🌙 Suwon Hwaseong's Autumn Nights, Aglow with Light On crisp autumn evenings, the UNESCO World Heritage site Suwon Hwaseong (Suwon...
🌙 Suwon Hwaseong's Autumn Nights, Aglow with Light
On crisp autumn evenings, the UNESCO World Heritage site Suwon Hwaseong (Suwon City's Hwaseong Fortress) lights up in dazzling color.
The "2026 Suwon Hwaseong Media Art" event is themed "Saebitdongnak" — meaning "sharing joy together in new light" — bringing the fortress's history and stories to life through modern light and media art.
Ayugabin: Light That Welcomes a Cherished Guest
The story begins with the historic royal procession of King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty to Suwon Hwaseong in 1795.
Scenes from that time — the grand procession, lavish banquets, and military drills — are brought back to life through light and media art, while eight-colored butterflies, symbolizing bonds from the past, welcome today's visitors as "cherished guests."
From September 19 to October 6, Season 1 of "Saebitdongnak: Suwon Hwaseong Blooms in Light" — Ayugabin — unfolds along the walls of Suwon Hwaseong.
Janganmun Gate: The King's Road, Walked Together
230 years ago, in front of Janganmun Gate, the road the king's procession passed along was also filled with the footsteps of common people walking in formation — those pleading their grievances, those receiving shares of grain. On that road, everyone was a protagonist of the procession.
Inside the ongseong (barbican) of Janganmun Gate, light fills the walls in a full 360-degree wraparound.
Tigers, turtles, and birds soar up along the fortress walls, while a shield-shaped kite darts across the sky between them. Colorful light settles in specks across the roof and pillars, redrawing the day's crisp eaves in patterns of night.
Suwon Hwaseong's traditional architecture meets modern media art, giving the night fortress an entirely new look.
| Screening Schedule | ⏰ Runs continuously, 19:00–22:00 |
| Duration | 🎬 About 15 minutes |
| Admission Fee | 🎫 Free |
Hwaseomun Gate: A Light of Connection
Today, you are the cherished guest Suwon Hwaseong has been waiting for.
The hands that carried stone, the eyes that watched over the gate — those who guarded these walls 230 years ago become tiny points of light tonight, scattering once more across the fortress.
Laser beams fan out above Hwaseomun Gate like the spread ribs of a fan, and fireworks shoot into the sky. A media performance blending Korean traditional dance, sangmo (ribbon-hat spinning), and ballet unfolds on stage.
A great full moon and brilliant light envelop Suwon Hwaseong, offering a special night where Korean tradition meets modern performing arts.
| Screening Schedule | ⏰ 19:30 / 20:30 / 21:30 |
| Duration | 🎬 About 35 minutes per show |
| Admission Fee | 🎫 Free on weekdays / Paid admission on weekends, public holidays, and throughout the holiday period |
Turn Your Wish into Light: "Lanterns of Wishes"
There's also a media art piece you can take part in yourself.
"Lanterns of Wishes" is a voice-interactive media art piece that plays on two meanings of "deung" — 燈 (lantern) and 登 (to rise).
Speak the wish in your heart, and a small light becomes a lantern rising into the sky.
At Jangan Park's "Botanic Healing Zone," you can also relax in a beanbag chair beneath tree-wrapped lights and take your time enjoying Suwon Hwaseong's autumn night.
Nights at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace: Dalbit Hwadam
Want to make even more of Suwon Hwaseong's nights? Don't miss "Dalbit Hwadam," the night opening of Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, running through November 1.
"Dalbit Hwadam" means sharing warm conversation under the moonlight.
Follow the soft glow of lanterns as you wander the palace grounds, taking in traditional Korean architecture and the tranquil night view.
In an atmosphere that grows deeper after dark, take your time discovering the stories held throughout Hwaseong Haenggung Palace.
This autumn, experience a special night at Suwon Hwaseong where Korean history, tradition, light, and media art come together.
📍 2026 Suwon Hwaseong Media Art
Period Sept. 19 – Oct. 6, 2026
Time 18:00–22:00
Location Around Hwaseomun Gate, Janganmun Gate, and Jangan Park
🔗 For more information on "2026 Suwon Hwaseong Media Art"
https://www.swcf.or.kr/hlfl/eng/programe5.php
※ Operating hours and admission fees vary by program.
📍 Hwaseong Haenggung Palace Night Opening, "Dalbit Hwadam"
Period May 1 – Nov. 1, 2026
Days Every Friday–Sunday and public holidays
Time 18:00–21:30 (last admission 21:00)
※ Please check the official announcement before your visit for detailed schedules and admission fees.
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