Suwon Hwaseong Festival (수원화성문화제)
October 4, 2026 - October 11, 2026Overview
The Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is Suwon’s signature comprehensive cultural and arts festival, presenting King Jeongjo’s eight-day royal procession to Hwaseong in 1795 through a modern lens. Historic moments recorded in Wonhaeng Eulmyo Jeongni Uigwe are brought back to life through performances, parades, hands-on activities, and citizen-participation programs held around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and Hwaseong Haenggung Palace. The festival’s signature program, the Royal Procession of King Jeongjo, is Korea’s largest royal parade, enjoyed by citizens and tourists alike, and showcases the festival’s grandeur. During the day, visitors can enjoy traditional cultural experiences and interactive programs, while at night, they can experience high-quality performances set against the beautiful scenery of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, creating a special festival experience for visitors from Korea and abroad.
Venue
The Suwon Hwaseong Fortress area
Program
1. Main programs: Themed performance “Suwon Fantasy – Yajo,” water performance “Seonyumong,” Time Travel_That Day: Night Tour of Haenggung, and “Hwahong,” the citizens’ great architectural project 2. Hands-on and participatory programs: Simindohwaseo, Byeolsinal, Yangroyeon, Suwon Gama Race, New Nakseongyeon [Masquerade Ball], Chukseong Playground, and more 3. Global Village: A lounge exclusively for international visitors, with traditional games and refreshments - King Jeongjo’s Royal Procession to the Tomb: (October 4, 2026 (Sun.)) Also known as the “Eulmyo-year Hwaseong Royal Procession,” King Jeongjo’s Royal Procession to the Tomb is a modern-day recreation of the grand royal procession that King Jeongjo held over eight days, from the 9th to the 16th day of the intercalary second month in 1795, the Eulmyo year, to commemorate the 60th birthday of his mother, Lady Hyegyeong. Based on the documentary heritage record The Uigwe of King Jeongjo’s Royal Procession to His Father’s Tomb in Eulmyo, it is Korea’s largest royal procession. There are no food stalls within the festival grounds, so please use restaurants in the surrounding area.
Organizer
Suwon City, Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival Organizing Committee, Suwon Cultural Foundation (031-5191-3647)
Admission fee
Free (some programs requiring advance reservations may incur a fee)
Duration
12:00–21:00