As the Fourth Industrial Revolution drives change, the tourism industry is also evolving. The smart tourism industry services have personalized information by building big data associated with smart devices. One of them is the smart travel application, which can quickly gather travel data and provide a lot of services in one super app. Are you looking to explore Suwon smartly? Pharos introduces a regional tourism program called ‘Touch Suwon’. The name of the app means that the user can enjoy all of the tourism tips more simply with just one touch. It is a convenient app that offers an introduction to tourist attractions at Suwon Hwaseong, reservations for food experiences, and offers various services. Additionally, it provides immersive guides, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences for historical sites and outdoor mission games.

 Not sure where to go in Suwon? Touch Suwon recommends various tourism courses. There are 10 in-depth courses, like the modern and contemporary travel course and the history course. Moreover, it also offers Hwaseong-eocha courses with pedicabs. It also provides MZ courses oriented toward hot places, targeting the young generation. There are also Fortress Trail courses where visitors can walk and enjoy the paths for 1 to 3 hours. Surprisingly, artificial intelligence (AI) programs also provide personalized tourism courses. It benefits users who lack information about Suwon and reduces hassle for modern people. Press the “My Schedule” button on “My Page”, then choose the AI-recommended course button. After selecting the date and time of your trip, select your age and the type of companion, then select your the travel style, local range, and tourist destinations you want to go to, it will provide you with the final recommended course.

  The ‘Touch Suwon’ app helps users easily book various experiences and attractions. For example, users can reserve activities like metalcrafts, tea ceremonies, and perfume or candle making. Popular attractions like Flying Suwon are also accessible through the app. A highlight is the XR Bus bound for 1795, where passengers can enjoy a tour of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress through augmented reality windows, bringing historical stories to life. Additionally, the app offers an outdoor mission game called “Secrets of Hwaseong Haenggung”, allowing visitors to explore Hwaseong Haenggung in an engaging, escape-room style, learning Suwon’s history in a fun way. The app provides audio guides for locations such as Janganmun, Hwaseomun, and Banghwasuryujeong, enabling visitors to take leisurely walks while enjoying the scenery and listening to rich historical narratives. It also offers real-time information on essential facilities like parking lots, lockers, restrooms, and pharmacies, making it convenient for travelers to find what they need. Accommodation information, including motels and guesthouses, is also available, making travel planning more straightforward. 

Even if you don’t have time to visit in person, the app’s AR/VR technology lets you explore from home. With AR, you can view the interiors of Suwon Hwaseong’s hidden sites from Paldalmun to Bukammun. VR experiences named 360° VR include virtual tours of Hwaseong Haenggung with instructor Choi Tae-sung. The app also features “24 Martial Arts Skills,” showcasing soldiers performing martial arts and using various weapons from the “Comprehensive Illustrated Manual of Martial Arts,” a martial Arts manual compiled during King Jeongjo's reign during the Joseon Dynasty.

  If you’re planning a trip to Suwon, we highly recommend using the ‘Touch Suwon’ app. It provides easy access to information about Suwon’s major attractions and experience programs, all in one place, making your trip more convenient. Similar smart tourism apps, like ‘Incheon Easy’ for Incheon and ‘GoGo Yangyang’ for Yangyang, are available for other cities, offering richer and more convenient travel experiences. Embrace smart tourism for a new and enhanced way to explore! 

81st Reporter • An Keum Hyun • angeumhyun1@gmail.com 

82nd Cub Reporter • Kim Ji Yul • jiyulkim815@naver.com