (As of May 2024)
• Parking: If you are driving, you can use Hwaseong Haenggung Parking Lot, Yeonmudae Parking Lot, Hwahongmun Public Parking Lot, etc., but they are likely to be full during the festival period. (As of May 2024)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I enjoy all festival events for free? A. Most outdoor programs, such as the Royal Procession of King Jeongjo, the media art show, and walks along the fortress wall, are free. However, an admission fee of 2,000 KRW for adults is required to enter Hwaseong Haenggung Palace. Some hands-on programs may have a separate participation fee.

Q. What are the benefits of wearing Hanbok? A. If you wear Hanbok, including modernized versions, admission to Hwaseong Haenggung Palace is completely free. This applies to both daytime and nighttime openings.

Q. Are the events held even if it rains? A. In case of light rain, most outdoor events proceed as scheduled. However, in case of severe weather conditions such as a typhoon or heavy rain, large-scale outdoor events like the Royal Procession of King Jeongjo may be downsized or canceled. It is advisable to check the official website of the Suwon Cultural Foundation for announcements before your visit.