Suwon, Haengung-dong, where the historically important Hwaseong Haenggung is located, is about 10 minutes away from Kyonggi University by bus. Also, these days, many people visit the intimate cafes and unique shops that are located in the Haenggung-dong street alleys, places that have become famous and popular through social media. Because of the growing interest in this area, the Pharos will suggest a one-day tour that people can take in Haengung-dong and recommend some activities Kyonggi University students can experience there.

Alley Bookstore “Broccoli Forest”

Location: Hwaseomun-ro 32nd Street 21-10 2F, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi

 Passing through an alley off Na Hye-seok Street near the Hwaseong Temporary Palace, you can see a small bookstore on the second floor. The bookstore is in intimate white brick house and is called “The Alley Bookstore ‘Broccoli Forest.’” It looks like a small space, but when you go into the bookstore, there are more books stuffed in the bookcases than you might think. From the humanities to poetry, such as literary writings and essays on the current trends of healing, books in various fields are available there. Therefore, you can read the books you want, whatever your interests might be. Also, sunlight comes in through a big window inside the bookstore, and if you read the books with coffee in the warm sunshine, you will feel the softness inherent in the bookstore. In addition, there are book talks and readings that are organized by submitting applications online.

Mural Village, John & Jean Pizza

Location: Buksu-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi and Shinpung-ro 47, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi

 After visiting the alley bookstore, move to the Mural Village. The Mural Village is a fun place where you can find murals located in the alleys. Each alley is marked with a name like “Love Road,” “First Morning Road,” and so on. Also, it is recommended to take a quick look before going to Hwaseong Haenggung because the village is not large in size and it does not take long to see the murals. In this mural village, you will experience a quiet and secluded feeling that only Haenggung-dong offers. Moving two alleys away from the Mural Village, and you will find the most famous pizza restaurant in Haengung-dong. John & Jean Pizza is a shop decorated with bric-a-brac like cute pizza-shaped neon signs, basketball jerseys, and New York T-shirts. Since the restaurant is located in an alley in Haenggung-dong, you can eat New York-style pizza while looking at old Suwon. Also, the most famous menu item, the John & Jean Pizza, has a unique taste differentiating it from pizzas sold at other chain pizza shops. Therefore, it should be noted that you might have to wait if you go there for lunch or dinner.

Cafe “Hiheyho”

Location: 12, Hwaseomun-ro 46th Street, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi

 When you have finished dinner, why don’t you have a dessert? The Pharos recommends a cafe called “Hiheyho” located about two minutes on foot from John & Jean Pizza. Hiheyho offers various coffees and desserts. The most famous menu item is the “Jerry Cheese cake.” Many people adore it because of the deep cheese flavour and the cute shape that is the same as the character in the “Tom and Jerry” cartoons. Coffees and delicious desserts are not the only things you can enjoy in Hiheyho. The atmosphere and lovely interior will catch your attention. Hiheyho is an especially good choice for someone who likes to take pictures. Also, there are many other pretty cafes, so you can easily find a cafe that suits your taste if you do a little searching.

Night View of Hwaseong Temporary Palace

Location: 825, Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi

 Take a look at the night view of Haenggung-dong as the day comes to an end. Hwaseong Temporary Palace, which is located about 5 minutes on foot from Hiheyho, is the biggest and most beautiful among the Korean temporary palaces. The temporary palace has a traditional Korean structure, and gives a magnificent feeling to the beholder. You can see it in the daytime, but the night view of the temporary palace is different than what you see during the day. It will be the perfect end to the day if you enjoy the night view of the palace with your beloved family or lover or friend. However, the beginning of the palace’s evening hours has not been announced, so please check the schedule before visiting. Also, in October, the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is scheduled to be held in Haenggung-dong, so if you are interested in this, it is good to participate in the festival. If you feel bored or you can’t go far from school, the Pharos recommends visiting Haenggung-dong. You can take a pretty picture with your lover or friend, and also you can have fun walking around the alley area. If you are a solitary person, it is a perfect place to have some alone time in atmospheric cafes. Also, Haenggung-dong is located near the back gate, so visiting there is convenient. Finally, it will bring you a new feeling to experience the atmosphere and beauty of old Korea in the middle of a modern city.