“This was my first time in Suwon—and I’m honestly blown away. The history, the architecture, the beauty... It’s unforgettable.” – Maggy. 

On July 27th, the Tourism and Culture Clubs of KDI School proved that summer heat is no match for curiosity, connection, and cultural adventure. With camera batteries charged and spirits high, students gathered early that morning for what would become an immersive journey through one of Korea’s most vibrant heritage cities: Suwon.

The group departed KDI School at 9 a.m., catching a bus to Jochiwon Station before hopping aboard a train headed straight for Suwon. For many students, it was their first time visiting the historical city, and they were ready to explore it all.

Upon arrival at Suwon Station, the clubs welcomed everyone with a hearty lunch. Between bites, students laughed, swapped stories, and fueled up for the full day ahead.

Then came the first major highlight: Starfield Library, an architectural wonder nestled inside a shopping complex. Known for its towering bookshelves, artistic flair, and Instagram-worthy aesthetic, the library was buzzing with energy. But what truly captivated the students was a powerful taekwondo performance unfolding at the heart of the space.

“I was stunned watching the taekwondo performance,” one student shared. “The strength, the technique—it was pure art. And right in the middle of a library!”

Students leaned over balconies and stood shoulder-to-shoulder in awe, their phones flashing as they captured every powerful kick and synchronized movement. One student, beaming from ear to ear, said,

“Seeing Starfield Library has always been on my bucket list. Today, I checked it off!”

A Royal Afternoon at Hwaseong Palace

From the modern glow of Starfield, the group stepped back in time as they entered the gates of Hwaseong Palace. Greeted by the vivid sights and sounds of a traditional parade, the students watched in admiration as performers marched in colorful hanbok, drums echoing like a heartbeat across the courtyard.

With the parade concluded, students wandered through the palace grounds, their eyes wide with wonder. Hwaseong’s beauty didn’t just rest in its grand structures, but in the stories whispered through its stone walkways and detailed wooden carvings.

“It felt like I was walking through a piece of Korean history,” one participant said. “I could imagine what life here was like hundreds of years ago.”

Golden Hour: Fortresses, Kites, and K-Drama Dreams

As the afternoon sun softened into gold, students broke into small groups to explore Suwon more freely, each carving their own path through the city.

Some journeyed to the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its military sophistication and architectural ingenuity. Stretching nearly 6 kilometers with four grand gates, bastions, artillery platforms, and watchtowers, the fortress offered not only panoramic views but also powerful reminders of Korea’s resilient past.

At one of the gates, students cheered during a playful kite show, then marveled at the view from a hot air balloon ride, floating gently above the cityscape as the wind carried their laughter skyward.

Elsewhere, another group pursued their K-drama dreams, tracing filming locations from their favorite Korean series.

“I’m a huge K-drama fan,” Leah grinned. “Being here, in the exact spots where scenes were filmed—it honestly means the world to me.”

Backlit by the warm glow of sunset, students captured final photos, traded inside jokes, and soaked in the last moments of the adventure. Korea, once just a scholarship destination, was becoming a living, breathing memory, stitched into their hearts with every "Cheese!" and "Kimchi!"

Journey’s End, Memories Made

By 7:45 p.m., the students regrouped outside Hwaseong Palace, their feet a little tired but their hearts undeniably full. As they boarded the train and eventually the bus home, conversation buzzed with reflections, jokes, and gratitude for a day well spent.

“Despite the heat, this was such a special trip,” a student noted. “It was a perfect mix of culture, history, and fun. The Tourism and Culture Clubs did an amazing job.”

Through meticulous planning and heartfelt effort, the clubs turned an ordinary summer day into something magical. In a single outing, students experienced the pulse of Korean heritage, the poetry of its palaces, and the unexpected joy of shared discovery.

And as they returned to KDI School under a starlit sky, one thing was clear: Suwon wasn’t simply a city they visited—it became part of the story they’ll tell long after graduation.