Global Major Cities Guide

Overview of temporary housing such as hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments in Suwon.

Sections

1. Types of Short-Term Accommodation in Suwon

a. Hotels

Overview: Suwon has a range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury chains. Many are located near key attractions or transportation hubs.
Cost:
- Budget hotels: KRW 40,000–80,000 per night ($30–$60 USD)
- Mid-range hotels: KRW 80,000–150,000 per night ($60–$110 USD)
- Luxury hotels: KRW 150,000–300,000+ per night ($110–$220+ USD)
Popular Areas:
- Suwon Station Area: Convenient for transportation and access to shopping and dining.
- Ingye-dong: Known for nightlife, restaurants, and proximity to Suwon City Hall.
- Near Hwaseong Fortress: Ideal for tourists interested in history and culture.
Examples:
- Novotel Ambassador Suwon (luxury, connected to Suwon Station)
- Ibis Ambassador Suwon (mid-range, near City Hall)
- Hotel Arte (boutique hotel in Ingye-dong)

b. Guesthouses and Hostels

Overview: These are budget-friendly options, often run by locals, and provide a more personal experience. They are ideal for solo travelers or those looking to meet other visitors.
Cost: KRW 20,000–50,000 per night ($15–$40 USD)
Popular Areas:
- Near Hwaseong Fortress: Many guesthouses cater to tourists exploring the historic sites.
- Suwon Station: Convenient for transportation and budget travelers.
Examples:
- Hwaseong Guesthouse (affordable, near Hwaseong Fortress)
- Suwon Dono 1796 Hotel (a mix of guesthouse and boutique hotel near the fortress)

c. Serviced Apartments

Overview: These are ideal for families, business travelers, or those staying for a few weeks. They offer amenities like kitchens, laundry facilities, and more space.
Cost: KRW 80,000–200,000 per night ($60–$150 USD), with discounts for longer stays.
Popular Areas:
- Suwon Station: Easy access to transportation and shopping.
- Yeongtong-dong: A modern area with residential complexes and proximity to Samsung Digital City.
Examples:
- Stay 25 Suwon Serviced Apartments
- Urbanstay Suwon Yeongtong

d. Airbnbs

Overview: Airbnb is widely available in Suwon, offering options from private rooms in local homes to entire apartments. This is a good choice for those seeking a more local experience or traveling in groups.
Cost:
- Private rooms: KRW 30,000–70,000 per night ($20–$50 USD)
- Entire apartments: KRW 70,000–150,000 per night ($50–$110 USD)
Popular Areas:
- Near Hwaseong Fortress: For cultural immersion.
- Yeongtong-dong: For modern, residential vibes.
- Ingye-dong: For nightlife and dining.
Booking Tips:
- Book early for weekends or holidays, as popular listings fill up quickly.
- Check reviews and host ratings for reliability.

2. Booking Procedures

Hotels:
- Use global platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, or Expedia.
- Many hotels in Suwon also have their own websites for direct booking.
- Walk-in bookings are possible but may not guarantee the best rates.
Guesthouses/Hostels:
- Book through platforms like Hostelworld, Agoda, or Airbnb.
- Some guesthouses accept direct bookings via phone or email, but English communication may be limited.
Serviced Apartments:
- Use platforms like Airbnb, Agoda Homes, or local Korean websites like Zigbang (Korean language only).
- For longer stays, negotiate discounts directly with the host or property manager.
Airbnb:
- Book directly through the Airbnb platform.
- Ensure you communicate with the host about check-in procedures, as some may require self-check-in or specific instructions.

3. Proximity to Local Attractions and Transportation

Suwon Station Area:
- Attractions: Suwon Station Mall, AK Plaza, and easy access to Seoul via KTX or subway.
- Transportation: Major hub for buses, trains, and taxis.
Hwaseong Fortress Area:
- Attractions: Hwaseong Fortress, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, and Paldalmun Gate.
- Transportation: Accessible by local buses and taxis.
Ingye-dong:
- Attractions: Suwon City Hall, restaurants, cafes, and nightlife.
- Transportation: Well-connected by buses and close to subway stations.
Yeongtong-dong:
- Attractions: Samsung Digital City, Gwanggyo Lake Park.
- Transportation: Bus routes and proximity to the Bundang subway line.

4. Cultural and Practical Considerations

Language Barrier:
- While many hotel staff speak basic English, smaller guesthouses or Airbnb hosts may not. Use translation apps like Papago or Google Translate to communicate.
Payment Methods:
- Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger establishments.
- For smaller guesthouses or Airbnbs, confirm if cash payment is required.
Check-In/Check-Out Times:
- Standard check-in is around 3 PM, and check-out is at 11 AM. Confirm with your accommodation, as smaller establishments may have flexible times.
Shoes Indoors:
- In guesthouses or Airbnbs, you may be required to remove your shoes indoors. Look for slippers provided by the host.
Quiet Hours:
- Be mindful of noise, especially in residential areas or guesthouses. Quiet hours are typically observed after 10 PM.
Trash Disposal:
- South Korea has strict waste disposal rules. If staying in an Airbnb or serviced apartment, ask your host about separating and disposing of trash properly.

5. Tips for First-Time Visitors to Suwon

Transportation:
- Suwon is well-connected by public transportation. Staying near Suwon Station or a subway line will make it easier to explore the city and travel to Seoul.
Local Food:
- Try Suwon’s famous galbi (grilled beef ribs). Many restaurants are located in Ingye-dong and near Hwaseong Fortress.
Seasonal Considerations:
- Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best times to visit, with mild weather and beautiful scenery.
Festivals:
- If visiting in October, check out the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, which celebrates the city’s heritage.

By considering your budget, preferred location, and travel needs, you can find the perfect short-term accommodation in Suwon. Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or cultural exploration, Suwon offers a welcoming and convenient base for your stay in South Korea.