Day 3 was spent in Suwon, an hour away from Seoul. The city is part encircled by Hwaseong Fortress, built during 1794-96 to honour King Jeongjo's father and to protect the city against Japanese invasion.


It is an outstanding example of early modern military architecture, incorporating many defensive and offensive features including arrow launching platforms, observation towers, command posts, sentry towers and secret gates.




I tried to escape paying 2,000W but was unsuccessful :x


Locals take the paths along the walls of the fortress as a shortcut to get over to the other side of the city.


Hwaseomun


Suwon skyline


I was blown away by this massive field of lalang growing nearby.


I thought we were gonna walk the entire 5-6km and eventually go back to the lalang but there wasn't enough time to do so as it was getting dark and I never got to see the lalang again.


Paldalsan


How did he cycle up here?


I wonder if the arrows are pointing in the right direction...


Seojangdae-West Command Post was reconstructed twice in 1997 and 2007 after being destroyed by fires.


Seonodae-West crossbow platform


Bell of Filial Piety


Colours along the way


An extended section of the fortress leading to Hwayangnu. Looks like a scene in Red Cliff eh?


Time to head down for dinner


We wanted to eat the famous Suwon beef but apparently it's only available near Hwahongmun Gate. In fact, none of the restaurants in the city centre have beef!


We peered through the windows of Kongbul and saw the waiters tossing what looked like noodles on a large pan. Looks good.


Turned out they were bean sprouts. Big pan of bean sprouts with pork slices and cuttlefish.


Let it simmer....


Give it a toss!


Ready to eat!


It was freaking cold tonight. I was shivering badly and I was determined to get a new coat at Dongdaemun, which I did at Maxstyle.


Nice shop by a young designer


If only it was summer! I need to change my wardrobe man!