Blog 5: Exploring Suwon

This week marked the start of a new month—April—and we kicked it off with a day trip to Suwon, a city just south of Seoul known for its mix of history, shopping, and family-friendly attractions. It was a refreshing getaway from the city and a fun way to see a different side of Korea.

Traveling by KTX

We started our journey with a ride on the KTX (Korea Train Express), Korea’s high-speed rail system. It made traveling to Suwon incredibly convenient—smooth, fast, and comfortable. Booking tickets was also easy; I used the official Korail website, which has an English version and allows you to check train schedules, seat availability, and make reservations in advance. You can access it [here]. It’s a great option for anyone planning to travel between cities in Korea without the hassle of navigating local ticket machines or kiosks. The trains are punctual, the seats are spacious, and the overall experience was a great introduction to intercity travel in Korea.

Strolling around Everland

Once we arrived in Suwon, we headed to Everland, Korea’s largest theme park. Although we didn’t go on any rides, there was still so much to enjoy. We spent our time walking through beautifully landscaped areas filled with spring flowers in full bloom—it was the perfect backdrop for taking photos. One of the cutest surprises was seeing how much Hello Kitty was featured throughout the park, from decorations to themed areas. It added a whimsical touch to the visit, and overall, the atmosphere was cheerful and relaxing. It was nice to enjoy the park at a slower pace and just take in the sights.

Starfield Suwon

We ended up spending another full day at Starfield Suwon, and it was definitely worth it. The mall is massive, featuring multiple floors filled with fashion boutiques, lifestyle shops, cafés, restaurants—and even a beautifully designed library lounge. This large, open area is lined with shelves full of both Korean and English books and magazines, and it's fitted out with cozy reading spots, comfortable seating, and quiet corners.

We took our time exploring each level, stopping by stores that caught our eye and picking up a few items along the way. It was fun to browse both familiar global brands and unique Korean shops you wouldn’t find elsewhere. The layout of the mall made it easy to navigate, and there was something new to see around every corner. Whether we were window shopping, snacking, or people-watching, it made for a really fun and chill day.