Suwon Hwaseong Tourism Comprehensive Pass Introduction Uncertain

A comprehensive pass that would allow visitors to use the Haenggung Palace, fortress walls, and Hwaseong train of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Suwon Hwaseong all at once is expected to be introduced starting next year. However, the introduction remains uncertain as the Hwaseong train faces road access issues and budget allocation challenges.

According to Suwon City on the 18th, the Hwaseong Cultural Foundation plans to introduce differentiated marketing strategies including extended viewing hours, expanded tourism merchandise, and a comprehensive pass starting next year. The site is also expected to be developed into a stay-type tourism complex through operations such as the "Sarangcae."

To this end, the foundation is pursuing a project to develop Suwon Hwaseong tourism activation measures, which includes plans for visitor demand surveys and the development of revenue-generating projects and experiential tourism products.

First, the foundation is analyzing the operational results of extended viewing hours (nighttime opening) at Haenggung Palace from the 22nd of last month through the 17th, and is considering expanding this to the entire Suwon Hwaseong area beyond just the palace. In particular, the foundation plans to introduce a comprehensive pass that allows visitors to experience Haenggung Palace viewing, Hwaseong pilgrimage, and the Hwaseong train all at once, thereby improving revenue structure and providing convenience to visitors. Additionally, the city plans to connect the Hwaseong train route to Suwon Station to make an all-out effort in attracting tourists.

However, the Hwaseong train, a tourist-use trackless vehicle, is unable to use roads under current law, and there are concerns about complaints from tourists who do not wish to use the comprehensive pass, so the foundation is reportedly in deliberation over whether to implement it.

In April, the city introduced the third Hwaseong train and changed the operation route from the existing one-way course (Paldal Mountain-Yeonmudae, 3.2 km) to a circular course (in front of Haenggung-Banghwasuryujeong-Yeonmudae-Jangan Park-Paldal Mountain-Haenggung, 6.4 km), but halted operations on this section due to safety concerns from crossing roads.

The operation of approximately 100 meters on Haenggungil and Paldal-ro failed to receive road traffic permission from the relevant police station. The city is exploring ways to add the trackless Hwaseong train to the special provisions of the current automotive safety standards rules, but no suitable alternative has yet been found. Therefore, the plan to connect to Suwon Station is also likely to come to naught.

Additionally, extended viewing hours have created preliminary requirements such as nighttime staffing and budget allocation, causing difficulties for the Hwaseong tourism activation plan.

In response, a foundation official stated, "It is important to create a stay-type tourism complex linked to Haenggung Palace, Hwaseong, Suwon Hwaseong 'Sarangcae,' and cultural and artistic performances," and added, "Consultancy results including related legislation and budget allocation measures are expected to come out by the end of next month at the earliest."

Meanwhile, the city established the operational foundation in September last year to efficiently and professionally manage Suwon Hwaseong. The foundation is currently conducting events including Jeongjo Sillok School operations, permanent exhibitions, Martial Arts 24 Gi performances, Saturday permanent performances, and Jangyongyeong guard change ceremonies.